Police are investigating how 24-year-old Brit Liam Byrne was killed in a ‘wingsuit’ flight after he crashed into a Swissmountain.

The British champion had successfully completed one jump - from a site named ‘The Dumpster’ - but had returned for a second when the tragedy happened. It’s the second recent fatal accident involving Brits and skydivingpursuits after two parachutists died in Devonearlier this month when their chute failed to open.

Liam's parents, Mike and Gillian, released a family statement which said: 'We would like to remember Liam not just for the way he left this world, but for how he lived in it. Liam was fearless, not necessarily because he wasn't afraid but because he refused to let fear hold him back. He chased life in a way that most of us only dream of and he soared. Skydiving and base jumping was more than just a thrill for Liam - it was freedom. It was where he felt most alive.'

Scottish wingsuit flyer Liam Byrne

The latest tragedy took place in Switzerland when the man lost control and smashed into a cliff at 6,500 feet on Saturday and emergency services later recovered his body.

The family statement added: 'Liam was more than just an adventurer. He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend. He was a source of laughter and strength. He inspired all of us and made life better with his bold spirit and kind heart. We will miss Liam's wild energy and contagious laugh. Though he has now flown beyond our reach, he will always be with us.'

Liam was from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. A Police spokesman said: 'On Saturday three wingsuit flyers launched a jump from Mount Gitschen at around 2,400 metres above sea level in the direction of Seedorf. One of the jumpers, a 24-year-old man from the United Kingdom, deviated from the planned course shortly after take-off for reasons that are still unclear and crashed into a rocky outcrop at approximately 2,100 metres above sea level. He sustained fatal injuries.'

The flyer had previously climbed to the jump site nicknamed 'The Dumpster' above the village of Stechelberg The case is being investigated as part of a formal criminal inquiry, now under the leadership of the Swiss Federal Prosecutor’s Office.

Police and forensics teams near Dunkeswell Airfield (

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The Public Prosecutor’s Office of the town of Uri is also assisting in the investigation. Wingsuit flying is a form of extreme sport related to BASE jumping. Participants use a winged jumpsuit, with fabric between the arms and legs, allowing for controlled gliding during freefall. A parachute is usually deployed toward the end of the flight for landing.

Police and forensics teams near Dunkeswell Airfield (

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Earlier this month Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, Dorset and Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, Devon both died following a parachuting tragedy on Friday, June 13. According to Belinda's boyfriend, Scott Armstrong, the pair's parachute failed mid-air as they came plummeting 15,000ft to the ground.

Mother-of-four Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, Devon, (

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Skydive Buzz, which operates from Dunkeswell Airfield where the tragedy happened, said the incident is now being investigated and that safety is its top priority. A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: 'We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event.' The statement added: 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident.'