Jhonathan Florez World record BASE jumper dies 'during parachute exercises

[airdog07]

Jhonathan Florez dead: World record BASE jumper dies 'during parachute exercises while preparing for China tournament'

• 15:58, 4 July 2015
• ByJohn Shammas

The extreme sports star held four world records, with fans taking to social media to express their sadness




'A wonderful human being': BASE jumper Jhonathan Florez died during practice yesterdayA world record-holding BASE jumper has died during parachute exercises in preparation for an extreme sports tournament.
Jhonathan Florez was killed on Friday after an accident in Mount Titlis, Engelberg, Switzerland, according to reports.
The 32-year-old, known affectionately by fans as 'The Birdman', was preparing to compete in a sports event in China when the accident happened.
He was practising with two colleagues, who each landed safely.
Posting on Facebook, close friend and fellow BASE jumper Jeb Corliss said: "Jhonathan Florez was not only a good friend he was also a wonderful human being.



Thrill seeker: Jhonathan Florez died 'turning his dreams into realities' "His dream was to become one of the greatest wing-suit pilots in the world and he accomplished this.
"Few people have packed in more living in a shorter period of time than this man. The human race has suffered a massive loss today.
"Jhonathan died standing on his feet like a man fighting to turn his dreams into realities."
Florez, who held four world records, tweeted an image of himself parachuting yesterday just hours before his death.



His manager Peter Tosin confirmed the death after reports emerged in his native Columbia.

Heartbroken fans, writing on Twitter, mourned the loss of one of their favourite atheletes.
Pascal Mugnier wrote: "That is so sad... Can't believe it."



Fan favourite: The star became known as 'The Birdman' Danni Prévot said: "Very sad news today. I can't hardly beleave it. RIP Jonathan."
Filippo Avesani added: "So sad. Fly free Jhonathan."
Despite being a renowned BASE jumper, he admitted in an interview in August last year: "After 4,000 or 5,000 jumps, I still feel fear."