Mark Sutton dead: Olympic Bond parachutist killed in accident

Mark Sutton, the stuntman who parachuted into the London 2012 opening ceremony as James Bond, has been killed in an accident.

Mark Sutton, 42, died during a wing-diving event near Martigny, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

Police said they did not yet know the cause but it is thought Mark Sutton died after crashing into a ridge of rock.

Mark Sutton doubled for Daniel Craig’s James Bond as he and another stuntman playing the Queen memorably entered the Olympic Stadium from a helicopter.

Wing-divers wear special suits that are designed to allow them to glide through the air at high speeds, before a parachute is opened for landing.

Mark Sutton, a former army officer, is thought to have dived from a helicopter flying at 3,300 m (10,826 ft) intending to land at a village just across the border in France.

But reports say the stuntman hit a ridge of rock, suffering fatal injuries. Rescuers believe Mark Sutton died on impact.

The stuntman had been invited to take part in the three-day wing-diving event with 19 other experienced wing-suit pilots.

The accident happened on the first day of the event, which involved the wing-divers being filmed jumping from helicopters.

Police said a formal identification of the body was under way and an investigation had been opened.

Gary Connery, the stuntman who played the Queen during the Olympic ceremony, tweeted what appeared to be a grieving message following his friend’s death.

He wrote: “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.”