Austrian extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner, who broke the world record by free jumping from the edge of space, died in a motorized paragliding accident in Italy.

Austrian extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner, 56, who broke the world record by free jumping from the edge of space, died in a motorized paragliding accident in Italy. According to reports in the Italian media, Baumgartner, who took off with a motorized paraglider from the city of Fermo on the Adriatic coast, suddenly lost control during the flight and fell near the pool of a hotel in the town of Porto Sant'Elpidio in the Marche region. Baumgartner, who was given first aid by those on the scene, could not be saved despite all efforts.

Some eyewitnesses commented that Baumgartner may have had a heart attack in the air, stating that he was already unconscious when he fell. Massimiliano Ciarpella, the mayor of Porto Sant'Elpidio, said that according to preliminary information, Baumgartner may have suffered a sudden health problem while in the air. Describing Baumgartner as “a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flights”, Ciarpella expressed his condolences to the athlete's family and loved ones.