French wingsuit and freefly skydiving champion Pierre Wolnik passed away this week after his parachute failed to open during an extreme jump over the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps.
Wolnik, who is a two-time champion and respected figure in the skydiving world, had leapt from a helicopter above the iconic mountain when his parachute failed to deploy at the crucial point in his descent.
Without a functioning parachute to slow his fall, he struck the ground at high speed in the Les Bossons area near Chamonix and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wolnik was believed to be preparing to compete at the 2026 World Air Sports Federation Championships and was widely admired not only for his extraordinary aerial skills but even for his work as a videographer and mentor within the Federation Francaise de Parachutisme.
Tributes from fellow athletes and officials highlighted his passion for the sport and the deep loss felt across the global skydiving community.
French authorities have rolled out an investigation into the cause of the parachute failure, but no official determination has yet been made.