A French stuntman has fallen nealry 100ft to his death while preparing to undertake a treacherous tightrope walk between two hot air balloons.
Tancrede Melet, a skyliner, BASE jumper and wingsuiter, fell accidently while taking part in an artistic project while preparing for the tricky stunt in Drome, southern France on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old was on the ground holding a hot air balloon when the craft whisked him into the air and took off, causing him to fall 30 metres (98 feet) to the ground after being suspended at arm’s length from the basket, according to sports team the Flying Frenchies.
Mr Melet was well-known for his death-defying sports stunts around the world and had featured in adverts, videos and live shows.
Born in Meurthe-et-Moselle, eastern France, Mr Melet was part of the Flying Frenchies, an extreme sports group known for turning their dangerous escapades into art forms. In one video the group form a jazz band, performing while dangling from ropes over a gorge near Chamonix.
A statement from the Flying Frenchies on Wednesday said: “Tancred Melet, an amazing lover of life, surprised us yesterday morning in leaving us too fast.
“He leaves behind wonderful memories, a taste of freedom and a head full of dreams.
“Tancred was a world reference in the midst of extreme sports. He was part of the best in BASE jump, highline, wingsuit and other water sports. He was also a climber and a high level sportsman.
“He and his friends were seen as the pioneers of the Skyline (Highline in high altitude).”
Tributes have flooded in for the stuntman online.
Mr Melet leaves behind his partner Tiphaine Breillot and a young daughter.
