Photo: Eamonn M. McCormack / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Famed daredevil Felix Baumgartner, known for his record-breaking skydive from the edge of space, tragically died in a paragliding accident in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy, on Thursday (July 17). The 56-year-old was flying a motorized paraglider over the Le Mimose del Club del Sole holiday village when he lost control and crashed into a wooden structure near a busy swimming pool.
Tourists and staff at the resort rushed to provide first aid as Baumgartner lay poolside. Despite their efforts and the quick arrival of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead before an air ambulance could reach the scene. According to the Daily Mail, Baumgartner may have suffered a medical emergency mid-air, with reports suggesting a possible cardiac arrest.
The incident occurred while Baumgartner was on holiday with his wife, Mihaela Schwartzenberg. She was informed of the accident and rushed to the scene. Just before the crash, Baumgartner had posted a video on social media with the caption "Too much wind," showing him paragliding over a field.
A post-mortem examination is underway to determine the exact cause of death. An employee at the resort was also injured by debris from the crash but is reportedly in good health.