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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Laura Sharman

Ukrainian skydiver dies in base jump accident after posting about ‘joy of being alive’

A Ukrainian skydiver died during a horror jump accident just days after a touching post about the joys of life.

Maxim Slobodian reportedly passed away aged 31 while skydiving in Switzerland on Sunday.

The sportsman, also known as Maximignite, jumped off the Sputnik launch site above Lake Walenstadt on Saturday, according to local media.

He crashed into natural obstacles and suffered a 300 metre fall shortly after 7pm.

Local media reports first confirmed the tragedy which was later shared on Instagram and TikTok.

It is unclear what caused the accident.

Maxim, who lived in Dubai, had recently travelled to Switzerland to base jump.

The influencer had completed 8,100 jumps according to his Instagram platform where he had 180k followers.

Maxim came into trouble in Walenstadtberg, near the border with Liechtenstein, according to a report by Blick.

Ukrainian professional skydiver Maxim Slobodian (@maximignite/Instagram)
The sportsman reportedly crashed into natural obstacles (@maximignite/Instagram)

The local daily newspaper did not confirm any information regarding his parachute or wing suit.

While other local sources referred to a faulty parachute as the possible cause of the accident.

Air rescue crew rushed to the scene where medics tried desperately to save Maxim's life.

But the base jumper had suffered extensive injuries and died at the scene, according to reports.

Maxim's family are yet to confirm his death and the incident is being investigating by St Gallen's police.

Hours before his death, Maxim had posted a photo of him about to jump off a cliff in Switzerland.

Maxim was reportedly 31 when he died (@maximignite/Instagram)
The professional skydiver suffered a base jump accident (@maximignite/Instagram)

The comment read: "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

Emotional tributes have flooded in for Maxim on social media.

Video producer Ofer Yakov said: "I really wish it wasn't real and I didn't have to say goodbye to you today Max.

"You were always so nice to me and always cared about me, and the last voice massage you sent me will always remain for proof."

TV host and fellow skydiver Aggie Lal commented: "No no no please tell me it’s not true. I don’t want a world without you in it."

YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy said: "My brother, thank you for everything, all the best lessons, all the laughs, all the hardships. I’ll miss you forever."

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