TL;DR
Tim Howell, aiming to set a world record for the highest wingsuit flight from Lhotse, was bitten by a venomous snake during a preparatory walk in France. The injury has delayed his expedition. The incident highlights the risks involved in extreme altitude jumps.
British wingsuit pilot Tim Howell has postponed his record-breaking flight from the Himalayan peak Lhotse after being bitten by a venomous snake during a routine walk in France, forcing a delay in his planned expedition. The incident has temporarily halted his efforts to set the world’s highest wingsuit record, which was scheduled for 2026.
Tim Howell, a veteran wingsuit and BASE jumper with over 1,200 jumps globally, was preparing for his third attempt to jump from approximately 27,230 feet on Lhotse, aiming to surpass the current record set by Valery Rozov in 2016. The attempt involves launching from a ridge near the summit of the fourth-highest Himalayan peak, known as the ‘Other Everest.’
While in Grenoble, France, Howell was on a short walk when he felt a tiny sting in his finger, initially mistaken for a thorn prick. Within ten minutes, he experienced swelling in his lips, throat, and fingers, leading to anaphylactic shock. He was evacuated by helicopter and spent five days in ICU, where doctors confirmed he was bitten by an asp viper, a venomous snake. Howell’s allergic reaction was severe enough to threaten his life, and he required flesh removal from his finger due to necrosis. He is now undergoing physical therapy to regain full use of the finger.
Despite the setback, Howell remains committed to his goal. He stated that he will return to Lhotse in 2027 to attempt the record again. His previous attempts in 2024 and 2025 were thwarted by weather conditions; the first attempt involved establishing a suitable exit point, and the second was delayed by a storm. Meanwhile, another British adventurer, Joshua Bregmen, plans to attempt a different high-altitude record by parachuting from Everest, which Howell clarified does not threaten his own wingsuit record.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores the unpredictable dangers faced by extreme altitude jumpers, including natural hazards like venomous bites. Howell’s delay emphasizes the challenges in pursuing record-breaking feats in remote and high-risk environments. The event also draws attention to the risks inherent in high-altitude adventure sports, potentially influencing future safety protocols and expedition planning.
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Background
Tim Howell’s efforts to set a wingsuit record from Lhotse have been ongoing since 2024, with previous attempts delayed by weather. The record would surpass Rozov’s 2016 jump from Cho Oyu at 26,864 feet. The Himalayas have become a focal point for extreme sports records, but the region’s unpredictable weather and natural hazards continue to pose significant risks. Howell’s planned 2026 attempt was highly anticipated, given his experience and previous near-successes.
“We have now put so much time and effort into this that I can’t walk away from it. At the same time, I’m only going to jump when everything is right; there can be no second-guessing.”
— Tim Howell
“The first attempt was really to find the exit point, as we had to make a new route to the location suitable to jump from. On the second attempt, weather forced us to retreat.”
— Tim Howell
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear when Howell will be able to resume his attempt, as he is still recovering from his injury. The exact timeline for his return to high-altitude training and the conditions of his future expeditions are not yet confirmed. Additionally, the impact of this incident on his overall record pursuit remains to be seen.
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What’s Next
Howell plans to return to Lhotse in 2027 for a new attempt, pending recovery. Meanwhile, his team will assess safety protocols and weather conditions for future expeditions. The progress of other record attempts, such as Bregmen’s Everest parachute jump, will also be monitored.
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Key Questions
Will Tim Howell attempt the record again?
Yes, Howell has stated he intends to return to Lhotse in 2027 to attempt the record again, once fully recovered.
How serious was Howell’s snakebite injury?
He was bitten by an asp viper, which caused severe swelling, anaphylactic shock, and necrosis in his finger. He required ICU treatment and flesh removal but is now recovering.
Does the snakebite affect Howell’s overall record attempt?
It has delayed his plans, but Howell remains committed to resuming his attempt in 2027. The injury does not permanently prevent him from future jumps.
Are other high-altitude record attempts happening concurrently?
Yes, British adventurer Joshua Bregmen is planning a parachute jump from Everest, but Howell clarified his own wingsuit record is not threatened by Bregmen’s attempt.
