A Navy Seal killed in a parachute accident in New Jersey was remembered by his family Monday as “an angel on earth” and a “role model to all.”
Special Warfare Operator Remington Peters died on Sunday when his parachute failed to open during a Fleet Week demonstration over Jersey City.
“We couldn’t have been more proud of him,” Peters’ family said in a statement released Monday. “He lived life to the fullest and taught us to do the same.”
Peters, 27, was part of an elite San Diego-based parachute team called The Leap Frogs.
He plunged into the Hudson River after the chute failed to open during a demonstration around noon.
Peter was taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where he died.
The Navy released the statement from the family, which spent Memorial Day in mourning.
“No words could do justice, but we are so grateful for all that he taught us, and all the love he gave us in his 27 wonderful years,” the family said. “Today, we honor our selfless, humble and quiet professional.”
Peters was the third SEAL killed this year, according to the US Naval Institute.
Senior Chief Kyle Milliken was killed during an operation in Somalia earlier this month. Chief Special Warfare Operator William “Ryan” Owens, 36, died in January during a raid in Yemen.