Felix Baumgartner was an Austrian skydiver and daredevil renowned for his record-breaking feats in extreme sports. Born on April 20, 1969, in Salzburg, Austria, he began skydiving at the age of 16 and later joined the Austrian military’s demonstration and competition team. His collaboration with Red Bull began in 1988, marking the start of a series of high-profile stunts.
On October 14, 2012, Baumgartner ascended to approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) above Earth in a helium balloon and jumped from the edge of space. During his freefall, he became the first person to break the sound barrier without mechanical assistance, reaching speeds of 843.6 mph (1.25 times the speed of sound). This jump set three world records: highest freefall, highest manned balloon flight, and maximum vertical speed without a drogue parachute.
Baumgartner also gained attention for his BASE jumps from landmarks such as the Petronas Towers in Malaysia and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil. In 2003, he became the first person to skydive across the English Channel using a carbon-fiber wing.
Felix Baumgartner passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 56, following a paragliding accident in Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy. Reports indicate that he lost control of his motorized paraglider after experiencing a sudden medical issue midair, possibly a heart attack. He crashed into a hotel swimming pool, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. A hotel employee was also injured during the incident.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Felix Baumgartner was born to Eva Baumgartner in Salzburg, Austria. He has a younger brother named Gerard. From a young age, Felix exhibited a fascination with heights and aviation, dreaming of skydiving and flying helicopters. These early interests laid the foundation for his future endeavors in extreme sports.
Education and Military Service
Details about Felix’s formal education are limited. However, he pursued a career in the military, joining the Austrian Armed Forces. During his service, he became a skilled parachutist, which provided him with the training and discipline that would later define his career in extreme sports.
Career in Extreme Sports
Introduction to Skydiving
At the age of 16, Felix began skydiving. His passion for the sport quickly grew, leading him to join the Austrian military’s demonstration and competition team. This experience honed his skills and prepared him for more daring feats in the future.
Collaboration with Red Bull
In 1988, Felix began performing skydiving exhibitions for Red Bull. The company’s innovative approach to sports and Felix’s adventurous spirit created a perfect partnership. Together, they embarked on numerous high-profile stunts that captured the world’s attention.
Notable Achievements
1999: Felix claimed the world record for the highest parachute jump from a building when he jumped from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
2003: He became the first person to skydive across the English Channel using a specially made carbon fiber wing.
2007: Felix BASE jumped from the 85-foot arm of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
2012: He achieved global fame by leaping from a capsule nearly 39 kilometers above Earth, breaking the sound barrier in freefall, and setting three world records.
The Red Bull Stratos Mission
The Historic Jump
On October 14, 2012, Felix Baumgartner ascended to an altitude of approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) in a helium balloon. Wearing a specially designed pressurized suit, he exited the capsule and freefell to Earth. During his descent, he reached speeds of 843.6 mph (Mach 1.25), becoming the first human to break the sound barrier without mechanical assistance.
Significance of the Mission
The Red Bull Stratos mission was not only a remarkable feat of human endurance and bravery but also a significant scientific endeavor. The data collected during the jump provided valuable insights into high-altitude flight and human physiology, contributing to advancements in aerospace medicine and technology.
Personal Life
Relationships
Felix was previously engaged to Nicole Oetl, a former model and beauty queen. The couple planned to marry, and their relationship was well-documented in the media. However, details about their current relationship status are limited.
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond skydiving, Felix had a passion for aviation. He fulfilled his childhood dream of piloting helicopters and became an aerobatic pilot with The Flying Bulls. His love for flying extended to participating in motorsport events, including the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2014.
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Felix Baumgartner’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. His income sources included sponsorships, public speaking engagements, and his involvement in various extreme sports events.
Death
Circumstances
Felix Baumgartner tragically passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 56. He died in a paragliding accident in Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy. Reports indicate that he experienced a sudden medical issue midair, possibly a heart attack, causing him to lose control of his motorized paraglider. He crashed into a hotel swimming pool, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. A hotel employee was also injured during the incident .
Legacy
Felix Baumgartner’s contributions to extreme sports and his pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the world. His record-breaking feats continue to inspire adventurers and dreamers worldwide. The Red Bull Stratos mission, in particular, remains a testament to human courage and the pursuit of knowledge.
FAQs
What was Felix Baumgartner’s most famous achievement?
His most famous achievement was the 2012 Red Bull Stratos mission, where he became the first human to break the sound barrier in freefall.
How old was Felix Baumgartner when he died?
He was 56 years old at the time of his death.
What caused Felix Baumgartner’s death?
He died in a paragliding accident in Italy, reportedly due to a sudden medical issue midair.
Was Felix Baumgartner married?
He was previously engaged to Nicole Oetl, but current details about their relationship status are limited.
What other records did Felix Baumgartner set?
In addition to his stratospheric jump, he set records for the highest parachute jump from a building and the first skydive across the English Channel.
Did Felix Baumgartner have children?
There is no public information confirming that he had children.
What was Felix Baumgartner’s role in the military?
He served as a parachutist in the Austrian Armed Forces, which provided him with the training for his future extreme sports endeavors.
Where did Felix Baumgartner live?
He resided in Arbon, Switzerland.
