An Ojai native who became a test parachutist with the U.S. Air Force was killed during a parachute training exercise Sept. 10, officials at Edwards Air Force Base said.

Staff Sgt. Adam Erickson, 29, died during a routine military proficiency jump in Perris, according to the news release from the base in Kern County.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss," said Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, commander of the 412th Test Wing. "Adam touched many lives during his time here and our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers."

Erickson joined the Air Force in 2011. His service included time overseas in Qatar in 2016 and in Romania in 2019 as jumpmaster and operations liaison. He had received a commendation medal and two achievement medals from the Air Force.

Erickson was born and raised in Ojai, where he grew up "in the hills and mountains" around the city and graduated from Nordhoff High School in 2008, according to his obituary. He is survived by his parents, Steven and Karen Erickson, and three siblings: Tyler and Garrett Erickson and Lauren Andrews.

Adam Erickson was a specialist with SERE, the grueling Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape program where airmen learn to survive "in the most remote and hostile environments on the planet," according to Air Force materials.

"As a SERE specialist, he taught military members how to survive in isolation and, if captured, return with honor," according to a fundraising campaign on gofundme.com.

The effort is raising money to cover travel costs for service members and family from around the world attending Erickson's funeral this week. As of 9 p.m. Sunday, more than $16,500 had been raised toward an increased goal of $25,000. Any leftover funds will be used to create permanent memorials in Ojai and at Edwards Air Force Base, organizers said.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3501 Loma Vista Road in Ventura. The burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park at 5400 Valentine Road in Ventura.