Tragic loss: extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner dies in the event of an accident

Tragic loss: extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner dies in the event of an accident

Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italien - Felix Baumgartner, a renowned Austrian extreme athlete, died on July 17, 2025 in a tragic paraglider accident in Porto Sant’elpidio, Italy. He was only 56 years old. Baumgartner, born on April 20, 1969 in Salzburg, had completed an apprenticeship as a car mechanic and also served for five years in the Austrian Armed Forces, where he worked as a skydower and instructor. After his military career, he became known for his risky sporting achievements and developed into one of the most prominent extreme athletes of his time.

The extraordinary achievements of Baumgartner included spectacular jumps of remarkable heights and places. He gained awareness in 1997 when he legally jumped from the 452 meter high Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpur. Further significant jumps included the first free fall over the English Channel in 1999 with a carbon wing, as well as outstanding jumps from the Christ-Sverser Statue 2007, Taipei 101 2004, and the Millau-Viaduct-Bridge 2006. These jumps are part of an impressive balance of over 2600 parachut

The stratosphere jump and its records

Baumgartner was particularly famous for the stratosphere jump on October 14, 2012 as part of the Red Bull Stratos project. It jumped from a height of 38,969.4 meters and broke the sound barrier, fell at a speed of over 1,300 km/h. This jump set up three world records: the highest manned balloon flight, the highest parachute jump and the fastest free fall of a person. After this historical event, Baumgartner first withdrew from the public and at times worked as a helicopter pilot, while at the same time giving lectures on mental strength and risk management.

His last public appearance took place at the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, just a few weeks before his tragic death. Baumgartner will not only be remembered for his extreme sports, but also for his dedicated role as a helicopter and aerobatic pilot, where he appeared at international flight shows. He was part of the Flying Bulls aerial flight team.

The tragic accident

In the paraglideau's accident, which finally led to his death, Baumgartner lost control of the aircraft shortly after the start and fell against a wooden hut. Despite intensive attempts to revive, he could no longer be helped. Investigators suspect that a medical emergency led to the accident. Another person was slightly injured in the incident. An autopsy was ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The news of Baumgartner's death triggered great dismay in the extreme sports community and beyond. His life path inspired many, and his courage and passion for aviation remain unforgettable. Felix Baumgartner received many awards for his achievements, including the Bambi 2012 and the Laureus World Sports Award 2013. An asteroid was even named after him: (239716) Felixbaumgartner, and in 2018 he was included in the Hall of Fame of the pilots and astronauts.

Felix Baumgartner will be remembered as one of the greatest extreme athletes in his generation, and his legacy will live on through the numerous records and the courage he showed. Whether in the case of record jumps or his last challenges, his name will be associated with extreme sports forever.

For more information about Felix Baumgartner you can do the articles on Vol.at , sueddeutsche.de and wikipedia read.