French base jumper dies after crashing into tree
A French base-jumper died near Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland on Wednesday afternoon after crash-landing into a tree, Bern cantonal police confirmed on Thursday.
According to initial investigations the Frenchman, 42, jumped from a popular base-jumping take-off point called the ‘Low Ultimate’ at Mürrenfluh.
For reasons unknown he became unstable in the air and was unable to open his parachute.
He subsequently crashed into a tree on a section of cliff.
Members of the Swiss Alpine Club and a medical team from helicopter service Air Glaciers were dispatched in the rescue effort.
With its vertical cliffs, the Lauterbrunnen area attracts base-jumpers from all over the world.
However, the sport – which, unlike sky diving, involves jumping from a fixed point such as a cliff, bridge or building – carries high risks.
More than 35 people have died in Lauterbrunnen as a result of base-jumping accidents.
In March a 35-year-old Swiss woman died at the same spot after experiencing difficulties in the air.
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According to initial investigations the Frenchman, 42, jumped from a popular base-jumping take-off point called the ‘Low Ultimate’ at Mürrenfluh.
For reasons unknown he became unstable in the air and was unable to open his parachute.
He subsequently crashed into a tree on a section of cliff.
Members of the Swiss Alpine Club and a medical team from helicopter service Air Glaciers were dispatched in the rescue effort.
With its vertical cliffs, the Lauterbrunnen area attracts base-jumpers from all over the world.
However, the sport – which, unlike sky diving, involves jumping from a fixed point such as a cliff, bridge or building – carries high risks.
More than 35 people have died in Lauterbrunnen as a result of base-jumping accidents.
In March a 35-year-old Swiss woman died at the same spot after experiencing difficulties in the air.
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