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Extreme Sports Star Vincent Reffet Sadly Killed In Training Accident

Extreme Sports Star Vincent Reffet Sadly Killed In Training Accident

The 36-year-old is most well known for the viral video where he flew side-by-side with an Emirates jumbo jet over Dubai.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Touching tributes have already come flooding in for Vincent Reffet, who was killed during a training accident in the UAE on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old Frenchman was widely regarded as one of extreme sport's most legendary characters due to his never-before-seen stunts.

Reffet became known for his flights while using jet engines strapped to his back along with carbon fibre wings.

His most famous move saw him fly side-by-side with an Emirates Airbus A380 double-decker jumbo jet at insane speeds over Dubai.

That video alone has been seen by millions of people online.

Vincent Reffet.
PA
Reffet flies alongside French fighter jets in 2016.
PA

And while further details regarding his death are yet to be released, it's understood he passed away in the desert while training for his next stunt.

The Jetman Dubai team, who Reffet flew for, released a statement following the devastating news.

"Vince was a talented athlete and a much-loved and respected member of our team. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who knew and worked with him," they said.

"We are working closely with all relevant authorities and ask that you please keep Vince's family in your thoughts and prayers."

Reffet was one of the first pilots to fly the revolutionary makeshift jet pack.

It's understood the machinery can reach altitudes of up to 6,100 metres and even has a maximum speed of over 400km/ph - which explains why Reffet was able to keep up with the jumbo jet in that viral video.

He's not just known for flying with wings, though.

Reffet also holds the world record for BASE-jumping after he launched himself off the Burj Khalifa which is the world's tallest building sitting at 828 metres.


Featured Image Credit: YouTube

Topics: Australia