Southport skydiver Anthony Pietrucci is still in the hospital but described as being in "good spirits" after a July 5 accident that left him with life-threatening injuries. The 36-year-old was airlifted to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and has already undergone emergency procedures. Friends, fellow jumpers and regulars from his Wilmington bar shifts have quickly rallied to support his long recovery.
How the fall happened
Pietrucci was attempting a technical solo canopy maneuver at Skydive Coastal Carolinas when something went wrong and he fell from between 40 and 100 feet, according to Atlanta News First. He is considered highly experienced, with nearly 1,000 logged jumps, and had been teaching others at the Southport drop zone, which made the severity of the crash especially jarring to people who know him. Witnesses said fellow jumpers sprinted over to stabilize him on the ground while first responders were called in.
Injuries and emergency care
The fall left Pietrucci with catastrophic injuries, including an open-book pelvic fracture, fractures in his lower spine and a broken rib, and he required surgery to control severe internal bleeding, Port City Daily reported. The outlet also reported that he received multiple transfusions, including seven units of blood, seven units of plasma and a unit of platelets, while surgeons worked to stop bleeding from his iliac arteries. In a video his sister shared with reporters, Pietrucci told family, "I'm here, I'm making progress, I'll be out soon," even as doctors warned that intensive rehabilitation still lies ahead.
Community response and fundraising
His family has launched a fundraiser, and updates there list medical details and immediate needs. The page has shown tens of thousands of dollars raised to help cover care and living expenses. According to GoFundMe, hundreds of donors and friends have chipped in while local jumpers have organized meal trains and other support efforts. His employers and bar regulars have also helped push out the word about the medical campaign.
Why thermals matter
Skydiving experts note that summer thermals and localized gusts can make canopy flight tricky, with sudden updrafts or downdrafts that complicate landings. The United States Parachute Association says thermals are most likely during the hottest part of the day and can create short, violent columns of air that may collapse or spin a canopy. That kind of turbulence can raise the risk during aggressive maneuvers, and it helps explain how even veteran jumpers can get caught off guard in clear, seemingly perfect weather.
What comes next
Pietrucci is expected to face months of surgeries, stabilization and rehabilitation, according to family updates and local reporting, and his long-term mobility remains uncertain. The fall happened at Skydive Coastal Carolinas' Southport drop zone at the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, and he was taken to Novant Health's New Hanover Regional Medical Center for trauma care. Those who want to track his progress or donate to his recovery can follow family updates and details on the GoFundMe page. For now his circle is focused on getting him through the next surgery, the next therapy session and the slow, grinding work of recovery.
