Kirk Hawkins, the 58-year-old co-founder and former CEO of Icon Aircraft, died August 19, 2025, following a wingsuit accident in the Swiss Alps. The former U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot was participating in a helicopter jump near the 13,000-foot peak of the Eiger when he collided with trees and crashed to the ground.
Swiss authorities reported that Hawkins jumped from a helicopter with three other wingsuit divers before attempting to glide along the mountain’s eastern ridge. For unexplained reasons, he lost control and struck several trees west of Schüssellouwinegraben before crashing. Emergency teams, including Rega air rescue and Alpine Rescue Switzerland, responded to the scene, but Hawkins was pronounced dead upon their arrival.
The accident occurred in Grindelwald, a resort village overshadowed by the iconic Eiger peak. Local police confirmed they are investigating the incident, with the Federal Prosecutor’s Office conducting the official inquiry into the crash.
Hawkins’ death was announced by his longtime friend and business partner Steen Strand in an emotional LinkedIn post. Strand described Hawkins as “the most extraordinary person I’ve ever known, or ever will know.” He indicated that Hawkins had started life with nothing and climbed to the top through his achievements at Clemson University, Stanford University, Air Force service flying F-16s, and completing business school at Stanford.
The two entrepreneurs co-founded Icon Aircraft in 2006, developing the amphibious A5 light sport aircraft. Strand noted that Hawkins led the company’s efforts to create what he characterized as the most impressive recreational aircraft in aviation history. The innovative seaplane carried a substantial price tag of approximately $389,000 when it launched.
Hawkins served as CEO of Icon Aircraft from the company’s inception until November 2018, when he was forced out of his leadership role. The company had faced challenges following a fatal accident in 2017 involving former baseball player Roy “Doc” Halladay, who died at age 40 while piloting an Icon A5 aircraft in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida. Hawkins remained with the company for more than a year following that incident before departing.
Icon Aircraft is now owned by the ShangGong Group, a Shanghai-based company that also recently acquired Flight Design. The company continues to manufacture the A5 aircraft that Hawkins helped develop during his tenure.
Strand’s tribute characterized Hawkins as someone who consumed life experiences that most people would never attempt. He described his former partner as exceptionally skilled at assessing risks, likely because he took so many throughout his life. Strand noted that while Hawkins might lead others into challenging situations, he was also the person you would want beside you when circumstances became difficult.
The business partner reflected that Hawkins had become more philosophical and emotional in recent years, consistently working to evolve into an improved version of himself. Strand observed that his friend died as he lived, engaging in thrilling activities he loved, though he expressed regret that the accident occurred decades earlier than it should have.
Hawkins held master’s degrees in both engineering and business from Stanford University, qualifications that contributed to his ability to develop the innovative seaplane technology. His educational background, combined with his military aviation experience, provided the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures in the aviation industry.
The Eiger eastern ridge is recognized as one of the most popular locations for wingsuit flying and base jumping, though the sport carries significantly higher fatality rates compared to traditional forms of skydiving. The mountain’s dramatic terrain attracts adventure sports enthusiasts from around the world, but its challenging conditions have resulted in multiple accidents over the years.
At the time of his death, Hawkins was reportedly involved in developing a new startup venture that Strand indicated was positioned to transform industries once again. The specific details of this new business endeavor were not disclosed in the available reports about his death.
Strand concluded his tribute by referencing a test pilot’s final radio transmission, suggesting that Hawkins likely maintained his characteristic humor even in his final moments, possibly laughing one last time before the fatal impact.