Swiss police say a Canadian wingsuit flyer has died after crashing when his parachute failed to open.

Police in northeastern St. Gallen canton said the 38-year-old man took off from the Hinterrug peak on Thursday afternoon.

They say that, for unknown reasons, the man's parachute failed to open as he came in to land and crashed into a forest.

Police said the man, who wasn't identified, died at the scene.

A team was sent into the densely wooded area to recover the body, police said.

An official with Global Affairs Canada said Canadian consular officials in Bern are in touch with local authorities to gather more information on what happened.

Spokesperson Philip Hannan said consular assistance is being provided to the family of the man who died.