A skydiving great has tragically died at just 37 years old after a jump from a helicopter took a disastrous turn
A renowned skydiver has tragically died after his parachute failed to deploy following a jump from a helicopter. Former French free-fall world champion Pierre Wolnik died on Monday at the age of 37 when a jump in Mont Blanc reportedly took a disastrous turn.
The seasoned wingsuit flyer is said to have leapt from a helicopter above the Alpine mountain range and reached the altitude where he was expected to open his parachute after several seconds of controlled flight.
However, in a tragic turn of events, the chute did not open, and he fell towards the ground in a fatal descent.
Wolnik crashed into the ground at high velocity, and emergency services hurried to the scene, but they were unable to save him. His body was later retrieved and airlifted away.
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Yves-Marie Guillot, president of the French Parachuting Federation, paid homage to the 2022 and 2024 wingsuit world champion.
Writing on Facebook, he said: “The entire sport parachuting community mourns the loss of a talented young man with such a warm smile.
“Our condolences go first and foremost to his family and loved ones, but also to his teammates and the entire French team.”
Wolnik was widely predicted to become a three-time world champion and defend his title in this year’s championships.
An inquiry into his fatal jump is believed to be underway.
Wolnik was active on social media, sharing videos of his skills mid-dives and in the wind tunnel to over 5,600 followers on Instagram.
Supporters flocked to the comments section of his most recent post to share their condolences, with one user writing: “Rest in peace champion.”
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Another commented: “Fly free”. Meanwhile, others simply posted: “Rest in peace.”
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