Skydiver Felix Baumgartner Dies Throughout Paragliding Accident at 56: Studies

Skydiver Felix Baumgartner has reportedly died following a paragliding accident. He was 56.

In line with the Related Press, Baumgartner died on Thursday, July 17, in Italy. PEOPLE has contacted Italian Nationwide Police for remark.

Per U.Okay. newspaper Impartial, the skydiver was flying over Porto Sant’Elpidio in Italy when he misplaced management of his paraglider. He then reportedly fell on the bottom close to a resort swimming pool.

In a publish on Fb, Porto Sant’Elpidio Mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella expressed his condolences.

“Our group is deeply affected by the tragic passing of Felix Baumgartner, a world-renowned determine, a logo of braveness and fervour for excessive flight,” he wrote, in Italian. “He was flying over our metropolis when a deadly [accident] took his life at present.”

He added, “Porto Sant’Elpidio stands along with his household and family members on this second of grief. On behalf of the Municipal Administration and all residents, I specific my sincerest condolences for this irreparable loss.”

In line with the AP and Impartial, Baumgartner made historical past in 2012 when he turned the primary skydiver to interrupt the sound barrier, carrying a pressurized go well with as he dived from a balloon 38km (24 miles) above Earth.

Baumgartner was a part of the Purple Bull Stratos crew when he reached the whopping velocity of 843.6 mph over New Mexico, per the AP.

In an announcement on Fb, Purple Bull paid tribute to Baumgartner.

“We’re shocked and overwhelmed with disappointment to listen to the devastating information of our longtime good friend Felix Baumgartner,” they wrote. “Felix was ‘born to fly’ and was decided to push the bounds.”

By no means miss a narrative — join PEOPLE’s free each day e-newsletter to remain up-to-date on the perfect of what PEOPLE has to supply, from juicy superstar information to forcing human-interest tales.

They added, “He was additionally sensible, skilled, thorough and meticulous, by no means leaving something to likelihood.  He was beneficiant, giving a lot of his time to assist and provoking so many individuals.”

“We bear in mind Felix as a stunning particular person, dedicated to his household and pals, to whom we ship our heartfelt sympathy. Felix, you can be deeply missed,” the publish concluded.

In line with France24, Baumgartner was born in Salzburg, Austria.

He additionally labored as a mechanic whereas taking steps in the direction of fulfilling his childhood desires of turning into a skydiver and a pilot.

“I at all times had the need to be within the air,” he beforehand stated, per the outlet.  “I climbed bushes, I wished to see the world from above.”