A tragic incident claimed the life of world champion skydiver Pierre Wolnik, who died at the age of 37 after his parachute failed to open during a jump over Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. The accident occurred on Saturday when Wolnik leaped from a helicopter above the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps, executing a daring free-fall in his wingsuit. Reports indicate that his parachute did not deploy after several seconds of descent, resulting in a fatal impact with the rocky terrain.
First responders located his body in Les Bossons, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. The news has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community, with Yves-Marie Guillaud, president of the Fédération Française de Parachutisme, expressing condolences on social media. “The entire sport skydiving community mourns the loss of a talented young man with such a warm smile,” he stated. He extended sympathies to Wolnik’s family, teammates, and all members of the French national artistic skydiving team.
Wolnik was a celebrated figure in the extreme sport, having secured his world titles in 2022 and 2024. He had been preparing to represent France at the upcoming 2026 World Air Sports Federal Championships, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in skydiving. In addition to his competitive achievements, he served as a videographer for the Fédération Française de Parachutisme, capturing breathtaking aerial stunts that he shared with over 6,000 followers on Instagram.
His last post, shared on January 20, 2024, featured footage of himself and fellow skydivers training in a wind tunnel, accompanied by the caption, “Nothing beats winter four-way training at home.” Other posts highlighted his thrilling jumps and rigorous training routines, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
The Fédération Française de Parachutisme paid tribute to Wolnik, describing him as a teammate whose presence will forever be remembered by his loved ones. “Today, the entire sport parachuting community mourns and pays tribute to a young man renowned for his talent and exceptional character,” the organization stated on Instagram.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall is currently ongoing, as authorities seek to understand the factors that led to this tragic accident. The loss of Pierre Wolnik serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by extreme athletes in pursuit of their passion.
