Friends and family of Australian BASE jumper Ben Cannon have left grief-filled messages of love following the death of their “angel” in Switzerland.   

The 31-year-old NSW man died on Thursday after a BASE jump in Switzerland went wrong and he plummeted to his death.   

Eyewitnesses told World Radio Switzerland that Mr Cannon was late opening his parachute after leaping off a cliff face in the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Oberland.   

He fell into a tree before hitting the ground and was taken to hospital where he died a short time later, the radio service reported.   

A spokeswoman from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said Australian consular officials in the Swiss city of Geneva were in touch with the man's family and were providing them with assistance.   

Mr Cannon's parents left a public message of grief telling Ben: “We really miss you Ben we love you we are both hurting really bad”.   

Mr Cannon's partner Lisa Cosoleto also left a message saying: “Never stop loving you babe, never stop missing you xoxox i hope you are smiling that beautiful cheeky smile xoxox i am so lucky to have shared my life with someone as special as you xoxox always and forever babe xoxox”.  

Countless other messages from friends and family wished their “angel” all the best on his next journey.   

They referred to his “infectious smile” and told him to enjoy the “eternal skies” and “fly free”.   

“We have lost a great friend who we have loved and cherished, and will continue to do so forever. The bestest best man at a wedding we could hope for,” reads one.   

“Why did you have to go already? Too many nice jumps left undone, too many good times that we never had time to have. Play hard where ever you are and keep some beers in the fridge! I'll see you when I get there,” reads another.   

World Radio Switzerland said at least 14 base jumpers had been killed in Lauterbrunnen Valley in recent years.