Perth wingsuit flyer dies in Alps
A 26-year-old Australian wingsuit pilot who died after hitting a mountain side in the Swiss Alps this week has been identified as Alex Duncan.
Mr Duncan, who is originally from Manly in New South Wales but is understood to have worked and lived in WA in recent years, died on Tuesday in the rugged region on Valais.
In an online video Mr Duncan said he had relocated to Chamonix in France and was flying with Turbolenza, an Italian actions sports company.
Turbolenza said Mr Duncan had “a heart full of passion for flying”.
“A soul full of light and courage. Thank you for being so inspiring Alex Duncan. We will miss you,” they wrote in a moving tribute.
Over the past week photos of Mr Duncan jumping in France have spread throughout the respective online communities, “causing awe and inspiration”.
The ProBASE Worldcup posted their condolences to Mr Duncan and warned jumpers to be safe.
“Now Alex is gone, another up and coming Superhero of the community has left us way too early,” they wrote.
“Our deepest condolences go out to friends and family. To everyone who is still around, DON’T BE NEXT!!,” the post ended.
The World Wingsuit League also wrote about the 26-year-old’s death.
“Just recently, Alex had entered the international wingsuit scene by publishing videos featuring his hard-core proximity flying. Today he is gone…” they wrote.
Mr Duncan worked for Perth-based company Vertech, who supply specialist rope access, inspection and maintenance to the oil and gas sector.
A spokeswoman for the company declined to comment today.
