15/08/2013

Olympic 'Bond' Parachutist Killed

The stuntman who famously parachuted into the London 2012 opening ceremony as James Bond has been killed in an accident.

According to numerous sources, 42-year-old Mark Sutton died on Wednesday during a wing-diving event near Martigny in Switzerland.

It is thought Mr Sutton died after he crashed into a ridge of rock.

Sutton and another parachutist is understood to have dived from a helicopter flying at around 10,826ft (3,300m) at around 11am yesterday and had planned to land close to the hamlet of Le Peuty, near Trient.

Police have said the reason for the crash is unclear, but it is thought the former army officer hit a ridge of rock, suffering fatal injuries.

Rescuers believe he died on impact.

Sutton was in Switzerland taking part in a three-day wing-diving event with 19 other experienced wing-suit pilots. The accident happened on the first day of the event.

The police statement added that they were in the region as guests of a company that makes extreme sport films for the internet.

In a statement, police said a formal identification of the body would be carried out an investigation was under way.

Mr Sutton doubled for Daniel Craig's James Bond in the London 2012 opening ceremony alongside another stuntman, Gary Connery, who played the Queen memorably entering the Olympic Stadium from a helicopter.

Yesterday, Mr Connery posted a tweet saying: "All you jumpers/flyers out there, stay safe, make wise choices and know your limits and your locations live to tell your stories one love."

(JP/CD)

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