Felix Baumgartner, World Record Holder for Skydiving, Dead at 56 After Paragliding Accident

The daredevil community is mourning a star.

Felix Baumgartner, who became the first person to break the sound barrier with only his body, died in Italy after his paraglider crashed in the coastal Italian city of Porto Sant’Elpidio on July 17, Mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella confirmed. He was 56. 

“Our community is deeply affected by the tragic passing of Felix Baumgartner, a world-renowned figure, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight,” the official wrote in Italian on Facebook. “Porto Sant’Elpidio stands with his family and loved ones in this moment of grief.” 

Baumgartner, who held multiple world records for his daring stunts, had crashed into the side of a swimming pool in the central Italian city, according to first responders at the scene, per NBC News. 

The Australian skydiver, nicknamed “Fearless Felix,” made history in 2012 when he became the first person to break the sound barrier in free fall without a vehicle. He wore a pressurized suit and jumped from a capsule in space more than 24 miles above Earth.