Tragic Incident Claims Life of British Wingsuit Champion
British wingsuit champion Liam Byrne, a 24-year-old from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, has tragically died following a jump in the Swiss Alps. The accomplished flyer was critically injured during a jump from the Gitschen mountain on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Mr. Byrne was reportedly flying with two other individuals from an altitude of approximately 7,874ft (2,400m) towards Seedorf. Shortly after taking off, for reasons that remain under investigation, he deviated from the planned course and crashed into a rocky ledge situated around 2,100 meters above sea level. He sustained fatal injuries.
Wingsuit flying, a specialized form of skydiving involving a suit with webbing designed to generate lift, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous sports.
A Life Dedicated to Flight
Liam Byrne was a highly experienced and respected figure in the wingsuit community. Described as a British champion in performance wingsuit flying and one of the youngest top-tier base jumpers globally, he had completed thousands of jumps throughout his 10-year career.
His profound passion for flight was recently showcased in the 2024 BBC documentary titled “The Boy Who Can Fly.” The film followed his journey, portraying the inspiring story of a young Scotsman challenging conventional limits and gravity itself.
In the documentary and previous interviews, Liam spoke openly about his lifelong dream. “I think I was about 13 when I said to my dad that I wanted to learn to fly like a bird,” he shared, citing childhood inspiration from nature documentaries and observing seagulls. He added, “Even at school I would stare out the window at the seagulls flying and always feeling that sense of envy that they have that freedom to just take off and fly away.”
Reflecting on his deep connection to the sport, he mused, “I do wonder why I love flying so much? Maybe my brain is wired differently to other people’s… But I know myself well enough to know that an office job scares me far more than the fear of dying from a base jump or wingsuit flight.” He viewed wingsuit flying not just as a thrill, but as “freedom,” where he felt “most alive.”
Liam was known for his meticulous preparation, emphasizing that he was far from a reckless adrenaline junkie. “I’ve spent the last decade training to increase the skills and decrease any risk… Preparation is always been at the heart of all my challenges. The more I prepare, the more control I have,” he stated.
His adventurous spirit began at a young age. At 12, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, followed by adventures like dog-sledging in the Arctic and scuba diving. He completed his first skydive at 16 and donned a wingsuit by 18, describing it as a “second skin, letting me move through the air in a controlled way.” He was also noted as becoming the world’s youngest wingsuit pilot at 17.
Remembering Liam: Fearless, Bold, and Inspiring
Liam’s parents, Mike and Gillian, confirmed his death and released a heartfelt family statement paying tribute to their son.
“We would like to remember Liam not just for the way he left this world, but for how he lived in it,” the statement read. “Liam was fearless, not necessarily because he wasn’t afraid but because he refused to let fear hold him back. He chased life in a way that most of us only dream of and he soared.”
They reiterated Liam’s perspective that skydiving and base jumping were more than a thrill; they were where he found “freedom” and felt “most alive.”
Beyond his identity as an adventurer, his family remembered him as a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, and friend. “He was a source of laughter and strength,” they stated. “He inspired all of us and made life better with his bold spirit and kind heart. We will miss Liam’s wild energy and contagious laugh.” The statement concluded, “Though he has now flown beyond our reach, he will always be with us.”
The BBC documentary also featured Liam’s father, Mike, a former Commando, who shared his own anxieties about his son’s sport. In an emotional scene, he admitted, “I have buried him 10 times already in my head.” Yet, he also spoke of understanding the immense joy wingsuit jumping gave Liam and how much he was inspired by his son’s bold pursuit of his dreams.
Investigation Underway
Swiss authorities, including the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland and the Cantonal Police of Uri, have confirmed details of the incident. A criminal investigation is underway, directed by the OAG, to determine the exact reasons why Mr. Byrne’s flight path deviated shortly after takeoff.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed they are providing support to Mr. Byrne’s family during this difficult time.
