Kiwi wingsuit diver dies in crash in Switzerland

A Kiwi wingsuit pilot died after crashing into a field following a jump from a helicopter over Switzerland's Luetschental Valley.

Dan Vicary, 33, died alongside fellow wingsuit pilot Ludovic Woerth from France Saturday. A third man was seriously injured, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Alongside his wingsuit pursuits Vicary, from Invercargill, was also a professional base jumper and skydiver. He lived in Switzerland with his wife Lisa Hutchins. The couple had recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary.

Vicary had completed more than 450 wingsuit flights, 6000 skydives and 750 base jumps.

He was well-known in the adventure sport world and tributes were being posted on his Facebook page from around the globe.

Jonathan Touchard said losing Vicary was "truly devastating and a big hit in the face".

He said the 33-year-old had an "awesome and positive" personality.

Mark Williams said the 33-year-old was "an inspiration to all who push life's boundaries".

"People like him, that live his dream, should inspire the world to be a better place to live," said Dani Lo.

Mr Vicary visited New Zealand earlier this month, spending time in the South Island filming wingsuit flights.

Around 20 people die every year while attempting to take part in the extreme sport in which participants wear a specialist suit which allows them to glide like a flying squirrel.

--IANS/EFE

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