Scottish wingsuit flyer Liam Byrne dies during Swiss Alps jump
In a statement, his family said he had a "wild energy" a "contagious laugh"
Last updated 23rd Jun 2025
An Aberdeenshire wingsuit flyer has died during a jump in the Swiss Alps.
Liam Byrne, from Stonehaven, was critically injured on Saturday after taking off from the 7874ft Gitschen mountain.
The 24-year-old was a British wingsuit performance flying champion and recently appeared in the documentary, 'The Boy Who Can Fly'.
'He refused to let fear hold him back'
His parents, Mike and Gillian, confirmed to BBC Scotland News their son had died, and paid tribute to his "wild energy" and "contagious laugh".
The Byrne family said: "We would like to remember Liam not just for the way he left this world, but for how he lived in it.
"Liam was fearless, not necessarily because he wasn't afraid but because he refused to let fear hold him back.
"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.
"Liam 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."
The BBC documentary screened on November 8th and showed Liam and his father, Mike, as Mr Byrne prepared for a wingsuit jump off Mannlichen mountain in Switzerland.
Speaking in the documentary, Mr Byrne said that "an office job scares me far more than the fear of dying from a base jump or wingsuit flight".
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Switzerland, and are in contact with the local authorities.”