Loic Jean-Albert injured in New Zealand crash

From - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10483462

World champion skydiver crashes in Wanaka
8:13AM Thursday December 20, 2007

World champion skydiver Loic Jean-Albert is recovering in Dunedin Hospital after crashing during a flight in Wanaka on Tuesday.

Frenchman Jean-Albert, 30, crashed near the Treble Cone ski area during a speed flight in preparation for the inaugural New Zealand Air Games, to be held in Wanaka next week, the Southland Times reported.

Speed riding involves pilots travelling low to the ground while completing a slalom course.

The star skydiver only arrived in New Zealand from Europe two days before the crash.

He was able to continue flying and landed at the bottom of the hill where he was treated by St John Ambulance staff.

He was taken to Dunedin Hospital with suspected pelvic injuries, and today remained in a stable condition in a general ward.

Jean-Albert is described in New Zealand Air Games publicity as skydiving's biggest star.

He is the current world champion and was named skydiver of the decade, having completed more than 11,000 jumps.

Jean-Albert is also the designer of a wingsuit marketed under the label Fly Your Body. Wingsuit flying is the practice of gliding wearing only a special jumpsuit.

- NZPA

From - http://www.stuff.co.nz/4330131a11.html

Skydiver star injured in crash near Wanaka
By DAVID WILLIAMS - The Press | Thursday, 20 December 2007

World champion skydiver Loic Jean-Albert has been injured in a paraglider crash near Wanaka.

The 30-year-old Frenchman crashed near the Treble Cone ski area access road on Tuesday night during a speed-riding flight ahead of the inaugural New Zealand Air Games in Wanaka next week.

Speed riding involves pilots travelling low to the ground while completing a slalom course.

The star skydiver, who only arrived in New Zealand from Europe two days before the crash, continued flying and landed at the bottom of the hill where he was treated by St John Ambulance staff.

St John Ambulance communications in Christchurch said the sportsman was taken by helicopter to Dunedin Hospital where he was being assessed for possible pelvic injuries.

Dunedin Hospital duty co-ordinator Wayne McLachlan said Jean-Albert was now in a stable condition in a general ward. He could not comment on the injuries the skydiver sustained or when he was likely to be discharged.

Jean-Albert is described in New Zealand Air Games publicity as skydiving's biggest star.

He is the current world champion and was named skydiver of the decade, having completed more than 11,000 jumps.

Games spokeswoman Victoria Murray-Orr said the Frenchman would miss next week's event and she was unsure whether he would remain in New Zealand or be sent home for treatment.

"In all extreme sports there's an element of risk and, unfortunately for Loic, the odds were against him," she said.

"Thank goodness the injuries are not life-threatening."

 

Loic is in NZ for the Air Sports LIVE event - http://www.airsportslive.com

The Speed Flying filming for the event at the end of December is taking place this week from the 18th at Glentanner near Mount Cook
But from what I understand the accident was not connected with the event.

from Paul Coplands post on Paragliding forum - http://www.paraglidingforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=15769

As I understand it Loic was foot lauching at Pub Corner on the Treble Cone access road. This was prior to the event at Mt Cook (crap weather unfortunately) and not connected with airsports live. Apparently he clipped the ground at very high speed and was thrown into the risers/lines but managed to untangle himself and land at the LZ. Early reports of a pelvic fracture seem to be incorrect and unfortunately he has instead suffered a compound fracture in his back. Today he was transferred from Dunedin to New Zealands specialist spinal care unit in Christchurch.

Everyone at Speed-Flying.com wish him a SPEED-Y recovery...