We were a group of 4 at the Pierre Avoi. We hiked at a normal pace on a short approach and arrived in good shape. We measured both potential exits, including the one we knew had already been open and which Luc jumped. We all agreed to go on this exit as the numbers were easier (+10m total vertical). It is still a pretty challenging exit with a -20+6m ledge to clear.
He jumped first, after looking down and telling us he felt confident.
Exit happened at 11h30 with perfect weather conditions, without wearing a camera.
Luc experienced a weaker push than usual on a less than forgiving exit.
We heard the impact a couple seconds later. He has most probably hit the first ledge below.
We found his body 200m down the exit.
Luc had 14 years of base-jumping experience, and more than 1200 jumps, he was used to technical exits and mountain access, he opened plenty of them. He was current in jumping, as no real ban was enforced in most of Switzerland, he was keeping the activity low profile though.
He was a kind friend and will deeply missed by the Swiss community. Our thoughts to his family.
Other possible external factors:
-we brought crampons as the snow conditions required them on previous weeks, and we didn’t know what to expect for the north path approach. It might have tightened the suit and reduced his movements capabilities, I remember seeing his suit pockets pretty filled on previous jumps.
https://www.policevalais.ch/…/pierre-avoi-saxon-accident-…/…