Local News

Roanoke Rapids businessman dies in a skydiving accident

A Roanoke Rapids businessman died in a skydiving accident in Florida on Friday, police said.

Posted Updated
Paul C. Luter III (Photo by Scotty Burns)
ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — A Roanoke Rapids businessman appears to have died instantly upon impact in a skydiving accident in Florida on Friday, police said.

Paul C. Luter III, 68,  is the listed owner of Countryside Interiors on Roanoke Avenue.

Skydive City general manager David T.K. Hayes said it appears Luter's main shoot didn't open properly. By the time Luter cut away from his main parachute at about 300 feet, there was not enough altitude for the reserve parachute to deploy.

Luter was an experienced skydiver.

The Zephyrhills Police Department is investigating the incident. Zephyrhills is about 30 miles northeast of Tampa. 

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by WRAL.com and the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.