Authorities are investigating a tragic skydiving accident that left one person dead and another critically injured Thursday afternoon in Perris, California.

According to the Riverside County Fire Department, emergency crews responded shortly before 2 p.m. to a rural area near 600 E. Ellis Avenue in the City of Perris after reports of a skydiving incident involving multiple parachutists.

When first responders arrived at the scene, one individual was pronounced dead. A second skydiver suffered critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Officials confirmed that a third parachutist involved in the jump landed safely without injuries.

In a statement released following the incident, Skydive Perris identified the individuals as a group of friends visiting from overseas. The company stated that all three were highly experienced skydivers with hundreds of previous jumps and were using their own equipment during the dive. Officials also confirmed that none of the participants were involved in tandem jumps.

Preliminary information provided by the skydiving facility suggests there may have been a collision during freefall, which investigators believe contributed to the fatality and severe injuries. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local skydiving community and among experienced jumpers familiar with the risks associated with the sport. Skydive Perris, one of the country’s most recognized skydiving centers, expressed condolences to those affected and stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation continues.

Officials have not yet publicly released the identity of the deceased pending notification of family members. Further details regarding the critically injured skydiver’s condition have also not been disclosed.

As investigators work to determine exactly what happened during the jump, many in the skydiving community are mourning the devastating loss while offering support and prayers to the victims, their families, and friends during this difficult time.