**British Wingsuit Enthusiast Dies in Swiss Alps Tragedy**
A British adrenaline sports fan, Liam Byrne, has died following a wingsuit accident in the Swiss Alps, according to sources in Switzerland and the UK. The 24-year-old, originally from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, met his untimely death while attempting a high-altitude wingsuit flight from the Gitschen mountain, which rises dramatically to 2,400 metres (7,874 feet) above sea level.
Byrne had gained public attention in late 2024 following his appearance in a BBC documentary entitled “The Boy Who Can Fly”, which chronicled his journey from novice skydiver to a respected figure within the BASE jumping and wingsuit flying community. The programme, broadcast on 8 November, featured emotional scenes in which Liam and his father, Mike, prepared for a wingsuit jump together, highlighting both the allure and inherent dangers of extreme sports.
News of Liam’s death was confirmed by his family earlier this week. His parents, Mike and Gillian Byrne, paid a moving tribute, describing their son as someone with “wild energy” and a “contagious laugh” that touched the lives of everyone he met. In a statement shared with the BBC, they reflected on Liam’s fiercely independent character and his determination to live life to its fullest, saying, “We would like to remember Liam not just for the way he left this world, but for how he lived in it.”
Describing the source of his passion, the family statement added: “Liam was fearless, not because he was unafraid, but because he refused to let fear hinder him. He pursued life with a zest that many only dream of, seizing every opportunity to soar, both literally and figuratively.” They went on to say that for Liam, skydiving and BASE jumping meant more than simply seeking adventure – these activities offered a profound sense of release and self-expression.
Those who knew Byrne have spoken of a young man whose influence reached far beyond his sporting achievements. Friends and relatives have remarked on not only his exploits in the skies, but also his warmth, sense of fun, and unwavering loyalty to those around him. “Liam was more than just an adventurer. He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin and a cherished friend,” his family said, emphasising the blend of bold spirit and kind-heartedness that defined him.
Liam’s risk-taking was not reckless, friends say, but rooted in a quest for personal freedom. He was quoted in the BBC documentary as saying, “An office job scares me far more than the fear of dying from a BASE jump or wingsuit flight.” Such comments reflected his perspective on life and willingness to choose the path less travelled, even well aware of the potential risks.
Authorities in Switzerland are investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident. The UK Foreign Office has been approached for comment, though official statements had not been released at the time of writing. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debate on the dangers of wingsuit flying, an activity that has grown in popularity but remains fraught with peril.
Wingsuit flying involves leaping from high altitudes, either from aircraft or mountain cliffs, while wearing a suit fitted with fabric wings. The sport combines elements of technical skydiving with breathtaking views and moments of intense exhilaration, yet demands extraordinary skill and precise judgement.
As the news of Liam Byrne’s death reverberates through both the British and international skydiving communities, his family are urging others to remember his life and spirit, rather than focusing solely on the circumstances of his passing. “Though he has now flown beyond our reach, he will always be with us,” they said in what many will see as a fitting tribute to a young man who quite literally soared above the ordinary limitations of day-to-day existence.