Two-time world wingsuit skydiving champion Pierre Wolnik has died following a tragic accident during a high-risk jump over Mont Blanc.
According to reports, the 37-year-old athlete was attempting a free-fall descent on Saturday, February 7, above the Mont Blanc massif — the highest peak in the French Alps. The planned stunt involved leaping from a helicopter and free-falling for several seconds before deploying his parachute for a controlled landing.
French newspaper Le Figaro reported that Wolnik’s parachute failed to deploy. He subsequently fell to the ground, with first responders later locating his body in the village of Les Bossons. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wolnik was widely regarded as one of the most talented figures in the sport skydiving world. A two-time Freefly World Champion, he claimed the prestigious title in both 2022 and 2024, cementing his reputation on the international stage. He was also selected as a member of the French team for the upcoming 2026 FAI World Championships.
Beyond competition, Wolnik worked as a videographer for the Fédération Française de Parachutisme, documenting aerial performances and sharing footage of his training and jumps with a large social media following. His work allowed fans a rare glimpse into the precision, discipline, and artistry behind elite skydiving.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Yves-Marie Guillaud, President of the Fédération Française de Parachutisme, paid tribute to the late athlete.
“The entire sport skydiving community mourns the loss of a talented young man with such a warm smile,” Guillaud wrote. “Our condolences go first and foremost to his family and loved ones, but also to his teammates and the entire French national artistic skydiving team, and more generally to all French national teams. May the memory of this exceptional skydiver fill our hearts as skydivers.”
The Fédération Française de Parachutisme also honored Wolnik in a separate Instagram post, describing him as “a videographer with the French National Artistic Parachuting Team and two-time Freefly World Champion in 2022 and 2024.”
“Pierre leaves behind the memory of a teammate whose presence will forever be etched in the hearts of his loved ones,” the organization wrote. “Today, the entire sport parachuting community mourns and pays tribute to a young man renowned for his talent and exceptional character.”
Just weeks before the fatal accident, Wolnik shared a video on social media of himself and fellow athletes training in a wind tunnel, captioned: “Nothing beats winter four-way training at home.” The clip now stands as one of his final public posts, capturing his continued passion for the sport.
His death has sent shockwaves through the international skydiving community, where he was admired not only for his skill but also for his dedication and spirit.
Rest in peace, Pierre Wolnik.
