Space skydiver Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash aged 56
Record-breaking skydiver dies in paragliding accident
- Austrian extreme sportsman Felix Baumgartner has died at 56 in a paragliding accident in central Italy.
- He lost control of his motorised paraglider while flying over Porto Sant'Elpidio and fell to the ground.
- Local police and the mayor suggested he may have suffered a sudden medical issue mid-air, contributing to the crash.
- Baumgartner was globally renowned for his 2012 record-breaking skydive from 24 miles above Earth, becoming the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall.
- His career also included skydiving across the English Channel and off the Petronas Towers, alongside some controversial views.