British Wingsuit Champion Liam Byrne Dies in Swiss Alps Base Jump
Liam Byrne, a 24-year-old British wingsuit champion, tragically died in a base jumping accident in the Swiss Alps, as confirmed by his sponsor, Squirrel, on Thursday. Byrne was a prominent figure in the wingsuit flying community.
Squirrel, a wingsuit manufacturer, expressed deep sorrow over Byrne’s passing, acknowledging his significant impact on the sport. The incident occurred on Wednesday, according to local police in the canton of Valais.
The Valais cantonal police reported that Byrne, who resided in Zermatt, Switzerland, was base jumping from a launch point in the municipality of Trient. Despite the swift response of rescue services, Byrne was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
An investigation has been initiated by the public prosecutor’s office, in collaboration with the cantonal police, to determine the precise cause and circumstances surrounding the fatal base jump.
Byrne’s accomplishments in wingsuit flying were widely recognized. In 2021, he secured first place at the Wingsuit Performance Flying World Championships held in China. Beyond competitive achievements, Byrne was known for his passion for the sport and his vibrant personality.
Squirrel highlighted Byrne’s infectious enthusiasm and described him as an individual who always lived life to the fullest. His loss is deeply felt within the wingsuit flying community and beyond.
Base jumping, an extreme sport involving leaping from fixed objects with a parachute or wingsuit, carries inherent risks. The investigation into Byrne’s death will likely examine factors such as weather conditions, equipment functionality, and Byrne’s experience level to understand the events leading to the accident.
The wingsuit community mourns the loss of a champion and a beloved member, remembering Liam Byrne for his contributions to the sport and his spirited approach to life.
