‘He was just a wonderful human being’: Father-of-two firefighter, 42, dies after falling three stories during a training exercise in San Francisco as his colleagues salute him during a procession outside the hospital

 A San Francisco firefighter paramedic has died after falling three stories during a department training exercise, officials said.

San Francisco Fire spokesman Lt. Jonathan Baxter announced that Jason Cortez, 42, died on Wednesday morning after an accident at the Division of Training.  

'This is a very trying time as Jason was well-liked in our department,' Baxter said during a press conference.

Officials said that Cortez was at a San Francisco Fire Department training facility on 19th and Folsom Street when he was injured around 10am.

Medical care was immediately administered to Cortez, who was rushed to the San Francisco General Hospital less than 10 minutes away. He succumbed to his injuries around 11am.

Baxter did not provide details of the incident during the press conference and would not confirm the account with DailyMail.com, citing an ongoing investigation into the matter.

However, Cal/OSHA officials confirmed with DailyMail.com that Cortez fell three stories during the training and suffered severe head injuries that resulted in a fatality.

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Jason Cortez, pictured with one of his sons, began his career with the San Francisco Fire Department in 2007 as an EMT and paramedic for Station 49

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Baxter: '[Jason] is an advocate for public safety, he's a father of two children, a husband to an amazinng wife and a child to a retired San Francisco firefighter.' Pictured: Cortez's two young sons in San Francisco Fire Department jackets 

Cortez is survived by his wife and two young sons. He is the son of a retired San Francisco firefighter. 

'Jason is not only a fellow firefighter paramedic,' said Baxter. 

'He's friend to all. He's an advocate for public safety, he's a father of two children, a husband to an amazing wife and a child to a retired San Francisco firefighter.'

By Wednesday afternoon, a number of Cortez's colleagues arrived to San Francisco General Hospital's entrance to pay tribute. 

Firefighters and officers from the San Francisco Police Department saluted as Cortez's body was transported via a vehicle to the Medical Examiner's office.

'He has worked at station three engine three, which is the busiest fire engine in the country,' said SFFD Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson during a second press conference.

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Members of the San Francisco Fire Department and police department saluted Cortez's body in a procession outside of San Francisco General Hospital (pictured)

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 Cortez (right), pictured with his wife (left), was described as 'dedicated' and someone who 'cared about people'

'So that should tell you something about him. He was a go getter. He cared about people, he loved his job. He loved the people he worked with, and he loved his family. 

'And our job in the fire department right now is to hold one another up, to take care of his family and to complete an investigation. '

She added, 'If I could clone him, I would. He was just a wonderful human being.'

Out of respect, the department lowered its flags to half-staff until further notice. 

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Cortez (right) is the son of a San Francisco Fire Deparment veteran (left) and worked with the same department for 13 years 

According to a statement, Cortez joined the San Francisco Fire Department in June 2007 to initially work as an EMT and paramedic on ambulances for Station 49.

He graduated from the fire academy and has been a 'dedicated' member of Station 3 for the last two years.

San Francisco Firefighters Union Local 798 shared photos of Cortez and his family following his death.

'Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones, especially his two young children,' the statement read.

'San Francisco Firefighters mourn the loss of our brother and we are committed to doing everything in our power to support the Cortez family in the days, months, and years to come.'