NEED TO KNOW
- Skydiver Felix Baumgartner has died at the age of 56 following a paragliding accident, when he crashed near a hotel swimming pool in Italy
- Baumgartner reportedly died on Thursday, July 17, while flying over Porto Sant’Elpidio
- He made history in 2012 when he became the first skydiver to break the sound barrier
Skydiver Felix Baumgartner has reportedly died following a paragliding accident. He was 56.
According to the Associated Press, Baumgartner died on Thursday, July 17, in Italy. PEOPLE has contacted Italian National Police for comment.
Per U.K. newspaper Independent, the skydiver was flying over Porto Sant’Elpidio in Italy when he lost control of his paraglider. He then reportedly fell on the ground near a hotel swimming pool.
In a post on Facebook, Porto Sant’Elpidio Mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella expressed his condolences.
“Our community is deeply affected by the tragic passing of Felix Baumgartner, a world-renowned figure, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight,” he wrote, in Italian. “He was flying over our city when a fatal [accident] took his life today.”
He added, “Porto Sant’Elpidio stands with his family and loved ones in this moment of grief. On behalf of the Municipal Administration and all citizens, I express my sincerest condolences for this irreparable loss.”
According to the AP and Independent, Baumgartner made history in 2012 when he became the first skydiver to break the sound barrier, wearing a pressurized suit as he dived from a balloon 38km (24 miles) above Earth.
Baumgartner was part of the Red Bull Stratos team when he reached the whopping speed of 843.6 mph over New Mexico, per the AP.
In a statement on Facebook, Red Bull paid tribute to Baumgartner.
“We are shocked and overwhelmed with sadness to hear the devastating news of our longtime friend Felix Baumgartner,” they wrote. “Felix was ‘born to fly’ and was determined to push the limits.”
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They added, “He was also smart, professional, thorough and meticulous, never leaving anything to chance. He was generous, giving much of his time to help and inspiring so many people.”
“We remember Felix as a lovely person, devoted to his family and friends, to whom we send our heartfelt sympathy. Felix, you will be deeply missed,” the post concluded.
According to France24, Baumgartner was born in Salzburg, Austria.
He also worked as a mechanic while taking steps towards fulfilling his childhood dreams of becoming a skydiver and a pilot.
“I always had the desire to be in the air,” he previously said, per the outlet. “I climbed trees, I wanted to see the world from above.”
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