In brief
The wingsuit community mourns the loss of British champion Liam Byrne, who tragically died at age 24 after a jump in the Swiss Alps. An experienced skydiver with over 4,000 jumps, his passion for flying was chronicled in a BBC documentary. His family remembers him for his adventurous spirit and the joy he derived from extreme sports.
Scottish wingsuit flyer Liam Byrne, aged 24, has tragically died during a jump in the Swiss Alps. The accomplished British champion was critically injured while leaping from Gitschen mountain, which stands at an elevation of 7,874ft (2,400m), on Saturday. Hailing from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Byrne had recently been featured in a 2024 BBC documentary titled "The Boy Who Can Fly."With a remarkable record of over 4,000 jumps accumulated over a decade, Byrne had established himself as an experienced wingsuit flyer—a sport where participants wear specialized suits designed to enable gliding through the air. In the documentary, he reflected on his lifelong fascination for flight, sharing that he had expressed his desire to soar like a bird to his father at the age of 13.Byrne, whose experiences included climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and dog-sledding in the Arctic, described wingsuit flying as his “second skin,” allowing him to navigate the skies in a controlled manner. While acknowledging the risks involved with the sport, he emphasized the importance of preparation and skill development to minimize danger.Following his untimely passing, Byrne's parents, Mike and Gillian, released a heartfelt tribute. They expressed their desire for Liam to be remembered not just for the circumstances of his death, but for the vibrant life he led. They remarked on his fearless pursuit of life, stating, “He chased life in a way that most of us only dream of and he soared.”The tragic incident occurred amidst a broader investigation by the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland and the Cantonal Police of Uri, which is looking into the wingsuit incident. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is providing assistance to the family of the deceased British citizen. The wingsuit flying community, along with friends and family, honor the adventurous legacy of Liam Byrne, whose bold spirit and loving nature will be profoundly missed.
