Felix Baumgartner, Record-Breaking Skydiver, Dies in Paragliding Accident in Italy

‘Fearless Felix’ was known for his 2012 jump from the edge of space

Extreme Sports Icon Killed in Motorized Paragliding Crash

Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian daredevil who made history with a record-breaking skydive from the edge of space in 2012, has died following a motorized paragliding accident in Italy. He was 56.

Authorities confirmed that Baumgartner fell near a hotel swimming pool in the village of Porto Sant’Elpidio, located in the eastern Marche region, while flying his powered paraglider on Sunday. Local officials are investigating the incident, and early reports suggest he may have experienced a sudden medical emergency while in flight.

Tributes Pour In for “Fearless Felix”

Porto Sant’Elpidio Mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella expressed condolences on behalf of the community, calling Baumgartner “a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flights.” Fans from around the world have also been leaving tributes on social media, including beneath one of Baumgartner’s final posts—showing him performing maintenance on his paraglider’s motor.

Shortly before the accident, a post on his account featured a photo of a full windsock and the caption “too much wind,” hinting at challenging flying conditions.

A Life of Gravity-Defying Achievements

Baumgartner rose to global fame on October 14, 2012, when he jumped from a helium balloon in the stratosphere, more than 39 kilometers (128,000 feet) above Earth. The mission, sponsored by Red Bull, broke multiple world records—including the highest skydive and the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall. The dramatic descent was watched by millions worldwide.

Speaking at a press conference after the jump, Baumgartner reflected on the experience, saying:

“When I was standing there on top of the world, you become so humble. You don’t think about breaking records anymore. The only thing you want is to come back alive.”

Pioneering Spirit in Extreme Sports

Baumgartner’s daredevil career began long before his space jump. In 1999, he completed the world’s lowest base jump—just 30 meters (98 feet)—from the outstretched hand of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue. That same year, he also claimed the record for the highest parachute jump from a building, leaping off the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In 2003, he became the first person to cross the English Channel in freefall, using a custom-designed wingsuit with carbon-fiber wings.

Legacy of a Fearless Adventurer

Nicknamed “Fearless Felix,” Baumgartner became a legend in the world of extreme sports for constantly pushing the boundaries of human flight. His death marks a profound loss for the global adventure and aviation communities.

Baumgartner’s daring achievements and iconic space dive remain defining moments in the history of modern extreme sports.