Base jumper Mark Andrews plunged more than 400 metres to his death after leaping off the side of a mountain.
Mr Andrews, 65, from Cornwall, was killed instantly.
It is not known why his parachute did not open.
He was also wearing a wing suit.
The retired engineer was jumping at Paganella in the Italian Dolomites.
Over the years he had completed more than 600 jumps without mishap.
The Mail Online reported a friend:
“Mark came to base jumping quite late.
“He’s only been doing it since 2014 but he packed a lot into those nine years.
“He was fearless and will be missed.
“He was a regular in Italy at various base-jumping events but had also base-jumped all over the world off bridges and skyscrapers.”
Another base jumper said:
“It’s not a straightforward descent at Paganella, there are rock and tree ledges for the first 400 metres before it then hits 1,500 metres straight down.
“You have to be careful with the wind as well and that’s why only experienced professionals jump from that point with others heading to another location about 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) away at Mt Brenta.”
Base jumping is recognised as one of the most dangerous extreme sports.
More than 300 jumpers have been killed.
