Liam Byrne, a 24-year-old British wingsuit champion from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, tragically died during a jump in the Swiss Alps on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The young daredevil suffered fatal injuries after veering off course shortly after takeoff from Mount Gitschen, a peak standing approximately 7,874 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level, before crashing into a rocky outcrop around 2,100 meters above sea level.
The accident occurred shortly before noon as Byrne and two other wingsuit pilots launched their jump from the mountain toward Seedorf. According to a spokesperson for the Uri Cantonal Police, the exact cause of Byrne's deviation from the intended flight path remains unclear, prompting an ongoing investigation involving the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Uri. Authorities have appealed for witnesses to come forward to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Byrne was widely recognized as one of the youngest top-tier base jumpers worldwide and a British champion in performance wingsuit flying. Over a decade-long career, he completed thousands of jumps, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication to the extreme sport. Wingsuit flying, which involves wearing a specialized suit with webbing to allow for mid-air lift and controlled gliding, was more than a thrill for Byrne—it was a profound expression of freedom.
His parents, Mike and Gillian Byrne, confirmed his death to BBC Scotland News and paid a heartfelt tribute to their son’s vibrant spirit. In a family statement, they described Liam as "fearless, not necessarily because he wasn't afraid but because he refused to let fear hold him back." They added, "He chased life in a way that most of us only dream of and he soared. Skydiving and base jumping was more than just a thrill for Liam – it was freedom. It was where he felt most alive."
The statement also emphasized Liam's roles beyond his sporting achievements: "He was more than just an adventurer. He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin, and friend. He was a source of laughter and strength. He inspired all of us and made life better with his bold spirit and kind heart. We will miss Liam's wild energy and contagious laugh. Though he has now flown beyond our reach, he will always be with us."
Byrne's passion for flight was lifelong. Featured in the 2024 BBC documentary The Boy Who Can Fly, which aired on November 8, he shared his story of defying gravity and conventional expectations. The documentary captured his journey as a young Scotsman embracing the thrill and discipline of wingsuit flying. In one poignant moment, Byrne told the filmmakers, "An office job scares me far more than the fear of dying from a base jump or wingsuit flight." He also reflected on his early fascination with birds, recalling, "I think I was about 13 when I first said to my dad I wanted to learn how to fly like a bird. Even at school, I would stare out the window at seagulls with a sense of envy that they could just take off and fly away."
Byrne's adventurous spirit was nurtured from a young age, influenced by his father Mike, a former Royal Marine Commando. Liam undertook remarkable challenges early in life, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at age 12 and engaging in dog-sledging through the Arctic, scuba diving, and various summit climbs. By 16, he had completed his first skydive and by 18 was adept in wingsuit flying, describing the suit as a "second skin, letting me move through the air in a controlled way."
His father, Mike Byrne, expressed both pride and sorrow in the documentary, stating, "I have buried him 10 times already in my head," but also acknowledging the joy that wingsuit flying brought to Liam's life. "He was an amazing kid growing up – anything I suggested he would be up for. I was massively inspired by him. I wish I could be more like him."
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed it is supporting the Byrne family during this difficult time and remains in contact with local Swiss authorities. The tragic loss has resonated deeply within the wingsuit and base jumping communities, with many paying tribute to Byrne’s skill, courage, and infectious enthusiasm.
Friends, family, and fans have shared condolences online, highlighting the impact Liam had on those around him. One friend wrote, "Heart goes out to you all. What an incredible life he lived it to the absolute fullest. Just heartbreaking and devastating." Another noted, "He lived his best ever life doing what he loved. Our deepest condolences to you all."
Wingsuit flying is an extreme sport that combines the thrill of skydiving with the precision of gliding flight, requiring intense preparation and skill. Byrne was known for his meticulous approach to safety, emphasizing preparation as key to controlling risk. "For me, I'm about as far as a reckless adrenaline junkie as you can possibly get. Preparation has always been at the heart of all my challenges. The more I prepare, the more control I have," he explained.
Despite the inherent dangers of his sport, Byrne's attitude reflected a fearless embrace of life rather than recklessness. His family and those who knew him remember him as a source of inspiration and joy, a young man who soared both literally and figuratively, chasing a dream that many only imagine.
The investigation into the accident continues, with Swiss authorities seeking to understand the precise factors that led to Byrne's tragic deviation from his flight path. Meanwhile, his legacy endures—not only in the wingsuit flying world but in the hearts of all who admired his wild energy and contagious laugh.
