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A Scottish wingsuit flyer has died during a jump in the Swiss Alps. British champion Liam Byrne, 24, was critically injured on the Gitschen mountain on Saturday after taking off from 7,874ft (2,400m). Mr. Byrne, from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, featured in a 2024 BBC documentary called "The Boy Who Can Fly." He was known as a very experienced wingsuit flyer with over 4,000 jumps in his decade-long career. In the documentary, he expressed his deep affinity for flying, recalling his childhood desire to soar like birds. He credited preparation and skill training as essential to minimizing risks in extreme sports.
Byrne's adventurous spirit started early; at just 12 years old, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and by 18, he was donning a wingsuit. His parents, Mike and Gillian, shared a heartfelt tribute, celebrating Liam's fearless approach to life and adventures, describing him as a source of joy and inspiration. They emphasized that he lived life fully and expressed their deep sorrow at his passing. The authorities in Switzerland are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with support being provided to the grieving family by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
A Scottish wingsuit flyer has died during a jump in the Swiss Alps. British champion Liam Byrne, 24, was critically injured on the Gitschen mountain on Saturday after taking off from 7,874ft (2,400m). Mr. Byrne, from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, featured in a 2024 BBC documentary called "The Boy Who Can Fly." He was known as a very experienced wingsuit flyer with over 4,000 jumps in his decade-long career. In the documentary, he expressed his deep affinity for flying, recalling his childhood desire to soar like birds. He credited preparation and skill training as essential to minimizing risks in extreme sports.
Byrne's adventurous spirit started early; at just 12 years old, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and by 18, he was donning a wingsuit. His parents, Mike and Gillian, shared a heartfelt tribute, celebrating Liam's fearless approach to life and adventures, describing him as a source of joy and inspiration. They emphasized that he lived life fully and expressed their deep sorrow at his passing. The authorities in Switzerland are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with support being provided to the grieving family by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
