BREAKING Ex-world champion skydiver, 37, dies as parachute fails to open in horror plunge
A legendary skydiver has tragically died after his parachute failed to open after jumping out of a helicopter.
Former French freefall world champion Pierre Wolnik died on Monday at the age of 37 when a jump in Mont Blanc went horribly wrong, according to reports.
The experienced wingsuit flyer is reported to have jumped from a helicopter above the Alpine mountain range and reached the altitude where he was expected to deploy his parachute after several seconds of controlled flight.
But tragically, the chute failed to open and he plummeted towards the ground in a fatal fall.
Wolnik slammed into the ground at high speed and emergency services rushed to the scene, but he was unable to be saved. His body was later recovered and transported away by helicopter.
French Parachuting Federation president Yves-Marie Guillot paid tribute to the 2022 and 2024 wingsuit world champion, calling him a gifted young man with a radiant smile and exceptional parachuting skills.
Wolnik was widely tipped to become a three-time world champion and defend his title in this year’s upcoming championships.
More to follow…
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