Felix Baumgartner leaves behind a legacy of fearless adventures and record-breaking jumps that inspired millions around the world.
Felix Baumgartner, Iconic Daredevil, Dies in Tragic Paragliding Mishap at 56
Felix Baumgartner, Iconic Daredevil, Dies in Tragic Paragliding Mishap at 56
The renowned daredevil who soared from the edge of space in 2012 met with an untimely death during a paragliding incident in Italy.
In a shocking turn of events, Felix Baumgartner, the famed daredevil and skydiver known for his groundbreaking jump from the edge of space, tragically died at 56 during a paragliding accident in Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy, on Thursday. The announcement was confirmed by Red Bull, the company that supported many of his extreme feats.
According to Massimiliano Ciarpella, the mayor of Porto Sant’Elpidio, Baumgartner's crash occurred only yards away from a swimming pool in a tourist area. The cause of death remains under investigation; however, reports indicate that he lost consciousness during the flight, contributing to the fatal impact. An autopsy is expected to reveal further details.
Just hours before his accident, Baumgartner posted a cryptic message on social media featuring a gloomy sky and a warning about the windy conditions, stating, “too much wind.”
Baumgartner, frequently referred to as "Fearless Felix," made history on October 14, 2012, when he became the first human to break the sound barrier without mechanical assistance, free-falling from 128,100 feet above New Mexico as part of the ambitious “Red Bull Stratos” project. He reached a maximum speed of 833.9 miles per hour during his descent, landing safely after four minutes.
In reflecting on his iconic leap, Baumgartner spoke about the humbling experience of standing atop the world and emphasized that the journey was about more than records; it was about safely returning home. His jump captivated millions, being viewed live on television and streamed online.
Red Bull released a statement honoring Baumgartner, noting, “He was ‘born to fly’ and was dedicated to pushing limits," highlighting his professionalism and attention to detail. His early fascination with skydiving began at age 16, leading him to join the Austrian military demonstration team, eventually performing thousands of jumps, including BASE jumping and becoming a licensed helicopter pilot.
Baumgartner's journey from childhood dreams of skydiving to becoming a global symbol of adventure will be carefully documented in an upcoming full obituary.
According to Massimiliano Ciarpella, the mayor of Porto Sant’Elpidio, Baumgartner's crash occurred only yards away from a swimming pool in a tourist area. The cause of death remains under investigation; however, reports indicate that he lost consciousness during the flight, contributing to the fatal impact. An autopsy is expected to reveal further details.
Just hours before his accident, Baumgartner posted a cryptic message on social media featuring a gloomy sky and a warning about the windy conditions, stating, “too much wind.”
Baumgartner, frequently referred to as "Fearless Felix," made history on October 14, 2012, when he became the first human to break the sound barrier without mechanical assistance, free-falling from 128,100 feet above New Mexico as part of the ambitious “Red Bull Stratos” project. He reached a maximum speed of 833.9 miles per hour during his descent, landing safely after four minutes.
In reflecting on his iconic leap, Baumgartner spoke about the humbling experience of standing atop the world and emphasized that the journey was about more than records; it was about safely returning home. His jump captivated millions, being viewed live on television and streamed online.
Red Bull released a statement honoring Baumgartner, noting, “He was ‘born to fly’ and was dedicated to pushing limits," highlighting his professionalism and attention to detail. His early fascination with skydiving began at age 16, leading him to join the Austrian military demonstration team, eventually performing thousands of jumps, including BASE jumping and becoming a licensed helicopter pilot.
Baumgartner's journey from childhood dreams of skydiving to becoming a global symbol of adventure will be carefully documented in an upcoming full obituary.
