Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

British base jumper dies after losing control of wingsuit in Italian mountains

Jean Andre Quemener, 32, was killed after leaping from a 2,950-metre peak in the Dolomites

Chris Baynes
Tuesday 11 June 2019 08:59 BST
Comments
A British man has died while base jumping in Italy's Dolomites mountains
A British man has died while base jumping in Italy's Dolomites mountains (AFP/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A British base jumper has died in Italy after reportedly losing control of his wingsuit and crashing into a mountain.

Jean Andre Quemener, 32, was killed after leaping from a 2,950-metre peak in the Dolomites range according to The Sun.

He is said to have struck a rock face during high winds before falling more than 200 metres into a ravine near the resort of Canazei, north of Venice.

Mr Quemener, from Jersey, and a friend reportedly decided to jump from Saas Pordoi mountain while camping in the region.

“She came down OK and then he went for it but the wind was too strong and it sent him careering into the side of the mountain,” a witness said.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in Canazei, Italy, and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Base jumping is one of the world’s most dangerous recreational activities, with one study putting the rate of fatality or injury up to eight times higher than skydiving.

Last year, base jumper Robert Haggarty, from Andover, Hampshire, died in the Dolomites after launching himself from the Castelletto Della Busazza mountain.

The 47-year-old, who had previously completed 500 jumps, suffered multiple injuries when he failed to clear a cliff ledge.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in