London 2012 opening ceremony parachutist killed
Quote:
The stuntman who parachuted into the London 2012 opening ceremony as James Bond has been killed in an accident.
Briton Mark Sutton, 41, died during a wing-diving event near Martigny, Switzerland, on Wednesday.
Police said they did not yet know the cause but it is thought Mr Sutton died after crashing into a ridge of rock.
Mr Sutton doubled for Daniel Craig's James Bond as he and another stuntman playing the Queen memorably entered the Olympic Stadium from a helicopter.
Wing-divers wear special suits that are designed to allow them to glide through the air at high speeds, before a parachute is opened for landing.
Mr Sutton, a former army officer, is thought to have dived from a helicopter intending to land at a village just across the border in France.
But reports say the stuntman hit a ridge of rock, suffering fatal injuries. Rescuers believe Mr Sutton died on impact.
The stuntman had been invited to take part in the three-day wing-diving event with 19 other experienced wing-suit pilots.
The accident happened on the first day of the event, which involved the wing-divers being filmed jumping from helicopters.
Police said a formal identification of the body was under way and an investigation had been opened.
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Aw sad :( but he became a legend near the end of his life |
