Tragic paragliding accident: Felix Baumgartner dies in Italy

Tragic paragliding accident: Felix Baumgartner dies in Italy

Felix Baumgartner, the famous Austrian skydiver and extreme athlete, died on July 17, 2025 while paragliding in a holiday village in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy. This is reported by the Small newspaper. The tragic incident occurred when Baumgartner was leaving an area for launching motorized paragliders. His paraglider crashed into a wooden structure near a swimming pool, with fatal consequences.

A hotel employee was also injured in the accident and was taken to hospital with neck injuries. Her condition was aggravated by a piece of debris that broke off when the paraglider hit. Fortunately, there were numerous people, including children, nearby at the time of the accident, but a rescue team explained that the tragedy could have had more serious consequences.

A courageous pioneer

Felix Baumgartner was born on April 20, 1969 in Salzburg and entered the scene in 1997 as a professional base jumper. His most famous achievement came on October 14, 2012, when he broke the sound barrier with a record jump from a height of over 36 kilometers. This unique mission, known as Red Bull Stratos, was recognized by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale and tested not only his personal limits, but also those of aerospace engineering. Science of Falling costs that Baumgartner's jump set new standards for the development of aeronautical technology and for future space tourism.

The historic jump lasted 9 minutes and 9 seconds, and Baumgartner reached a top speed of 1,357.6 km/h. Despite the challenges, including a problem with the power supply to his visor, Felix Baumgartner is believed to be the first person to break the sound barrier in free fall. This achievement inspired many and left a lasting impression on the world of extreme sports. According to the records of Guinness World Records Baumgartner was the first person to do so, and his achievements are a reminder of the courage and curiosity inspired by scientific inquiry and personal discovery.

Reactions to loss

The Italian media reacted with dismay to his unexpected death, while FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl praised Baumgartner as a courageous pioneer and adventurer. Baumgartner was not only known for his sporting achievements, but also caused controversy with his political statements. In 2022 he was found guilty of libel, but he stated that he stood by his public statements.

His death leaves a void in the world of extreme sports and among his fans who were motivated by his remarkable achievements and inspiring life journey.