37-Year-Old World Champion Skydiver Pierre Wolnik Dies After Mid-Air Parachute Malfunction

Pierre Wolnik, 37, a two-time French freefly world champion, has died 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 dead 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 “remembered as a teammate whose presence will forever be etched in the memories of those around him.” FFP President Yves-Marie Guillaud added, “The entire sport parachuting community mourns a talented young man with such a friendly smile.”

In November, Wolnik had posted a freefall video on Instagram, captioned, “Flying high, feeling free. Because up there, everything makes sense.”