Another terrible loss

[d-dog]

I stepped off the plane last night full of amazing memories from the trip, only to be told of another horrible loss for our sport. Lukas Knutsson has passed during a wingsuit jump in Switzerland.

I am just too stunned to have much to say right now. The days that Tom and I just spend jumping with Lukas and his friends this week were truly some of the most wonderful of my entire life. So much life, so much happiness. . .

Others I am sure will post more technical details (I have received confirmation that an incident report will be posted when time allows by those there during the incident). I hope that I can sometime soon post something to honor my friend in some small way. He was a beautiful person, in the short time I knew him, and I looked forward to many more jumps in the years ahead with him. It would have been far more "fair" for me to go in than it is for a safe, current, and extremely technically knowledgeable and experienced jumper like Lukas. . . but where is "fair" in such losses?

The ground rose up to take him in her arms, as it does for all of us in time. I send my deepest condolences to his wife and children, the rest of his family, his loved ones, and his many friends around the world.

Be at peace, "Cold Steel." May there be many beautiful jumps, good friends, and treasured family in your new place.

Douglas B. Spink
doug@wrinko.com
www.wrinko.com

[Karin]

I heard the news yesterday and have had a knot in my stomach ever since. Lukas was an instantly likeable guy, with a razor-sharp wit and a warm welcoming smile that shone like a beacon. He was one of the most safety-minded jumpers one would ever come across, and had an insatiable intellect for improvements in gear and concepts of how to stay alive in BASE. Lukas laughed at being called the “Grandfather of Swedish BASE”, but indeed, his influence and spirit will be missed and remembered for ages.

The bitter irony for Dwain and I is that 4 months ago we had to choose between a trip in August (with the Portland crew) or in October with Lukas…

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children, who were the unequalled lights of his life, and with Per, Magnus, Micke and all the other Swedes. Peace and strength be with you.

Valhalla has gained another warrior.

[VRANK]

Lukas,
You will be missed,dearly missed.One day whenever it may be,whereever it may be, we will meet again.
For now my thoughts are with you.Respect to you my friend. VRANK

[ken]

:-(

[imported_mknutson]

Who has details?

Where did this happen? In the valley?
Please send me full details ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This makes #13 for the year.

[Micke N]

I think PerFlare will post details soon. It's been a hard couple of days for him, give him some time to pull himself together, then I'm sure he will explain what happend.

Per and Lukas was jumping a new site at Engelberg, close to Lauterbrunnen.

[Iiro]

Very sad news. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

[Frog]

I haven't any words...
My deepest condoleances to his family and his friends.
Goodbye Lukas, fly high!!!

[Nigel]

This really is a sad day.

I took Lukus on his first BASE jump almost 20 years ago when he was a college student in the UK. He was an exceptional individual in every way.

Back then I never imagined the price I'd be paying for the pleasure of BASE jumping. The price of losing so many friends I made along the way.

My condolences to his wife and family.

"...he spread his wings and he flew..."

So long Lukas

[imported_Tom Aiello]

Nothing is harder than losing Cold Steel.

I am at a loss for words.

If anyone knows which exit point he was jumping, I would appreciate the information.

If it was the Teddyland exit, I suggest that we re-christen it "Cold Steel." Your thoughts, Doug?

I'll write more later.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[d-dog]

I'm all for it, Tom. "Cold Steel" it is.

Peace,

D-d0g
ddog@wrinko.com
www.wrinko.com

[Faber]

Just realest from hospital(after 14 days for a open broke legafter a hard landing on my local A).Reading this make me so sad.

Lukas i did never talk to you but your movis opend the world of BASE for me.

Peace Bro!!!

[guest]

In the realm of atmospheric sport, BASE jumping is a singular craft mis-read by outsiders and not yet completely understood by most of it's participants.

It is only sport to those capable of seeing speed in the darkness. The ones bold enough to lay it all on string, rag, and savvy. Yet, what lets us abandon firm purchase so readily?

BASE jumping is complex.

Alf Humphries, after his first really low jump from a bridge said, "What am I doing? I have a life and a family to think about."

"Yes," his BASE jumping buddies answered, "but now you have five BASE jumps where before you only had four."

BASE jumping is simple.

C-ya sometime again, sweet dreams Lukas . . .

Nick
BASE 194
:P

[PerFlare]

I was with Lukas on his last day in this world. I'm working on some practical things and my personal opinion is that Lukas wife, his two kids and the rest of his family must get help and information first. I will post a report of the accident in a while.

Thank you for understanding.

PerFlare
Member Team Bautasten


Master Lukas
http://www.linetwist.net/small/norway1/lukas.jpg

[patrik]

Lukas you will always be the 'fastest motherfucker in the valley'

purjo
Member Team Bautasten