Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
File photo of a wingsuit jumper. Shutterstock/Sindre T
French Alps
Soldier (39) killed while attempting Alps wingsuit jump
He died after jumping off the 2,525 metre-high summit of Le Brevent.
A 39-YEAR-OLD FRENCH soldier was killed while attempting a wingsuit jump in the Alps yesterday, the latest casualty in what is regarded as one of the most dangerous extreme sports.
The man died after jumping off the 2,525 metre-high summit of Le Brevent in the French Alps.
“When his flying companion reached the ground, he realised something had gone wrong. He probably crashed into” the mountain, a rescue worker said, confirming the soldier’s death.
His body was later found at an altitude of 2,100 metres. An investigation into the accident has been opened.
American daredevil Johnny Strange died in the Swiss Alps in October while also attempting a jump in a wingsuit.
The average wingsuit jump lasts barely a minute and within eight seconds, the jumper reaches speeds of 200 kilometres per hour.
have your say