Liam Byrne, a talented wingsuit flyer from Stonehaven, Scotland, has died after a jump from Gitschen mountain in the Swiss Alps. The 24-year-old, known for his daring spirit and love of flight, was critically injured during the jump on Saturday.
Byrne was no stranger to adventure. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at just 12, and by 16, he was skydiving. Wingsuit flying soon became his passion, and over the next decade, he completed more than 4,000 jumps. His story and love for the sport were recently featured in a BBC documentary, “The Boy Who Can Fly.”
Friends and family say Liam lived life to the fullest, always chasing new challenges. He once said that the freedom of flying meant more to him than any thrill—he simply felt most alive in the air. His parents, Mike and Gillian, described him as fearless, not because he lacked fear, but because he refused to let it hold him back. “He chased life in a way that most of us only dream of and he soared,” they shared.
Liam’s adventurous spirit inspired everyone around him. He was known for his wild energy, contagious laugh, and kind heart. His father, a former Royal Marine, said he was inspired by his son’s courage and zest for life.
Swiss authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident, which happened shortly after Liam and two others leapt from the mountain. The British government has confirmed it is supporting his family during this difficult time.
Though Liam Byrne’s final flight ended far too soon, his legacy as a true adventurer and an inspiration to others will live on.