Chapel Hill Man Born Without Arms Dies in Car Accident

[NC_Nurse]

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2033593/

Chapel Hill — A Chapel Hill man, who gained national fame for flourishing in life despite being born without arms, died in a car accident on Monday, family friends said.
Marty Ravellette, 67, was driving a van west on Greensboro-Chapel Hill Road near Snow Camp, south of Burlington in Alamance County, around 10:15 a.m. His wife, Maree, was a passenger.
Troopers said Ravellette failed to yield at the intersection with N.C. Highway 87, and an oncoming truck carrying logs hit his van head-on.
Ravellette was ejected from his vehicle. He was airlifted to UNC Hospitals, where he later died, troopers said. Family friends said Marty Ravellette could not wear a seat belt due to his disability.

This guy was so nice. I chatted with him the other day. So sad. :cry:

[supernova]

1. How horrible!

My condolences to their family. :cry:

[flakey_foont]

2. that is tragic

I've seen him around Chapel Hill often over the years, have chatted a little with him. Used to see him pushing a lawn mower.
Very sad

[DURHAM D]

3. I have known Marty for many years - a truly good man.

He mentored a young man (from Durham) who was born without arms and Marty brought him into my office one day so I could meet him.

Marty was also vocal and active with regard to enforcement of the ADA. He was my tenant for several years and we worked on housing issues together.

He told once me he had been contacted by Oprah to do a segment on her show - not about his "missing arms" but about this racially mixed marriage. I don't think that show ever worked out.

He will be missed by many, including me.

[unc70]

4. So sad. Almost everyone here knows or knows of him.

First met him years ago, he has been such a part of the Chapel Hill landscape.

He ran his own landscaping business. I could never quite believe it when I would see him pushing a lawnmower.

Really sad.

[KoKo]

5. So sad........thanks for posting so he isn't forgotten, though.

:cry: