The death of British wingsuit champion Liam Byrne in a crash high above the Swiss Alps has sent shockwaves through the extreme sports world, underscoring the deadly risks of wingsuit flying.
At a Glance
- Liam Byrne, 24, a British national wingsuit champion, was killed in a fatal crash in the Swiss Alps
- The accident occurred after Byrne lost control and struck Gitschen mountain during a group jump
- Swiss police have launched a routine investigation into the circumstances of the crash
- The global wingsuit community mourns the loss of an athlete known for his daring and passion
- Byrne’s family has asked that he be remembered for how he lived—not for how he died
A Brilliant Life Cut Short
Liam Byrne, a rising star in the wingsuit world, lost his life during a flight over the Swiss Alps. The 24-year-old Scot had already achieved national recognition after winning the UK wingsuit championship in 2022 and starring in the BBC documentary “The Boy Who Can Fly.”
During the ill-fated flight, Byrne veered off course and crashed into rocks on Gitschen mountain. Despite his considerable experience—thousands of successful jumps to his name—the dangers of wingsuit flying proved unforgiving.
Watch a report: Wingsuit Champion Dies in Swiss Alps Tragedy.
Fearless Spirit Remembered
Born in Scotland, Byrne embraced adventure from an early age—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at 12 and becoming a professional skydiving instructor at 19. His family shared with The Times: “Liam was fearless… he chased life in a way that most of us only dream of. He soared.”
In a candid interview with Daily Mail, Byrne once said: “An office job scares me far more than the fear of dying from a wingsuit flight.”
An Enduring Legacy of Adventure
Swiss authorities continue their investigation into the accident, while The Telegraph reports the UK Foreign Office is assisting Byrne’s family.
Around the world, the wingsuit flying community is honoring Byrne’s passion and adventurous spirit. Though his life was cut short, Liam Byrne leaves behind a legacy defined by his fearless pursuit of flight—and a powerful example of what it means to truly live.
