ICON Aircraft Co-Founder Kirk Hawkins Dies in Tragic Wingsuit Crash in Swiss Alps

Kirk Hawkins, co-founder and CEO of ICON Aircraft, has died following a fatal wingsuit accident in the Swiss Alps. The 58-year-old reportedly crashed just west of Schüssellouwinegraben. Swiss police have confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

Hawkins, a former U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot and Stanford graduate, co-founded ICON Aircraft in 2006 alongside his close friend and business partner, Steen Strand. The duo launched the A5 light sport aircraft, which was celebrated for its innovation and accessibility in personal aviation, with a market price of around $389,000 at the time of release.

In a heartfelt tribute posted on LinkedIn, Strand mourned the loss of his longtime friend:

“I have devastating news to share. We lost Kirk, my close friend and partner at ICON Aircraft, to a wingsuit accident in Switzerland. Kirk was the most extraordinary person I’ve ever known, or ever will know.”

Strand praised Hawkins’ fearless spirit, noting his journey from humble beginnings to elite institutions like Clemson, Stanford, and the U.S. Air Force.

“He devoured life experiences most of us would never touch. He was damn good at assessing risks, probably because he took so many. I imagine Kirk, in his final moments, knew what was coming, thought that line, and laughed one last time before the exit.”

Hawkins was widely known for his adventurous nature, visionary leadership, and passion for aviation. His death marks a significant loss in both the tech and aviation communities.