Frenchman Vince Reffet, who is part of the JetMan team that performed groundbreaking stunts over Dubai with carbon fiber turbojet fenders, died in a training accident on Tuesday, a spokesman said.
Jetman jet pilots completed a series of spectacular flights over the Gulf city, soaring in tandem above the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and alongside the Emirates Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial airliner.
“It is with unimaginable sadness that we announce the passing of jetpack pilot Vincent (Vince) Reffett, who died this morning, November 17, during training in Dubai,” Jetman Dubai spokesman Abdullah Binhabtoor told AFP.
At the age of 36, “Vince was a talented athlete and a very beloved and respected member of our team. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who knew and worked with him. "
An incident with jet pilot Reffet in the desert outside the city is currently under investigation.
“We are working closely with all relevant authorities,” Binhabtoor said.
Reffet's exploits went viral earlier this year, when he filmed from the ground and climbed 1,800 meters (nearly 6,000 feet) above the Dubai waterfront, in a reminiscent of Marvel's Iron Man feat, only for the first time in reality.
The Frenchman hovered five meters above the waters of the Dubai coast, and then soared into the air and swept over the city's skyline.
Prior to this, the pilots took to the air, jumping from high platforms.
The carbon fiber Refet wing is propelled by four mini-jet engines. The equipment, controlled by the movements of the pilot, is capable of speeds up to 400 kilometers per hour.
The Jetman team also includes Frenchman Fred Fugen and Emirati Ahmed Alshehhi.
Last year, Refet and Fugen also flew through the famous Heavenly Gateway in the mountains of China's Hunan province.
PS
The inscription on the wing of Vince Reffett: "Will you marry me?"
Agnes Rodriguez replied: "Yes!"
RIP
- A year ago: First jetpack death
“Unfortunately, we do not choose death for ourselves, but we can meet it with dignity, so that we will be remembered as men.”
- movie "Gladiator"