The extreme sports community is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars after British wingsuit champion Liam Byrne, 24, tragically died during a BASE jumping accident in the Swiss Alps. Known for his daring flights and charismatic energy, Byrne’s final leap took place near the popular exit point at Lauterbrunnen Valley, often referred to as the "Mecca of BASE jumping." Authorities in Switzerland confirmed that Byrne launched from the High Ultimate cliff on Saturday morning, June 21, 2025. Witnesses report that the experienced wingsuit flyer appeared to lose control during a technical maneuver mid-flight, veering dangerously close to the rock face. He was found shortly after by mountain rescue teams, but was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Byrne’s death has shocked fans and fellow athletes alike, especially as he was considered one of the most promising wingsuit pilots in the UK, having won national titles and participated in numerous international events. Many followers knew him from viral footage and social media clips where he combined precision flying with breathtaking alpine backdrops, often amassing millions of views. Originally from Northumberland, Byrne began skydiving at age 16 and quickly found his passion in wingsuit flying—a discipline that combines free-falling with controlled gliding in a specially designed aerodynamic suit. Over the years, he became a mentor and advocate for safety in the sport, known not only for his athleticism but also for his thoughtful commentary on the risks associated with BASE jumping.
BASE jumping—short for Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth—is one of the most dangerous extreme sports in the world, with wingsuit BASE jumping being a more advanced and perilous variation. Lauterbrunnen, while stunningly beautiful, has claimed dozens of lives over the years due to the proximity of cliffs, rapidly changing weather, and technical demands of the terrain. In a statement, Liam’s family described him as “a light in our lives, whose love for the sky was only matched by the love he showed to everyone he met.” They added, “Liam lived life with passion, purpose, and the belief that fear should never be the end of the story.”
Fellow wingsuit athletes, including international flyers from Norway, France, and the United States, have taken to social media to pay tribute. Some shared stories of Liam’s generosity and skill; others posted clips of shared jumps, remembering him as a "pure flyer" and "one of the best of us." One friend, Swedish pilot Erik Lindholm, wrote, “He wasn’t reckless. He knew the risks better than anyone, and he flew with respect. He died doing what he loved most, in one of the places he felt most alive.” Byrne had recently hinted at working on a documentary about his journey into wingsuit flying, aiming to combine stunning visuals with personal reflections on life, fear, and flight. The project, tentatively titled Between Earth and Sky, was set to be pitched later this year to several streaming platforms. It remains unclear whether any footage will be released posthumously.
As the BASE jumping community prepares a memorial flight in his honor, conversations around safety and the boundaries of extreme sports have once again come into focus. While the adrenaline and freedom of such endeavors attract a dedicated following, Byrne’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the sport’s inherent risks. For now, the cliffs of Lauterbrunnen echo with silence—a stark contrast to the rush of wings that once soared there with fearless grace. Liam Byrne's legacy will live on in the skies he so passionately loved.
