Tragic Loss of Scottish Wingsuit Flyer in Swiss Alps Jump

The wingsuit community mourns the loss of Liam Byrne, a 24-year-old British champion from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, who tragically died during a jump from Gitschen mountain in the Swiss Alps. Featured in an upcoming BBC documentary titled "The Boy Who Can Fly," Byrne had a passion for flight that stemmed from a young age. He completed over 4,000 jumps throughout his career and viewed wingsuit flying as not just an adrenaline rush but a means to experience true freedom. His family has paid tribute to him, remembering his adventurous spirit and the joy he brought to their lives.

In a heartbreaking incident, Liam Byrne, a celebrated 24-year-old wingsuit flyer from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, has died following a jump in the Swiss Alps. The accident occurred on Saturday as Byrne leapt from the 7,874ft (2,400m) summit of Gitschen mountain. Known for his remarkable skill and experience in the sport, Byrne had completed over 4,000 jumps during his decade-long career. He recently appeared in a BBC documentary titled "The Boy Who Can Fly," where he expressed a lifelong desire to experience the thrill of flying.

Byrne's passion for extreme sports began at an early age, with notable achievements like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at just 12 years old, followed by dog-sledding expeditions and scuba diving. His mother and father, Mike and Gillian, released a statement remembering him not just for his adventurous spirit but for the joy and laughter he brought to their lives. Mike Byrne poignantly recalled the emotional struggles he faced as a father of a daredevil son, grappling with the fear of loss while finding inspiration in his son's fearless pursuits. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is providing support to the bereaved family during this difficult time.