Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy — Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian skydiver whose record‑breaking freefall from the stratosphere in 2012 stunned the world, has died at the age of 56 following a paragliding accident, according to Italian authorities. The tragic incident occurred on July 17, 2025, when Baumgartner was flying a motorized paraglider over the Adriatic coast near Porto Sant’Elpidio in the Marche region.
Local firefighters and the town’s mayor, Massimiliano Ciarpella, confirmed that Baumgartner apparently lost consciousness mid‑flight—possibly due to an illness or heart attack—before losing control of the craft. His paraglider then crashed into the swimming pool area of the Le Mimose Family Camping Village resort. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. A female resort employee was struck by debris during the crash and sustained neck injuries but is expected to recover.
Baumgartner rose to international fame with his October 14, 2012, jump from approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) above Earth. In that daring descent, he became the first human to break the sound barrier without vehicular assistance, reaching speeds up to Mach 1.25 (about 1,357.6 km/h), and setting multiple world records for exit altitude, freefall distance, and vertical speed.
His adventurous career also included BASE jumps from the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Baumgartner was known for meticulous planning and an unwavering focus on safety—even amid extreme risk. Reflecting on his stratospheric feat, he had once said: “When you’re standing on top of the world … all you want is to come back alive”.
The news of his death has reverberated across the globe, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow athletes, and organizations. Red Bull, sponsors of his famed Stratos jump, issued a statement saying they were “shocked and overwhelmed with sadness,” praising him as a loyal friend and teammate . In Porto Sant’Elpidio, the mayor wrote on social media: “Our community is deeply affected … a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight,” extending condolences to Baumgartner’s family.
Born in Salzburg in April 1969, Baumgartner began skydiving at 16 before joining the Austrian military’s parachute division. He later partnered with Red Bull in 1988, pioneering stunt jumps and pushing the boundaries of human endurance and aeronautics . Over the years, his stunts captivated millions worldwide, inspiring both admiration and awe.
Authorities in Italy continue to investigate the precise cause of the accident, including possible health reasons that led to Baumgartner’s loss of control. His death brings to a close a remarkable life defined by a relentless pursuit of heights and an extraordinary connection with the sky. He is survived by family, friends, and an international community of adventurers who were inspired by his bold spirit and daring legacy.
