**Tragic Loss: Scottish Wingsuit Flyer Liam Byrne Dies in Swiss Alps Jump**

**The Scottish skydiver, well-known for his free-flying prowess, leaves behind a legacy of adventure and inspiration that touched many.**

A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Saturday when Liam Byrne, a 24-year-old wingsuit flyer from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, tragically lost his life after a jump from Gitschen mountain in the Swiss Alps. The British champion was critically injured during his descent from an elevation of 7,874ft (2,400m). Byrne had recently been featured in a BBC documentary titled "The Boy Who Can Fly," highlighting his exhilarating jumps and passion for the sport.

Byrne was known for his vast experience in wingsuit flying, having completed over 4,000 jumps throughout his decade-long career. In the documentary, he spoke candidly about his passion for flying, recounting how his desire to soar like a bird began at the tender age of 13. He expressed that the thrill of flying provided a sense of freedom that ordinary life could not offer.

"My brain is wired differently," he reflected on his love for the sport, adding, "an office job scares me far more than the fear of dying from a base jump or wingsuit flight." Despite acknowledging the inherent risks connected to extreme sports, he emphasized the importance of preparation to mitigate danger. "The more I prepare, the more control I have," he explained.

Byrne's adventurous spirit emerged at a young age, as he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at just 12 years old, eventually embarking on thrilling experiences like dog-sledding in the Arctic and diving in the ocean depths. His journey into extreme sports began with a first skydive at 16, and by 18, he had embraced wingsuit flying, describing the suit as a "second skin."

Following his tragic passing, Liam's parents, Mike and Gillian, released a touching statement honoring his life, stating, "We would like to remember Liam not just for the way he left this world, but for how he lived in it." They encapsulated his fearless nature, expressing that he chased life with unparalleled zeal, inspiring those around him.

Despite the devastating loss, they highlighted the joy he found in skydiving and the freedom it offered him. His father, Mike, who featured in the documentary, reminiscenced about his son's adventurous spirit, saying, "I have buried him 10 times already in my head," yet recognized the happiness wingsuit jumping brought him.

The tragic incident is currently under investigation by the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland and the Cantonal Police of Uri. A statement noted that Byrne was among three wingsuit pilots who jumped shortly before the accident occurred. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed its role in supporting the grieving family.

Liam Byrne's adventurous legacy serves as a reminder of the profound human spirit and the remarkable courage it takes to pursue one's dreams, leaving behind a community heartbroken yet inspired by his impactful journey.