While wingsuiting over the French Alps, 37-year-old Pierre Wolnik’s parachute failed to open as he came to the end of his freefall. He lost his life as a result, making the end of a prolific skydiving and wingsuiting career.
During his jump on 7 February, Wolnik jumped from a helicopter over the Mont Blanc massif, a range in France. After a freefall of several seconds, he reached to pull his parachute. However, for reasons that are still unclear, the parachute failed to open. His body continued its descent and was recovered from Les Bossons, in the Chamonix valley. He was declared dead at the scene. The investigation into his death is ongoing.
The two-time world champion wing suiters life had been a full and adrenaline-filled one. His social media accounts are full of his daring aerial stunts, showing off his talents as a skydiver. Before his death, he was a member of the French 2026 FAI World Championships team and renowned in the sport. Sadly, as is the risk with such a dangerous sport, it was also his undoing.
Alongside his own personal skydives and stunts, he worked as a photographer and guide for other skydivers. He was known for the videos of both himself and other jumpers performing midair acrobatics, amassing quite a following. His videos of his wingsuit excursions defy gravity and belief.
The FPF shared a touching tribute to the 37-year-old skydiving champion, stating, “Today, the entire sport parachuting community mourns and pays tribute to a young man renowned for his talent and his exceptional character.” His contributions to the sport will be remembered by his medals, his incredible videos, and many of the wingsuit lines that he pioneered for others to follow.
Wingsuiting is up there with one of the most dangerous extreme sports in the world. When Wolnik lost his life, he was flying above the French Alps using a wingsuit. According to statistics, the sport is fatal in one of every 500 jumps. However, for many, this risk is worth it. Seeing the footage shared by the deceased wingsuiter, it’s easy to see why people chase the thrill despite the risks. It’s the closest to flight we seem to have come.
Wolnik was far too young to have lost his life. However, he spent most of it doing something he loved and knew the risks. He may have died too early, but he lived a full life and died doing what he loved.