French stuntman dies in Dubai in training accident

A 36-year-old French stuntman, Vincent Reffet, who was a member of the Jetman Dubai outfit, died during a training accident in the emirate on the morning of Tuesday, November 17.

“It is with unimaginable sadness that we announce the passing of Jetman pilot, Vincent (Vince) Reffet, who died this morning, during training in Dubai,” said Jetman Dubai in a message posted on their Instagram.

“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.”

 

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“We are working closely all relevant authorities and ask that you please keep Vince’s family in your thoughts and prayers,” added the statement without giving any further details of the nature of the accident.

Reffet, a well-known figure in the UAE, had BASE jumped from the Burj Khalifa in 2014 and had even flown alongside an Emirates Airbus A380 in Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also took to Instagram to condole his death and posted an image of him alongside Vince.

Jetman Dubai athletes fly with a four-engine, carbon-Kevlar wing strapped to their backs. They can reach speeds of upto 400kph and can reach an altitude of 20,000ft with their jetpacks.