Felix Baumgartner, Record-Breaking Skydiver, Dies at 56 in Paragliding Accident

Widely known as the "daredevil" for his extreme feats defying gravity, the Austrian native once said he "always had the desire to be in the air."

Famed skydiver Felix Baumgartner sadly died on July 17, 2025, at 56 following a paragliding accident in Italy. First responders who attended the scene revealed that a paraglider had crashed into the side of a swimming pool.

The mayor of Porto Sant'Elpidio, Massimiliano Ciarpella, confirmed Baumgartner's tragic passing in a social media post. "Our community is deeply affected by the tragic disappearance of Felix Baumgartner, a figure of global prominence, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight," said Ciarpella.

Baumgartner was well-known for bravely jumping more than 24 miles to Earth from a helium balloon back in 2012, securing his name in the history books.

Growing up, he always wanted to be a skydiver and a helicopter pilot. "I always had the desire to be in the air. I climbed trees, I wanted to see the world from above," the Austrian native once shared.

The thrill seeker previously worked as a car mechanic and also repaired motorcycles, while making an effort to achieve his dreams.