Liam Byrne, a 24-year-old wingsuit flyer from Aberdeenshire, has died following an accident while jumping from Gitschen mountain in the Swiss Alps. Known for his adventurous spirit, Byrne was prominently featured in a recent documentary that showcased his passion for flying and his extensive experience in the sport.
Tragic Death of Scottish Wingsuit Flyer Liam Byrne in Swiss Alps Jump
Tragic Death of Scottish Wingsuit Flyer Liam Byrne in Swiss Alps Jump
A promising adventure-seeker's life is cut short in a tragic mishap during an extreme sport jump.
Liam Byrne, 24, was completing his 4,000th jump when tragedy struck on Saturday. The acclaimed wingsuit flyer was performing a high-altitude leap from a peak at approximately 7,874 feet (2,400 meters) when he suffered critical injuries. Byrne, originally from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, had recently been highlighted in a BBC documentary titled "The Boy Who Can Fly."
Described as an experienced and fearless adventurer, Byrne developed a yearning for flight at a young age, expressing his ambition to "learn to fly like a bird" since he was 13. He often shared how he was captivated by the freedom of birds and the exhilaration of skydiving, which he pursued ardently throughout his life. With over 4,000 jumps under his belt, he had dedicated himself to mastering safety and preparation in a sport he loved.
Speaking of his adventures, Byrne recalled achieving significant milestones in extreme sports, including a formative climb of Mount Kilimanjaro at 12, followed by dog-sledding in the Arctic and various scuba diving expeditions. His wingsuit, he said, felt like a second skin, offering him control as he maneuvered through the air.
His passion was shared by his family, whose heartfelt statement mournfully honored his legacy: "We would like to remember Liam not just for the way he left this world, but for how he lived in it. He chased life in a way that most of us only dream of, and he soared." His parents emphasized that, for Liam, skydiving represented freedom and joy, fundamentally expressing who he was.
Liam's father, Mike Byrne, who appeared in his son's documentary, emotionally reflected on the risks associated with the sport while recognizing the incredible happiness it brought Liam. As family and friends bid farewell to a beloved son, brother, and friend, his spirited essence will continue to inspire those who knew him.
The British Foreign Office has confirmed it is working with the family following this tragic incident in Switzerland.
Described as an experienced and fearless adventurer, Byrne developed a yearning for flight at a young age, expressing his ambition to "learn to fly like a bird" since he was 13. He often shared how he was captivated by the freedom of birds and the exhilaration of skydiving, which he pursued ardently throughout his life. With over 4,000 jumps under his belt, he had dedicated himself to mastering safety and preparation in a sport he loved.
Speaking of his adventures, Byrne recalled achieving significant milestones in extreme sports, including a formative climb of Mount Kilimanjaro at 12, followed by dog-sledding in the Arctic and various scuba diving expeditions. His wingsuit, he said, felt like a second skin, offering him control as he maneuvered through the air.
His passion was shared by his family, whose heartfelt statement mournfully honored his legacy: "We would like to remember Liam not just for the way he left this world, but for how he lived in it. He chased life in a way that most of us only dream of, and he soared." His parents emphasized that, for Liam, skydiving represented freedom and joy, fundamentally expressing who he was.
Liam's father, Mike Byrne, who appeared in his son's documentary, emotionally reflected on the risks associated with the sport while recognizing the incredible happiness it brought Liam. As family and friends bid farewell to a beloved son, brother, and friend, his spirited essence will continue to inspire those who knew him.
The British Foreign Office has confirmed it is working with the family following this tragic incident in Switzerland.
