37-Year-Old World Champion Skydiver Pierre WolnikΒ D+es After Mid-Air Parachute Malfunction
Pierre Wolnik, 37, a two-time French freefly world champion, has d+ed after his parachute failed to open during a freefall jump over the Mont Blanc massif in southeastern France on Saturday, February 7.
His body was discovered in Les Bossons, Chamonix valley, and first responders pronounced him d+ad at the scene. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Wolnik, a member of the French team for the 2026 FAI World Championships, was also a videographer for the Fédération Française de Parachutisme (FPF), documenting and sharing his daring stunts on social media.
The FPF said he would be βremembered as a teammate whose presence will forever be etched in the memories of those around him.β FFP President Yves-Marie Guillaud added, βThe entire sport parachuting community mourns a talented young man with such a friendly smile.β
In November, Wolnik had posted a freefall video on Instagram, captioned, βFlying high, feeling free. Because up there, everything makes sense.β
