Former Marine Dies in Skydiving Accident

LOUISBURG, N.C. -- A North Carolina man died in a skydiving incident and authorities are investigating how it happened, according to WNCN.

James Stremmel of Raleigh died at about 2 p.m. Saturday at the Franklin County Airport after suffering a hard landing while skydiving, according to the report.

The owner of the Triangle Skydiving Center told WNCN that he spoke to Stremmel shortly before he died and Stremmel's parachute worked.

"James was a friend of mine," said owner Greg Upper. "It's unfortunate, that's all I can say at this point. It's unexpected, unfortunate and it was a tragic accident."

Upper said Stremmel was a licensed and experienced skydiver who had done more than 1,800 jumps. Upper said Stremmel went skydiving on a regular basis.

Stremmel was a former Marine who lived in Raleigh with his girlfriend, according to WNCN.