Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian extreme athlete famous for his space jump in 2012, tragically died at 56 during a paragliding accident in Italy. He reportedly lost consciousness during flight and crashed near a hotel pool. Officials suspect a sudden medical event.
Baumgartner gained worldwide attention when he jumped from 38,969 meters, breaking the sound barrier at speeds of 850 mph. His jump set several records, including the highest parachute free-fall and fastest free-fall speed.
This mission required a highly specialized pressure suit with advanced materials that maintained pressure and protected him from the cold and low oxygen. He described the suit as restrictive but crucial for survival during his historic dive.
Although another daredevil later surpassed his record, Felix’s jump remains a landmark of human performance, blending courage with cutting-edge technology. His death marks the loss of a true pioneer in aerospace sports.
