Liam Byrne, a celebrated wingsuit flyer and recent feature of a BBC documentary, tragically died at age 24 during a jump from Gitschen mountain in Switzerland. Known for his love of flying, he had completed over 4,000 jumps in his decade-long career. Described as fearless yet thoughtful, Liam's passion for extreme sports began at a young age, highlighted by a family tribute that emphasized his adventurous spirit and the joy he found in flight.
Tragic Death of Scottish Champion Wingsuit Flyer in Swiss Alps
Tragic Death of Scottish Champion Wingsuit Flyer in Swiss Alps
Liam Byrne, a 24-year-old wingsuit flyer from Stonehaven, lost his life during a jump in the Swiss Alps, leaving a legacy as an adventurous spirit.
In an emotional tribute, Liam's parents, Mike and Gillian, confirmed his death during a jump on Saturday from an altitude of 7,874ft (2,400m) on Gitschen mountain. The 24-year-old had become a British champion in wingsuit flying and was featured in an anticipated BBC documentary titled "The Boy Who Can Fly". The documentary chronicles Liam's extraordinary passion for flight, which began in his early childhood when he expressed a desire to soar like birds. With more than 4,000 jumps under his belt, he embraced the thrill and freedom of wingsuit flying, often stating that preparing for jumps was crucial for safety.
Liam's career in extreme sports started at 12 when he scaled Mount Kilimanjaro. His adventurous pursuits soon led him to dog-sledding in the Arctic, scuba diving, and high-altitude climbing. He took his first skydive at 16 and donned a wingsuit at 18, describing it as a liberating experience akin to a "second skin".
The heart-wrenching family statement remembered him not for how he died but for how vividly he lived. "Liam was fearless, not because he was unafraid, but because he allowed passion to overcome fear. He experienced life in ways most only dream about," the statement read. Parents Mike and Gillian recalled his contagious laughter and wild spirit, emphasizing how deeply he inspired those around him.
In the documentary, Mike Byrne poignantly reflected on his son’s risks, saying he had mentally prepared for his loss multiple times, yet understood the joy wingsuit flying brought to Liam. The Foreign Office confirmed it was providing support to the family during this difficult time, as tributes to Liam continue to pour in from the extreme sports community and beyond.
Liam's career in extreme sports started at 12 when he scaled Mount Kilimanjaro. His adventurous pursuits soon led him to dog-sledding in the Arctic, scuba diving, and high-altitude climbing. He took his first skydive at 16 and donned a wingsuit at 18, describing it as a liberating experience akin to a "second skin".
The heart-wrenching family statement remembered him not for how he died but for how vividly he lived. "Liam was fearless, not because he was unafraid, but because he allowed passion to overcome fear. He experienced life in ways most only dream about," the statement read. Parents Mike and Gillian recalled his contagious laughter and wild spirit, emphasizing how deeply he inspired those around him.
In the documentary, Mike Byrne poignantly reflected on his son’s risks, saying he had mentally prepared for his loss multiple times, yet understood the joy wingsuit flying brought to Liam. The Foreign Office confirmed it was providing support to the family during this difficult time, as tributes to Liam continue to pour in from the extreme sports community and beyond.
