‘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.

Source: BBC – Man who jumped from edge of space dies paragliding

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Israel has agreed to a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal aimed at halting its war with Hamas, an Israeli official confirmed Thursday. The plan, spearheaded by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, includes a 60-day truce and the release of hostages — 10 alive and 18 deceased.

While Israel has signed on, Hamas remains skeptical. The militant group said the framework appears to be an Israeli draft that fails to meet their core demands — primarily a permanent end to the war and relief from what they describe as ongoing genocide and famine.

“The latest proposal does not respond to any of our people’s demands,” said Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official. “Still, we’re reviewing it responsibly given the suffering of our people.”

Hamas Outlines Key Conditions

A senior Hamas official told CNN the group is willing to go along with the 60-day ceasefire and hostage release — but only under three conditions:

1. Guarantees for a Permanent Ceasefire: Hamas wants firm U.S. assurances that negotiations will continue and hostilities will not resume once the 60-day truce ends.
2. UN-Led Aid Distribution: Humanitarian assistance must be delivered through United Nations channels, not solely via Israeli coordination.
3. Israeli Troop Withdrawal: Hamas demands the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) return to their positions held as of March 2, prior to Israel’s latest military offensive.

These terms were reportedly delivered to Witkoff through Palestinian-American mediator Bishara Bahbah. However, Hamas claims the situation shifted dramatically after Witkoff’s meeting with Israeli official Ron Dermer in Washington earlier this week.

“Everything changed 100%,” the Hamas official said. “We thought we had a deal. Then we saw this was just an Israeli proposal in disguise.”

Trust Issues and Missed Opportunities

Despite internal frustration, the Hamas official said the group is ready to release half of the remaining 20 living hostages — a move they described as a “big risk” without ironclad guarantees Israel won’t reignite the conflict.

“We want to stop this,” the official emphasized. “We are ready to return all the hostages in one day — just give us a real guarantee that the war won’t resume.”

The same source expressed concern that previous agreements had been broken. Following the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander during the Trump administration, promised humanitarian aid and public thanks never materialized.

“Hamas is very, very interested in reaching a deal — to end the war and return the hostages,” the official said.

Mixed Signals from Israeli Leadership

Back in Israel, reactions to the ceasefire plan have been divided.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told hostage families that he had accepted the U.S. proposal. However, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slammed the move as “sheer madness,” vowing to block it.

“I will not allow such a thing to happen. Period,” Smotrich posted on social media.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, on the other hand, called on Netanyahu to embrace the deal “publicly and immediately.” He pledged to support the government even if members of its far-right bloc defect over the decision.

The U.S. Push for a Breakthrough

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Thursday that the ceasefire plan had been submitted to Hamas with Israel’s backing.

“We hope a ceasefire in Gaza will take place so we can bring all hostages home,” Leavitt said. “That’s been a priority for this administration since the beginning.”

Despite the setbacks, a path to peace — or at least a pause — appears to be on the table. Now the focus shifts to Hamas’s response, which could determine whether this war inches closer to resolution or continues to grind on with no end in sight.

Source: CNN – Chinese paraglider survives accidental flight in the clouds without oxygen

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Kathmandu, Nepal — This year’s Everest climbing season was anything but easy. Battling unpredictable weather and narrow summit windows, hundreds of mountaineers and their Sherpa guides pushed themselves to scale the world’s tallest peak before the season wraps up at the end of May.

Among the most determined was legendary mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa, who reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit on May 27, successfully completing his record-breaking 31st ascent. But not everyone made it that far.

Earlier in the month, some climbers did manage to reach the top, but deteriorating weather quickly put a halt to many expeditions. Blizzards and high winds forced scores of climbers back to base camp, delaying their summit attempts or canceling them entirely.

The Everest route, reinforced with fixed ropes and ladders each season, remains accessible only until the end of May. After that, the monsoon rains arrive, bringing heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions that close the mountain to climbers until the next year.

According to Nepal’s Department of Mountaineering, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries received permits to climb Everest this season. Add in the local Sherpa guides, and the number of people attempting the summit nearly doubles.

But with such a large crowd and only a few days of stable weather, the mountain turned congested—especially near the top. Climbers were forced to wait in long lines, clipped onto a single safety rope in what’s now infamously known as the “Everest traffic jam.”

Despite the challenges, the passion for reaching the rooftop of the world continues to drive climbers from around the globe. Yet this season has once again reminded everyone: conquering Everest is never guaranteed—and always at the mercy of the mountain.

Source: AP News – AP PHOTOS: Hundreds scale Mount Everest in a weather-hit climbing season

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For world-renowned big wave surfer Garrett McNamara, fear has never been part of the equation. Known for chasing colossal walls of water and starring in HBO’s 100 Foot Wave, McNamara once held the world record for surfing the largest wave ever—an astonishing 78-foot monster off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal.

But even the most fearless surfers face waves they don’t see coming.

A Life-Changing Crash

In 2016, during a session at the notorious Mavericks break near San Francisco, McNamara’s career came to a painful halt. A devastating wipeout shattered his shoulder into ten pieces. What followed wasn’t just months of physical recovery—it was a deep plunge into emotional darkness.

“It was the most challenging six months of my life,” McNamara told CNN. His wife, Nicole, echoed the sentiment, calling it a turning point for both their marriage and his mental health. “That accident began a very long journey of depression,” she said.

Nicole, who had stayed home with their young son at the time, recalled getting a simple message saying Garrett had been injured. “He wasn’t chasing waves for the right reasons anymore,” she reflected. “He was trying to prove something—to the wrong people.”

A New Perspective

Nearly a decade later, McNamara says that injury reshaped his entire outlook.

“It totally changed me,” he shared. “Now, I’m doing better than I ever have on land. I’ve let go of the pressure to ride every swell around the world. The monkey’s off my back.”

These days, it’s about intention and presence. “I’m focused on being with my family, slowing down, doing things with purpose—things that never came naturally to me before,” he added.

Surfing Through Life Together

McNamara’s life still revolves around the ocean, but it’s no longer just about the next big wave. Together with Nicole—his opposite in many ways—they’ve turned their partnership into a balance of adventure and grounding.

“She’s the grounding force I never had,” he said. “And I’m the freedom and excitement she craves.”

That dynamic plays out not only in their daily life but also on-screen. Now in its third season, 100 Foot Wave explores not only the thrill of surfing but the personal costs—loss, injury, resilience—and the tight-knit community that supports it.

Raising Ocean-Loving Kids

Garrett and Nicole’s kids have inherited their love for the water. But McNamara is cautious when it comes to his son, Barrel, potentially following in his wake.

“I’m not excited for anyone to follow in my footsteps,” he admitted. “But if Barrel does, I’ll make sure he’s more prepared than I ever was.”

What’s Next?

Even if 100 Foot Wave eventually wraps, McNamara’s bond with the ocean remains unbreakable.

“I won’t ride horses or jump out of planes,” he laughed. “But I’ll always be in the ocean. I’ll ride big waves ‘til the end—even if it’s vicariously through mentoring, or by driving the jet ski. I can do that forever.”

Source: CNN – ‘It changed me’: Big wave surfer Garrett McNamara on the wipeout that altered his perspective

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KATHMANDU — The 2025 Everest climbing season has already claimed its first lives. An Indian climber and a mountaineer from the Philippines tragically died while attempting to scale the world’s highest peak, officials confirmed on May 16.

Subrata Ghosh, 45, from India, passed away on May 15 just below the notorious Hillary Step, a treacherous section close to the summit at 8,849 meters. Ghosh reportedly refused to descend from this dangerous spot, according to Bodhraj Bhandari, head of Nepal’s Snowy Horizon Treks and Expeditions, the company organizing the international expedition.

The Hillary Step lies within Everest’s infamous “death zone” — the extreme altitude area above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are too low to sustain human life for long. Rescue efforts are underway to bring Ghosh’s body down to base camp, and a post-mortem will determine the exact cause of death.

Meanwhile, Philipp Santiago II, 45, from the Philippines, died on May 14 while resting at the South Col during his ascent. Tourism official Himal Gautam said Santiago was exhausted after reaching the fourth high camp and passed away inside his tent.

Both Ghosh and Santiago were part of the same expedition led by Bhandari.

This year, Nepal issued 459 permits for Everest climbers, and close to 100 climbers and their guides have already reached the summit during this season, which runs from March through May.

For Nepal, mountaineering tourism remains a vital source of income and employment, despite the risks involved.

Since the early days of Everest expeditions over a century ago, more than 345 climbers have lost their lives on the mountain, according to Himalayan climbing records.

Source:  The Straits Times – Indian, Filipino the first to die in 2025 Everest climbing season

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In a bid to improve safety and reduce overcrowding, Nepal is proposing a new law that would restrict permits to climb Mount Everest to those with prior experience on at least one of the country’s 7,000-meter (22,965 ft) peaks.

The country, known for its thriving tourism industry centered around trekking and mountaineering, has faced growing criticism for issuing permits to inexperienced climbers, which has contributed to dangerous congestion on the world’s highest peak, Everest (8,849 meters/29,032 feet).

Overcrowding in what’s known as the “Death Zone” — an area below the summit with dangerously low levels of oxygen — has led to deadly consequences. In 2023 alone, 12 climbers lost their lives, and five went missing on the slopes of Everest, with the government issuing 478 permits that year. This follows a troubling trend, with eight fatalities recorded in 2022.

Under the proposed law, climbers would need to prove they have previously scaled a mountain in Nepal that reaches at least 7,000 meters in height to qualify for an Everest permit. The new regulations would also require that both the sardar (local staff head) and the mountain guide accompanying the climbers be Nepali citizens.

The law, which has already been introduced to the National Assembly, is expected to pass, given the ruling alliance’s majority in the upper house of Parliament.

However, some international expedition operators have expressed concerns. Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures, based in Austria, argues that the rule should extend beyond just Nepalese peaks. “That wouldn’t make any sense. We should include other mountains close to 7,000 meters, like Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, and Denali, as part of the qualification,” he said. Furtenbach also stressed the need for qualified guides from all over the world, citing the shortage of Nepali mountain guides with the required expertise.

“It’s crucial for guides to hold qualifications such as the IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations), regardless of their nationality,” he added.

Garrett Madison of Madison Mountaineering, a US-based expedition company, suggested that any 6,500-meter peak would be a more practical benchmark for Everest permits. “It’s challenging to find suitable 7,000-meter-plus peaks in Nepal,” Madison said.

Nepal is home to more than 400 mountain peaks open to expeditions, with 74 of them surpassing the 7,000-meter threshold. However, most of these peaks are not as popular among climbers, leaving only a handful of 7,000-meter mountains regularly attracting attention.

Tashi Lhakpa Sherpa, a seasoned climber with eight summits of Everest under his belt, pointed out that only a select few 7,000-meter peaks are commonly used by climbers for preparation. “The majority of the high-altitude mountains aren’t frequented by many,” he explained.

As the debate over the new law continues, the goal remains clear: reduce overcrowding and ensure safer climbs on Everest — one of the most perilous and iconic mountains in the world.

Source: CNN – Nepal to restrict Everest permits to climbers who have scaled another 7,000+ foot Nepali mountain

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Lewis Hamilton has realized a long-held “dream” as he embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, marking his first official day with the team after joining from Mercedes.

The seven-time Formula One World Champion made waves last year when he announced he would leave Mercedes, where he spent 12 years, to race for Ferrari. On Monday, Hamilton visited the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, where he spent much of his first day meeting colleagues and soaking in the new environment. Dressed in a sleek black suit, he also posed next to a Ferrari F40 supercar, symbolizing the start of his new journey.

Sharing his excitement on Instagram, Hamilton expressed, “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days. I’ve been lucky enough to achieve things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realize that dream today.”

He added, “Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”

Hamilton, who shares the record for the most F1 world titles with Michael Schumacher, began his career in 2007 with McLaren, before joining Mercedes in 2013. During his time at Mercedes, he won six of his seven world titles, becoming one of the most successful drivers in F1 history. However, after triggering a release clause in his contract last year, he decided to replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.

Reflecting on his time at Mercedes, Hamilton told CNN Sport last year, “We created history together. I don’t look at what I wish we did more because there’s literally no more we could’ve done and we created great bonds, great friendships.”

Now, Hamilton will partner with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc as the team aims to capture its first driver’s world title since 2007.

Hamilton expressed his excitement about the new chapter: “I’m so excited to start this new era and to meet and work with a hugely talented and inspiring group of people, who have been so welcoming. I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organization, and the fans.”

With the new F1 season set to begin with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, testing will take place in Bahrain from February 26-28. The stage is set for Hamilton to make his mark in the iconic red of Ferrari.

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Scaling the towering 500-foot El Matador on Wyoming’s Devil’s Tower is no small feat for any climber, let alone one who is blind. For Jesse Dufton, born with the degenerative eye condition cone-rod dystrophy, this monumental achievement represents a triumph over limitations and a bold rejection of fate.

Climbing Into the Unknown

With only the sound of his wife and climbing partner, Molly Dufton, offering guidance through a headset, Jesse scaled the sheer rock face. “I got you. Go on, buddy,” Molly reassured him from below. Exhausted but undeterred, Jesse jammed his hands and feet into cracks, relying on touch, strength, and trust to guide his ascent.

Jesse’s vision has deteriorated over time, leaving him with just light perception by age 39. But he wasn’t completely unaware of the height—gusting winds and the sound of birds flying beneath him served as stark reminders of the precarious climb.

Overcoming Fear and Danger

On the climb, Jesse remained composed. “Exhausted? Yes. Terrified? Not particularly,” he said. His fear, he explained, aligns more with the perceived danger of falling rather than the height itself. Proper preparation and secure gear help him mitigate the risks.

Despite his confidence, Jesse took several “massive whippers” (falls) during the climb. These, however, were safely managed thanks to his meticulous planning and the couple’s communication system.

A Life of Firsts in Climbing

Jesse’s achievements include climbing the famed Old Man of Hoy in Scotland and establishing a 300-foot multi-pitch route in Morocco. However, El Matador posed a unique challenge—its steep columns, overhangs, and cracks made it the hardest climb he’s ever attempted.

Though he hoped to “on-sight” the route (climbing it with no falls or prior observation), a slip made this impossible. Nonetheless, he became the first blind climber to conquer the imposing rock face, a journey documented in the film Climbing Blind II.

“Giving Fate the Middle Finger”

For Jesse, climbing is about more than the physical challenge. “I don’t want my genetic fate to determine my life choices,” he said. Comparing climbing to everyday risks like crossing the street, he added, “If you never take any risk, you condemn yourself to the certainty of missing out.”

Jesse views his endurance as his superpower, compensating for less finger strength with extraordinary stamina. His ability to navigate rock faces by feel, combined with Molly’s guidance, makes the pair an unstoppable team.

A Partnership Built on Trust

Jesse and Molly’s partnership is a testament to trust and teamwork. After meeting in university two decades ago, they devised a system using a two-way radio for communication. Jesse climbs while Molly belays and provides crucial guidance on gear placement and route details.

“We’ve climbed over 2,000 routes together,” Jesse shared. Their synergy allows them to focus entirely on the task at hand, leaving no room for distractions or arguments.

For Molly, climbing with Jesse is inspiring. “Some of the stuff he gets up … it’s just insane,” she said. Watching him succeed often brings her more joy than her own climbs.

Challenges and Limitations

While their system is effective, it has limitations. On some pitches, Molly’s line of sight is blocked by corners or overhangs, leaving Jesse to rely solely on his instincts and tactile feedback.

“In climbing, you’re literally putting your life in your partner’s hands,” Jesse said. The couple’s trust, honed over years of shared climbs and life experiences, is unshakable.

Reaching New Heights

Jesse Dufton’s story is a reminder that limitations are often mental barriers waiting to be broken. His determination, endurance, and trust in Molly have allowed him to achieve feats that inspire climbers and non-climbers alike. For Jesse, every climb is a way of saying, “Fate doesn’t decide my life—I do.”

As Molly puts it, “It isn’t a drain on either of us because we’re both passionate about it. Watching him succeed is just as fulfilling as climbing myself.”

Together, Jesse and Molly exemplify the strength of partnership, the power of persistence, and the ability to redefine what’s possible.

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Swiss snowboard cross Olympian Sophie Hediger, a rising star in her sport, tragically lost her life in an avalanche in Arosa. The 26-year-old athlete, who had recently celebrated her first World Cup podium finishes, passed away on December 23, as confirmed by the Swiss Ski Federation (Swiss-Ski) on December 24.

A Promising Career Cut Short

Hediger’s talent shone early in her career. She captured a silver medal at the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games and went on to represent Switzerland in both individual and mixed team snowboard cross events at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Her breakthrough came last season on the FIS World Cup circuit, where she achieved two podium finishes. She secured second place at St. Moritz in January and followed it up with a third-place finish in Gudauri, Georgia, just a week later.

A Community in Mourning

Walter Reusser, Swiss-Ski Sport CEO, expressed the deep sorrow felt across the Swiss skiing community:
“We are stunned, and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we express our deepest condolences. For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays.”

Hediger’s untimely passing has left a significant void not only in her sport but also in the hearts of those who knew her.

A Life Rooted in the Mountains

Born and raised in Horgen, near Lake Zurich, Hediger was deeply connected to the mountains that shaped her life and career. She spent much of her time freeriding at the Arosa resort, the site of the tragic avalanche.

The entire snowboarding community remembers Sophie Hediger not just as an exceptional athlete but as a bright and passionate individual whose potential was just beginning to unfold.

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HONOLULU – Tens of thousands have gathered at Oahu’s North Shore to witness the 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, a prestigious surfing competition held under remarkable conditions with waves reaching 50 feet.

Highlights of the Event

• Rare Occasion: This marks only the 11th time “The Eddie” has run in its 40-year history. Participation is exclusive and by invitation only.
• Spectacular Conditions: Contest director Liam McNamara described the day as “historic” with strong offshore breezes and awe-inspiring waves.

Surfing Legends Take the Stage

• Luke Shepardson Returns: The Oahu lifeguard and 2023 champion is back but remains focused on fun rather than repeating his historic win. “It’s all about celebrating Eddie Aikau’s legacy and staying safe,” Shepardson said.
• Joey Cadiz’s Big Break: Initially listed as an alternate, North Shore lifeguard Joey Cadiz got a last-minute call to compete. “This is my home break, and it’s an honor,” Cadiz shared.

The Legacy of Eddie Aikau

Eddie Aikau was a legendary lifeguard who saved over 500 lives during his career on the North Shore. Known for his bravery, Aikau’s story inspires lifeguards and surfers alike.

“All of us, as lifeguards, carry a piece of Eddie’s legacy every day,” Cadiz noted.

Crowd Management and Safety

• Overnight Arrivals: Parking lots filled up before dawn as fans flocked to Waimea Bay.
• Public Transportation Recommended: Officials strongly advise against driving to the event. Extra buses and shuttles are running to ease congestion.

Public Transportation Details:

• Additional Early-Morning Buses: Four buses on Route 52 to Waimea Bay, departing from Ala Moana Center at 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m., and 6 a.m.
• Shuttle Services: Special shuttles will operate between Haleiwa and Waimea Bay every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parking and Travel Tips:

• Park-and-ride facilities are available at Kalihi Transit Center, Mililani Park and Ride, Wahiawa Armory, and Wahiawa Park and Ride.
• Allow extra time, as traffic is expected to cause delays of two or more hours.

Safety First: Official Warnings

• Ocean Safety: Lifeguards and emergency services are on high alert to manage the dangers posed by the massive waves.
• Stay Back from the Shore: Visitors are urged to keep a safe distance from the waterline to avoid being swept away by powerful waves.
• Public Safety Measures: Extra police, private security, and emergency personnel are stationed to ensure safety. Parking along Kamehameha Highway is restricted to maintain emergency vehicle access.

Shayne Enright, a spokesperson for Honolulu Emergency Services, reminded the public to heed lifeguards’ warnings, especially after near-misses in 2023.

Event Rules and Recommendations

• Leave No Trace: Additional trash bins and restrooms are available, but attendees are encouraged to pack out what they bring.
• Prohibited Items: Alcohol, smoking, large canopies, fully enclosed tents, and drones are not allowed in the beach park.
• Prepare for the Day: Bring your own food, water, and sun protection, as no food concessions are available.

Celebrating a Legacy with Caution

The Eddie Aikau Invitational is more than a surfing competition—it’s a tribute to a hero. However, officials emphasize that public safety is paramount.

“Enjoy the day, but ensure you and your loved ones go home safely,” Enright urged.

With high waves, historic moments, and thousands of spectators, the 2024 Eddie Aikau Invitational promises to be an unforgettable celebration of courage, skill, and legacy.

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