Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian daredevil famous for his record-breaking jump from the edge of space, tragically died Sunday in a paragliding accident in the Marche region of Italy. He was 56.
Baumgartner lost control of his motorized paraglider while flying over Porto Sant’Elpidio. Eyewitnesses report that he suddenly descended uncontrollably and crashed near a hotel swimming pool. Authorities are investigating reports that he may have experienced a medical emergency before the crash. A hotel employee was also injured during the incident but sustained only minor injuries.
Baumgartner gained international fame in 2012 when he ascended nearly 128,000 feet in a helium balloon and then jumped back to Earth in the Red Bull Stratos project. His free fall broke the sound barrier, reaching speeds over 833 miles per hour, and set multiple records for skydiving from the stratosphere.
His death has saddened the thrill-seeking community and reminded many of the immense risks taken by those who push human limits in extreme sports. Local officials and fellow adventurers have paid tribute to Baumgartner’s courage and pioneering spirit.