Liam Byrne, a renowned 24-year-old wingsuit flyer from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, lost his life during a jump in the Swiss Alps over the weekend. Known for his numerous achievements in extreme sports, Liam was critically injured at Gitschen mountain while attempting a jump from an altitude of 7,874ft. Featured in a 2024 BBC documentary titled "The Boy Who Can Fly," Liam's passion for flying started in his childhood, with over 4,000 jumps under his belt throughout his exhilarating 10-year career. His family paid tribute to him, celebrating a life lived in pursuit of freedom and adventure, emphasizing that Liam inspired many with his joy for life and fearless spirit.
Tragic Loss: Scottish Wingsuit Flyer Liam Byrne Dies During Swiss Alps Jump
Tragic Loss: Scottish Wingsuit Flyer Liam Byrne Dies During Swiss Alps Jump
The adventurous life of Scottish wingsuit flyer Liam Byrne comes to a tragic end in the Swiss Alps.
Liam Byrne, from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, was featured jumping from a mountain top in a recent BBC documentary called "The Boy Who Can Fly." A Scottish wingsuit flyer has died during a jump in the Swiss Alps. British champion Liam Byrne, 24, was critically injured on the Gitschen mountain on Saturday after taking off from 7,874ft (2,400m). Mr Byrne had completed over 4,000 jumps during his 10-year career. He expressed in the documentary his desire to "fly like a bird" from a young age, feeling an undeniable connection to the freedom that flying provided.
His career in extreme sports began early — by 12, he was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Over the years, he engaged in numerous outdoor activities, including dog-sledding and scuba diving. By 18, he was fully immersed in the world of wingsuit flying, which he described as a "second skin." Mr. Byrne’s parents, Mike and Gillian, released a heartfelt statement honoring their son, reflecting on how he lived life passionately and fearlessly. They expressed that the thrill of skydiving and wingsuit flight was more than just excitement for Liam; it was a channel of freedom that made him feel truly alive.
The unfortunate incident is being investigated by the Swiss Attorney General's Office and the Cantonal Police of Uri, following reports that three wingsuit pilots jumped just before the tragic event. Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is offering support to Liam's family during this time of loss. Liam Byrne's adventurous legacy will continue to inspire many, leaving behind cherished memories and a reminder of the beauty of chasing one's passions.
His career in extreme sports began early — by 12, he was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Over the years, he engaged in numerous outdoor activities, including dog-sledding and scuba diving. By 18, he was fully immersed in the world of wingsuit flying, which he described as a "second skin." Mr. Byrne’s parents, Mike and Gillian, released a heartfelt statement honoring their son, reflecting on how he lived life passionately and fearlessly. They expressed that the thrill of skydiving and wingsuit flight was more than just excitement for Liam; it was a channel of freedom that made him feel truly alive.
The unfortunate incident is being investigated by the Swiss Attorney General's Office and the Cantonal Police of Uri, following reports that three wingsuit pilots jumped just before the tragic event. Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is offering support to Liam's family during this time of loss. Liam Byrne's adventurous legacy will continue to inspire many, leaving behind cherished memories and a reminder of the beauty of chasing one's passions.
