An investigation into the death of a Scots wingsuit flyer who died during a jump in the Swiss Alps has been discontinued. Liam Byrne, 24, from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, suffered fatal injuries when he collided with the Gitschen mountain after taking off from 7,784ft (2,400m) in June 2024.
Investigation discontinued
New documents from the Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office show it was decided to discontinue proceedings, according to the BBC. The report on the decision said the first two wingsuit jumpers in the party landed without incident, but Byrne collided with the mountainside and suffered fatal injuries.
The report said proceedings would be discontinued if there was insufficient evidence of any criminal suspicion, such as knowingly placing life in danger. It stated: "The fatal crash was, with a high degree of probability, attributable to a situation from which there was no escape, resulting from insufficient lift and the low altitude above the ground."
No criminal acts found
The report added: "There are no indications in the present case of any criminal acts by third parties that contributed to the crash, or of a pre-existing technical defect in the equipment used that contributed to the crash. The proceedings are therefore discontinued."
Byrne was described as a very experienced wingsuit flyer, having completed hundreds of jumps. He was one of three flyers who took off from Mount Gitschen at around 2,400 metres above sea level. Police in Switzerland confirmed that Byrne veered off course and crashed into a rocky outcrop.
Documentary and family tribute
Byrne starred in the BBC documentary The Boy Who Can Fly, which aired in November 2024. At the time, he said: "I think I was about 13 when I first said to my dad I wanted to learn how to fly like a bird. Even at school, I would stare out the window at seagulls with a sense of envy that they could just take off and fly away."
It is understood Byrne had completed one jump from a launch site known as 'The Dumpster' but disaster struck when he returned for a second leap. A family statement read: "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."
The statement continued: "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."
