A French skydiver has died after a parachute malfunction during a high-altitude jump over the Alps. World champion Pierre Wolnik, 37, was performing a wingsuit dive above Mont Blanc on February 7 when tragedy struck. According to French media, Wolnik had jumped from a helicopter flying over the Haute-Savoie region, but his parachute failed to deploy at a critical moment, leaving him in freefall. He crashed near Les Bossons on the outskirts of Chamonix, where emergency services responded quickly.

Sadly, the athlete could not be saved and died from his injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the malfunction. The French Parachuting Federation confirmed his death, describing Wolnik as a talented athlete and valued teammate whose presence will be deeply missed. Tributes poured in from across the skydiving community, with condolences extended to his family, friends, and fellow competitors.

Wolnik was a prominent figure in wingsuit flying, winning world championship titles in both 2022 and 2024. Wingsuit flying allows skydivers to glide through the air using specialized suits before deploying a parachute, but it remains one of the most dangerous extreme sports.

Despite ongoing safety improvements, experts say wingsuit jumping carries significant risk, especially in high-altitude environments. Wolnik’s death has left the global skydiving community mourning the loss of a skilled athlete remembered for both his talent and his character.