World champion skydiver Pierre Wolnik has died after a parachute malfunction throughout a leap over a mountain. He was 37.
Wolnik, a wingsuit skydiver and two-time French freefly world champion, jumped from a helicopter for a freefall within the Mont Blanc massif, a mountain vary within the French Alps, on Saturday, February 7, based on French retailers Le Figaro, TF1 Information and The Dauphiné Libéré.
Wolnik’s parachute did not open when he approached the bottom, which resulted in his dying, the retailers reported.
The skydiver’s physique was discovered within the village of Les Bossons, within the Chamonix valley. First responders declared him useless on the scene, Le Figaro reported.
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An investigation into Wolnik’s dying is ongoing.
The Fédération Française de Parachutisme (FPF), which Wolnik labored for as a videographer, wrote that the athlete can be “remembered as a teammate whose presence will endlessly be etched within the recollections of these round him,” based on a translated assertion shared by Folks.
“It’s with profound disappointment that we announce the passing of Pierre Wolnik, which occurred on Saturday, February seventh,” the assertion learn. “Pierre leaves behind the reminiscence of a teammate whose presence will endlessly be felt. At this time, all the sport parachuting group mourns and pays tribute to a younger man famend for his expertise and his distinctive character. On behalf of all the Federation, we lengthen our honest condolences to his household, family members, teammates, coach, and the members of the French nationwide groups who had the privilege of realizing him.”
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FFP President Yves-Marie Guillaud additionally paid tribute to Wolnik in a separate assertion.
“The complete sport parachuting group mourns a proficient younger man with such a pleasant smile,” Guillaud wrote through Fb, based on The Parisian. “Could the reminiscence of this distinctive parachutist fill our hearts.”
Wolnik was a member of the French crew for the 2026 FAI World Championships. He was topped wingsuit world champion in each 2022 and 2024 and was extensively anticipated to take the title once more later this yr.
Wingsuit flying is a type of high-speed skydiving the place pilots put on a specialised, webbed swimsuit to provide them elevate and assist them glide horizontally at speeds close to 200 mph.
Wolnik was additionally a “tunnel coach for passionate flyers,” based on his Instagram web page, the place he has greater than 6,000 followers as of publication.
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Wolnik typically shared movies and images of his coaching through social media. In his remaining put up on January 20, Wolnik shared a clip of himself inside a wind tunnel with three different folks.
“Nothing beats winter four-way coaching at dwelling,” he captioned the put up.
Wolnik has additionally shared footage of his freefalls, together with a leap in November 2025.
“Flying excessive, feeling free 🪽. Good vibes, good crew — smiles don’t lie 🤘🏼. As a result of up there, all the things is smart,” he wrote within the caption.
Fan tributes to the intense sports activities star poured in on his newest posts.
“Relaxation in peace champion 🕊️,” one person commented, whereas one other individual added, “Fly free 🕊.”
“Condolences to his household!!” a 3rd person wrote.