Felix Baumgartner Dies in Paragliding Crash Italy

Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian extreme athlete famed for being the first skydiver to break the sound barrier during a 24-mile leap through the stratosphere in 2012, died in a paragliding accident in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy. At 56, Baumgartner crashed into the side of a swimming pool, as confirmed by Italian firefighters and local officials. Known as 'Fearless Felix,' he reached supersonic speeds of approximately 843.6 mph during his record-breaking jump from a helium balloon, a feat that was livestreamed globally and inspired millions. His jump set altitude and speed records for skydiving, surpassing those of Joe Kittinger, who had advised him, and held for two years until surpassed by Google executive Alan Eustace. Baumgartner was celebrated for his courage, meticulous preparation, and passion for extreme flight, with tributes highlighting his generosity and influence on the adventure sports community. The mayor of Porto Sant'Elpidio and Red Bull both expressed deep sadness over his passing, emphasizing his global prominence and lasting legacy in extreme sports.