Maxim Slobodian dead – Base jumper dies at 31 in stunt gone wrong a day after haunting post about ‘joy of being alive’

Ukrainian professional skydiver Maxim Slobodian has died following a base jump accident in Switzerland, age 31. Maxim jumped off the Sputnik launch site above Lake Walenstadt before crashing into natural obstacles, precipitating a 300-metre fall on Saturday shortly after 7pm. Instagram/@greenflyingdude/Maxim posted this photo hours before his fatal accident[/caption] Instagram/@maximignite/Known as Maxim Ignite, the base jumper travelled the world to pursue his passion[/caption] Known as Maxim Ignite on TikTok and Instagram, Maxim had done 8,100 jumps, according to his biography on Instagram – a platform on which he had 180K followers. According to a report in the Swiss German-language daily newspaper Blick, the accident took place in Walenstadtberg, in the canton of St Gallen, not far from the border with Liechtenstein. It is unclear what cause the accident. The local newspaper’s report does not include any information regarding his wing suit or his parachute, but other local sources have suggested a faulty parachute may have been the cause of the accident. READ MORE IN WORLD NEWS DEATH RIDDLE Five mysteries in case of teen, 18, last seen in haunting Death Road photo 'STARVED TO DEATH' Chilling new details as girl dies & siblings found in 'house of horrors' A private air-rescue service, Rega, rushed to the scene, where medics attempted to save the sportsman who suffered extensive injuries. Blick reported an on-site doctor confirmed Maxim’s death at the scene. St. Gallen’s police is investigating the incident. His death came hours after the extreme sports fan had posted a photo of him about to jump off a cliff in Switzerland, under which he had written: “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”. Maxim’s representatives and family are yet to confirm his death. Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the base jumper. Video producer Ofer Yakov took to Instagram to share his condolences: “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 (sic) you sent me will always remain for proof.” Most read in News SCHOOL'S OUT Full list of school closures as Brits told to stay at home in heatwave HEATWAVE TRAGEDY Man in 70s becomes latest to drown in heatwave, bringing total dead to 12 BOILING POINT Sun sets on 38.1C sizzler - but Brits face ANOTHER scorcher today KILLER DAD Dad GUILTY of murdering daughter, 19, by running her over twice in rage LAST CALL Dad's chilling FaceTime before shooting dead wife and daughters, 2 and 4 SKY'S THE LIMIT TV debate AXED as Rishi & Truss pull out… and one runner faces chop tonight On Instagram, Aggie shared his condolence: “No no no please tell me it’s not true!!! I don’t want a world without you in it”. Sammcglone said: “Lost for words brother! Rip.” Another fan, commented: “Fly free brother. Thank for you some of the best moments of my life ”. Liverichmedia also paid tribute to the athlete: “The nicest guy and brother I knew. Did what he loved, and always pushed the envelope. Read More on The Sun KEEPING COOL Woman shares easy hack to cool your house during the heatwave DRESS DISASTER My wedding dress cost £3k & I hated it - I cried so hard my lashes fell off “You will always have a place in our hearts brother. There is only one of you! Love you brother. Rest In Peace and now fly forever.” Maxim was popular on TikTok, where his daring videos earned him over 260K followers. Instagram/@maximignite/Maxim said he felt as comfortable in the air as he did on the ground[/caption] Instagram/@maximignite/Maxim’s experience spanned over 8,000 jumps[/caption]