We took the swiss post bus at 9:00am and then went for a relaxed hike with breaks until the exit point.
We geared up without any stress the conditions were perfect. We talked about various things, and just before the jump I told him that we were going to do the same thing we had done from this same spot about two weeks earlier,that is head to the right, make a half loop toward the chimney, and finish with an opening above the road. He agreed with that plan and started the countdown.
I jumped one second after him and I was able to catch him up with my atc beside him while keeping an eye on him. I saw that,he kept flying straight ahead in order to pass over to the other side of the ridge above the factory. I thought he was going to try to make the crossing. He seemed very low to me to attempt that, I had to leave the terrain to the left side and return to the valley.
I thought he had managed to get across anyway When I arrived on the other side, I did not see him at the landing area normally used after crossing the plateau. I immediately thought that an emergency situation might have occurred, because I remembered seeing him very low when he decided to continue with the crossing. I therefore called the emergency services right away.
I have a hard time understanding why he changed our plan, especially since it was the first time he had tried to go to the other side. The main lesson to take away is that when you have a project or objective in mind, you should train gradually and extensively, and talk with your fellow jumpers about what you intend to do.
Leo was a calm and caring person who no one in the local community will forget.
https://www.policevalais.ch/communiques-pour-les-medias/vouvry-accident-mortel-en-wingsuit/
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.
