Olivier Lebas Accident, Death and Obituary – Former Charles de Gaulle Commander Dies in Pyrenees at 62

Vice Admiral Olivier Lebas, a former commander of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, has died at 62 following a mountain-climbing accident in the Pyrenees. According to the information provided, Lebas died on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, after falling while climbing near the Spijeoles peak in southwestern France.

The reported accident occurred near the Luchon-Oô massif, close to the French-Spanish border. Lebas reportedly fell from the eastern ridge of the 3,065-metre Spijeoles peak at an altitude of approximately 2,700 metres. Rescue teams responded to the incident, but he could not be saved.

Olivier Lebas Accident in the Pyrenees

The death brings an abrupt end to the career of an officer who spent approximately 35 years in the French Navy. Lebas built his reputation through naval aviation, operational deployments and senior command positions.

He served as a fighter pilot and flew aircraft including the Crusader and Super Étendard, while his military career included assignments connected with Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Former Commander of Charles de Gaulle

One of the most notable chapters of Lebas’s career was his command of France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

He took command of the carrier in 2011 and later commanded the French carrier strike group. His experience in naval aviation and carrier operations made him a prominent figure within France’s maritime defense community.

Lebas later became Maritime Prefect of the Atlantic, serving in the position from 2020 until 2023. After leaving active military service, he continued working in the defense sector.

French Navy Mourns Olivier Lebas

News of his reported death has prompted mourning among members of France’s military and maritime communities. His career was marked by decades of service, operational experience and increasingly senior leadership responsibilities.

The circumstances of his death are particularly tragic given that the accident occurred during a personal mountain-climbing outing.

Details concerning funeral arrangements and his surviving family members have not been established in the information provided.

Olivier Lebas will be remembered for his decades of service to France, his leadership within naval aviation and his command of the Charles de Gaulle. May he rest in peace.