Wingsuit pioneer Alexander Polli dies after crash in French Alps
BASE jumper, skydiver and wingsuit flying pioneer Alexander Polli died early Monday morning in a wingsuit accident in the French Alps.
Polli hit a tree at 5,000 feet and died on the scene, according to the mountain rescue unit that responded to his accident.
One of the rescue team members said the Couloir de l'Ensa near Chamonix, where Polli was jumping, is known as a dangerous location that is popular with BASE jumpers.
Polli was known to record his most awe-inspiring feats and post them online, but there's probably nothing that trumps a 2013 stunt that saw him fly through the "Batman Cave" -- a small hole in the side of a mountain in Montserrat, Spain -- at 155 mph after jumping from a helicopter.
Seriously, it's worth a watch:
The World Wingsuit League paid tribute in a Facebook post:
We are saddened to report another huge loss to BASE-jumping community. Alexander Polli passed away today in Chamonix, France.
Alex was known for his hard-core proximity lines and that legacy continues to inspire new generations of jumpers for years to come.
Besides jumping, friends from all around the world are going to miss his free-spirit energy and contagious laughter.
We want to wish everyone touched by Alex's life strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
RIP
The iconic extreme sports star, who was both an Italian and Norwegian national, was 31 years old.
