British base jumper dies after losing control of wingsuit in Italian mountains

Jean Andre Quemener, 32, was killed after leaping from a 2,950-metre peak in the Dolomites

A British man has died while base jumping in Italy's Dolomites mountains (AFP/Getty Images)

A British base jumper has died in Italy after reportedly losing control of his wingsuit and crashing into a mountain.

Jean Andre Quemener, 32, was killed after leaping from a 2,950-metre peak in the Dolomites range according to The Sun.

He is said to have struck a rock face during high winds before falling more than 200 metres into a ravine near the resort of Canazei, north of Venice.

Mr Quemener, from Jersey, and a friend reportedly decided to jump from Saas Pordoi mountain while camping in the region.

“She came down OK and then he went for it but the wind was too strong and it sent him careering into the side of the mountain,” a witness said.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in Canazei, Italy, and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Base jumping is one of the world’s most dangerous recreational activities, with one study putting the rate of fatality or injury up to eight times higher than skydiving.

Last year, base jumper Robert Haggarty, from Andover, Hampshire, died in the Dolomites after launching himself from the Castelletto Della Busazza mountain.

The 47-year-old, who had previously completed 500 jumps, suffered multiple injuries when he failed to clear a cliff ledge.