TL;DR
Tim Howell, a British wingsuit pilot, was bitten by a venomous snake during a pre-expedition walk, forcing him to postpone his record attempt from Lhotse. The incident highlights the unpredictable risks of high-altitude extreme sports.
British wingsuit pilot Tim Howell’s attempt to set a world record for the highest wingsuit flight from the Himalayan peak Lhotse was interrupted when he was bitten by a venomous snake during a routine walk in France. The incident has temporarily halted his plans, though Howell intends to resume his efforts in 2027. The event underscores the unpredictable dangers faced by extreme sports athletes at high altitudes.
Tim Howell, a veteran BASE jumper and wingsuit pilot with over 1,200 jumps, was preparing for his third attempt to jump from approximately 27,230 feet on Lhotse, aiming to surpass the current world record set by Valery Rozov in 2016. The record would have made Howell’s jump the highest wingsuit flight ever attempted. However, during a short walk in Grenoble, France, Howell felt a small sting in his finger, which later proved to be a bite from an asp viper, a venomous snake.
Within ten minutes, Howell experienced swelling in his lips, throat, and fingers, and collapsed before he could reach his vehicle. He was evacuated by helicopter and spent five days in ICU, where medical staff confirmed the snakebite and treated him for anaphylactic shock and necrosis in his finger. The flesh was removed, and Howell is now undergoing physical therapy to regain full use of his finger.
Despite the setback, Howell remains committed to his record attempt. He has previously attempted to jump from Lhotse in 2024 and 2025, both times facing delays due to weather and logistical challenges. His team had been waiting at a camp near 26,000 feet for optimal conditions when a storm forced a retreat. Howell plans to return to Lhotse in 2027 to attempt the record again.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the inherent risks and unpredictable hazards involved in extreme altitude sports, even during preparatory phases. Howell’s planned record attempt, if successful, would push the boundaries of human flight and set a new benchmark in wingsuit flying. The incident also underscores the importance of safety and contingency planning in high-risk expeditions, especially in remote and challenging environments like the Himalayas.
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Background
Tim Howell’s record attempts are part of a broader trend of extreme sports athletes pushing the limits of altitude and speed in wingsuit flying and BASE jumping. His previous attempts in 2024 and 2025 faced weather-related setbacks, emphasizing the unpredictability of Himalayan expeditions. The current incident, involving a snakebite during a routine walk in France, illustrates that dangers extend beyond the high-altitude environment itself, including local wildlife and logistical challenges.
“We have now put so much time and effort into this that I can’t walk away from it. At the same time, I’m only going to jump when everything is right; there can be no second-guessing.”
— Tim Howell
“It was just flesh, no ligaments or anything. It’s healed up quite nicely.”
— Howell
“He won’t be flying a wingsuit, so his record attempt isn’t competing with mine.”
— Howell
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear when Howell will be able to fully resume training and preparation for his next attempt. The extent of any long-term effects from the snakebite and the timeline for returning to high-altitude jumps are still being assessed. Additionally, the specific logistical and weather conditions for his 2027 attempt have yet to be finalized.
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What’s Next
Howell plans to focus on recovery and physical therapy in the coming months. He intends to revisit Lhotse in 2027 for another attempt at the record. Meanwhile, other adventurers, such as Joshua Bregmen, are pursuing different high-altitude records, but Howell’s effort remains a high-profile goal in the extreme sports community.
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Key Questions
Will Tim Howell attempt the record again?
Yes, Howell has stated he plans to return to Lhotse in 2027 for another attempt, pending his recovery and preparation.
How dangerous are snakebites at high altitudes?
Snakebites are generally more common in lower altitudes, but Howell’s incident occurred during a walk in France, not at high altitude. The main danger is the venom, which can cause severe allergic reactions and tissue necrosis if untreated.
Does the snakebite affect Howell’s ability to jump from Lhotse?
He is currently undergoing treatment and physical therapy to recover full use of his finger. It is not yet clear when he will be ready to resume high-altitude jumps.
Is another record attempt by someone else impacting Howell’s plans?
Another British adventurer, Joshua Bregmen, plans to parachute from Everest, but Howell clarified that Bregmen’s attempt does not compete with his wingsuit record, as he is not flying a wingsuit.
