The young paragliding champion Timo Léonetti, 22, died following an accident that occurred this Thursday during the French championships in his discipline in Passy.
He was transported to Annecy hospital in an absolute emergency on Thursday afternoon, said firefighters from Codis (Fire and Rescue Operational Center) in Haute-Savoie.
Cared for by a medical team, he was in critical condition, the French Free Flight Federation (FFVL) announced on social networks.
“Respected and admired”
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Timo Léonetti, after his accident which tragically occurred on June 13, 2024 during the French paragliding championships in Passy”, said the FFVL on Friday evening on its website.
“His passion and dedication to paragliding was unmatched, and he was respected and admired by his peers for his expertise and sportsmanship,” adds the federation which expresses its “sincere condolences to his family and loved ones at this painful time”.
“This tragic event also reminds us of the primordial importance of safety in the practice of our activities”she continues.
In 2022, the young prodigy from Corsica won the World XContest against more than 23,000 pilots from around the world, recalls the regional daily Corsica-Morning.
He also won the distance record on a triangular course, at 313.6km, and the speed record on a triangular course of 300km.
