TL;DR
Tim Howell, aiming to set a world record for the highest wingsuit flight from Lhotse, was bitten by a venomous snake during preparations. The incident has postponed his attempt, but he plans to return in 2027. The event highlights the unpredictable risks of high-altitude extreme sports.
British wingsuit pilot Tim Howell’s record attempt to fly from the Himalayan peak Lhotse was halted after he was bitten by a venomous snake during a preparatory walk in France. The incident has delayed his historic flight, which was scheduled for 2026, but Howell intends to return in 2027.
Howell, a veteran BASE jumper with over 1,200 jumps worldwide, was preparing for his third attempt to set the highest wingsuit flight record from Lhotse, at approximately 27,230 feet. The attempt aimed to surpass the previous record of 26,864 feet set by Valery Rozov in 2016.
The incident occurred a week before Howell’s departure, while he was in Grenoble, France. He felt a small sting near a bush, initially assuming it was a thorn, but soon experienced swelling of his lips, throat, and fingers. He collapsed and went into anaphylactic shock, requiring helicopter evacuation. Medical tests revealed he had been bitten by an asp viper, a venomous snake, and his allergic reaction was life-threatening. Surgeons removed necrotic flesh from his finger, which is now healing, and Howell is undergoing physical therapy.
Despite the setback, Howell remains committed to his goal. He explained that his previous attempts involved route-finding and waiting for weather windows, with delays caused by storms and other logistical challenges. He plans to attempt the record again in 2027, emphasizing his focus on safety and readiness for the next try.
Why It Matters
This event underscores the unpredictable dangers associated with high-altitude extreme sports, where even routine activities can pose serious risks. Howell’s setback highlights the importance of safety and health in preparing for record-breaking jumps. The incident also draws attention to the inherent risks of the Himalayan environment and the need for meticulous planning and emergency preparedness in such endeavors.
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Background
Howell’s pursuit of the world’s highest wingsuit flight from Lhotse has been ongoing since 2024, with two previous attempts that faced weather delays and logistical hurdles. His goal was to beat the record set by Valery Rozov in 2016. Meanwhile, another British adventurer, Joshua Bregmen, is planning a parachute jump from Everest to set a different altitude record, claiming it to be unbreakable since Everest is the highest point on Earth. Howell’s focus remains on his record, which involves wingsuit flying, a different discipline from Bregmen’s parachuting attempt.
“I can’t walk away from this after all the time and effort we’ve put in. But I will only jump when everything is right; there can be no second-guessing.”
— Tim Howell
“The first attempt was really to find the exit point, and we had to make a new route. The second attempt was delayed by weather, and storms forced us to retreat.”
— Tim Howell
“I plan to return to Lhotse in 2027 and will only do so when I feel fully prepared and safe.”
— Tim Howell
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear when Howell will attempt his record again, as he is still recovering physically and assessing his readiness. The full extent of his injuries and the impact on his training schedule are still being evaluated. Additionally, weather conditions and logistical factors will influence his next attempt.
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What’s Next
Howell is expected to focus on recovery and physical therapy over the coming months. He has expressed his intention to return to Lhotse in 2027 for another attempt. Meanwhile, the Himalayan weather and logistical planning will continue to influence future scheduling. The progress of his recovery and preparations will determine the timing of his next jump.
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Key Questions
Will Tim Howell try again in 2027?
Yes, Howell has stated he plans to return to Lhotse in 2027 for another attempt at setting the highest wingsuit flight record.
What caused Howell’s delay in his record attempt?
He was delayed due to a snakebite from an asp viper, which caused a severe allergic reaction and required emergency medical treatment, postponing his planned jump.
Is the snakebite related to the Himalayan attempt?
No, the snakebite occurred during a routine walk in Grenoble, France, a week before his Himalayan departure. It was unrelated to his high-altitude preparations.
Will Howell’s record be broken by others in the meantime?
While other adventurers like Joshua Bregmen are planning high-altitude jumps, Howell’s record involves wingsuit flying from Lhotse, which remains unbroken for now, especially given his postponement.
