French skydiver and two-time freefly world champion Pierre Wolnik, 37, tragically died on 8 February after a parachute accident during a wingsuit jump over the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps.
According to Le Figaro, first responders discovered Wolnik’s body in rocky terrain near the village of Les Bossons in the Chamonix Valley. Reports from The New York Post stated that his wingsuit failed to deploy after he leapt from a helicopter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wolnik earned his freefly world championship titles in 2022 and 2024 and had been scheduled to represent France at the 2026 World Air Sports Federal Championships. In addition to competing, he worked as a videographer, sharing his aerial stunts on social media.
Condolences From The Skydiving Community
Yves-Marie Guillaud, president of the Fédération Française de Parachutisme, expressed condolences on Facebook, saying: “The entire sport skydiving community mourns the loss of a talented young man with such a warm smile.”
The FFP later added in a post that Wolnik would be “remembered as a teammate whose presence will forever be etched in the memories of those around him.”
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident as the skydiving world grieves the loss of one of its most celebrated athletes.
Wolnik’s death highlights the inherent risks of wingsuit flying, even for highly experienced competitors.
