From the jumper who was with Jonny:
We started from the bottom of the valley around 05:30 a.m., and we stopped for a coffee at the refuge around 07:00 a.m. When we got to the exit, after about 1800m of elevation gain, we decided to wait for good conditions. We got ready and loaded some light mountaineering equipment that we were carrying and we jumped around 10:00. The weather conditions were zero wind but when we started to fly on the glacier the Katabatic wind was noticeable. We flew a technical line where I filmed Jonny. The flight had several sharp turns, after one of these turns came a flatter part just at the end of the glacier, in an area with a river and I saw how Jonny hit the ground. I had to continue flying in order to disconnect from the ground and to be able to open. I did not see him again and called the emergency services.
I suppose that the main reason for the accident is flying so close to the ground, but regarding the technical part, I would say that it was not the first time we had flown the glacier, and that is perhaps why we flew closer than other times; that many tight consecutive turns make you lose speed; and that the glacial Katabatic wind sinks you towards the ground, especially I noticed it at the end of the glacier, in the area where the accident occurred.
From other friends:
Jonny was an accomplished alpinist and climber, and loved combining climbing with jumping. He was incredibly motivated and trained hard both in climbing and jumping for his alpine projects. He had excellent ability in flying. However he also had a tendency to go all out and fly right at the limit.
Please note he was born in Israel but his closest friends had explained he had obtained Spanish citizenship and would like him written as Spanish not Israeli.
Jon was a big hearted man who brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around him. He lived at full speed. He was much loved by many and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Can you help us with incident interpretation? We are interested in any details regarding personal experience, gear, weather conditions and any other circumstances related to the incident.
