World champion skydiver Pierre Wolnik has died after a parachute malfunction during a jump over a mountain. He was 37.
Wolnik, a wingsuit skydiver and two-time French freefly world champion, jumped from a helicopter for a freefall in the Mont Blanc massif, a mountain range in the French Alps, on Saturday, February 7, according to French outlets Le Figaro, TF1 Info and Le Dauphiné Libéré.
Wolnik’s parachute failed to open when he approached the ground, which resulted in his death, the outlets reported.
The skydiver’s body was found in the village of Les Bossons, in the Chamonix valley. First responders declared him dead at the scene, Le Figaro reported.
An investigation into Wolnik’s death is ongoing.
The Fédération Française de Parachutisme (FPF), which Wolnik worked for as a videographer, wrote that the athlete would be “remembered as a teammate whose presence will forever be etched in the memories of those around him,” according to a translated statement shared by People.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pierre Wolnik, which occurred on Saturday, February 7th,” the statement read. “Pierre leaves behind the memory of a teammate whose presence will forever be felt. Today, the entire sport parachuting community mourns and pays tribute to a young man renowned for his talent and his exceptional character. On behalf of the entire Federation, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, teammates, coach, and the members of the French national teams who had the privilege of knowing him.”
FFP President Yves-Marie Guillaud also paid tribute to Wolnik in a separate statement.
“The entire sport parachuting community mourns a talented young man with such a friendly smile,” Guillaud wrote via Facebook, according to Le Parisien. “May the memory of this exceptional parachutist fill our hearts.”
Wolnik was a member of the French team for the 2026 FAI World Championships. He was crowned wingsuit world champion in both 2022 and 2024 and was widely expected to take the title again later this year.
Wingsuit flying is a form of high-speed skydiving where pilots wear a specialized, webbed suit to give them lift and help them glide horizontally at speeds near 200 mph.
Wolnik was also a “tunnel coach for passionate flyers,” according to his Instagram page, where he has more than 6,000 followers as of publication.
Wolnik often shared videos and photos of his training via social media. In his final post on January 20, Wolnik shared a clip of himself inside a wind tunnel with three other people.
“Nothing beats winter four-way training at home,” he captioned the post.
Wolnik has also shared footage of his freefalls, including a jump in November 2025.
“Flying high, feeling free 🪽. Good vibes, good crew — smiles don’t lie 🤘🏼. Because up there, everything makes sense,” he wrote in the caption.
Fan tributes to the extreme sports star poured in on his latest posts.
“Rest in peace champion 🕊️,” one user commented, while another person added, “Fly free 🕊.”
“Condolences to his family!!” a third user wrote.
