A JET suit pilot who performed at last year’s Bournemouth Air Festival has died while doing a daring wingsuit jump.

Angelo Niko Grubišić was part of Gravity Industries’ team who took off from Bournemouth Pier in jet packs and flew across the seafront.

Described as a “phenomenally talented man”, Mr Grubišić was a lecturer in astronautics at the University of Southampton. He was the leader of Project Icarus, a programme aiming to develop the world’s first scientifically engineered wingsuit to set world records for human flight.

The 38-year-old died while practising the extreme sport in Saudi Arabia, according to a tribute posted by friends and family on his Facebook page.

They said: “Angelo lost his life doing what he loved the most, wingsuit base jumping, and we want to ensure his achievements and ambitions are known to the world and to celebrate the mark he made on all of our lives

“Angelo captivated the hearts and minds of every single person who was privileged to meet and work with him. The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long has never rang more true to the family and friends Angelo had across the world.

“We want to ensure that everyone celebrates Angelo's life and applauds his phenomenal achievements - including how loved and cared for he was by family, friends and acquaintances across the globe.”

A University of Southampton spokesman said:"We are extremely saddened and shocked by the death of Angelo and our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.

“Angelo made many pioneering contributions to the University’s research into astronautics and was incredibly popular with his students and colleagues.

“We will remain in contact with his family and are supporting staff and students affected."

Bournemouth Air Festival Patrons Club also paid tribute to Mr Grubišić.

“Very sad news indeed,” they wrote on their Facebook page.

“BAF Patrons were delighted to meet him and the team last year. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Mr Grubišić gained his PHD in electric propulsion and all electric spacecraft from Southampton.

He was also a research scientist at NASA’s propulsion lab in California.

He founded his own company, Flux Engineering, and was the chief flight instructor for Gravity Industries, holding the altitude and speed record in a jet suit without wings.