Times staff
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
ZEPHYRHILLS — A woman who died while skydiving New Year's Day was identified Tuesday as Dr. T. Elaine McLaughlin, 60, of Gulfport, a well-known family practice physician in St. Petersburg.
The incident was still under investigation Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. Zephyrhills police did not release details. The Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner's Office said McLaughlin died as a result of trauma sustained in the accident.
McLaughlin practiced at Suncoast Medical Clinic in St. Petersburg. She had been associated with Bayfront Medical Center for 30 years, according to the clinic's website.
Skydive City employees have been told not to speak to the media. Its general manager, David T.K. Hayes, is out of the country and unavailable for comment, a staffer said. Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane, is a popular attraction for skydiving enthusiasts and says it had 74,280 people jump in 2011.