Lava Lovo

Skydiving Legend Felix Dies in Paragliding Accident

Felix Baumgartner, the daredevil who captured global attention in 2012 by jumping from the edge of space, has died at age 56 following a paragliding accident in Italy. While piloting a motorized paraglider near Porto Sant’Elpidio, his aircraft suddenly spun out of control and crashed near a hotel’s pool area. Witnesses reported a loud boom just before impact. Authorities believe Felix may have suffered a sudden medical emergency mid-flight. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and a hotel staff member was injured by falling debris.

Known as “Fearless Felix,” Baumgartner became a global icon when he free-fell from nearly 39 km above Earth, breaking the sound barrier and multiple skydiving records. In the years since, he remained active in extreme sports—BASE-jumping, flying helicopters, and paragliding across continents.

His death shocked fans and fellow adventurers alike. Though gone, Baumgartner’s legacy of courage and boundary-pushing adventure will live on.