Superstar Skydiver Felix Baumgartner Dies In Paragliding Accident At 56

Felix Baumgartner, the famous Austrian daredevil, died in a paragliding accident near the coast of Italy at age 56. Baumgartner gained international fame in 2012 for his record-breaking skydive and four-minute freefall from the stratosphere 24 miles above the Earth, during which he broke the sound barrier. He was known for his extreme stunts and popularizing BASE jumping. His death was confirmed by his corporate sponsor, Red Bull. “Thank you, Felix” the company wrote in a statement, “We grew with you and you with us. We wouldn’t trade a single day we had together. You will stay with us as a colleague, a loyal companion, but most of all as a friend.” (Story URL)