Navy SEAL dies in California recreational skydiving accident

PERRIS, Calif. – Officials say a man killed in a recreational skydiving accident in Southern California was a decorated Navy SEAL.

The Federal Aviation Administration says Cmdr. Seth Stone’s parachute failed to open properly after he jumped from a hot air balloon Saturday in Perris. The FAA is investigating.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday that the 41-year-old from Texas was most recently assigned to Special Operations Command Pacific in Hawaii.

Stone earned two Silver Stars, including one for leading wounded SEALs to safety following a firefight in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. He also earned a Bronze Star and the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Rear Adm. Tim Szymanski, commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, called Stone “one of our best.”

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Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, http://www.utsandiego.com