17-07-2025
Daredevil famous for ‘edge of space' skydive dies in crash
Extreme sports icon Felix Baumgartner, celebrated for his daring feats and record-breaking skydives, has died at age 56 after a tragic paragliding accident in central Italy.
According to officials, Baumgartner lost control of his motorised paraglider while flying over Porto Sant'Elpidio, a coastal town in the Marche region, and plunged to the ground near a hotel's swimming pool.
A woman on the ground was reportedly injured in the incident, though her injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The reason for the accident is still unknown.
The local mayor, Massimiliano Ciarpella, said reports suggested he may have suffered a sudden medical issue mid-air.
He offered the town's condolences over the death of a 'symbol of courage and passion for extreme flights.'
In October 2012, Baumgartner captured international attention when he leapt from a balloon 38km above Earth's surface, becoming the first person to skydive faster than the speed of sound, which is generally greater than 1100km/h. Baumgartner jumps out from the capsule during the final manned flight for Red Bull Stratos in Roswell, New Mexico, USA on October 14, 2012. EPA/Red Bull Stratos Credit: ED / EPA
The record-setting descent took place over Roswell, New Mexico, where he accelerated to more than 1343km/h.
Remarkably, this feat coincided with the 65th anniversary of American aviator Chuck Yeager's historic breaking of the sound barrier on October 14, 1947.
More to come...
- With Reuters
