Tightrope walker falls 65ft to his death while preparing stunt

A French daredevil has died after falling 65ft to his death from a hot air balloon.

Tancrède Melet was preparing a tightrope walk between two hot air balloons in Drome, south-eastern France, when he fell on Tuesday.

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According to The Guardian, the 32-year-old who is an experienced slackliner and base jumper, was on the ground holding the hot air balloon when it suddenly took off.

He was taking part in a performance art project and was part of aerobatics company Flying Frenchies.

See also: Student skydiver nearly plunges to his death when lesson goes wrong

In a statement, Flying Frenchies said: "He was one of the best in base jump, highline, wingsuit and other air sports. He was also a climber and a high-level sportsman. He and his friends were seen as the pioneers of the skyline."

ITV News reports that Melet leaves behind a partner Tiphaine and their young daughter Leonie.

Last year, American daredevil Johnny Strange died in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland.

The 23-year-old, who was the youngest person to climb the world's seven tallest summits, crashed after jumping from Mount Gitschen in the Swiss Alps.

He crashed shortly after taking off.