Latest news with #SkyAustria
The Star
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Daredevil legend 'Fearless Felix' Baumgartner dies in paragliding accident at 56
Felix Baumgartner lived to leap, becoming the first person to fall faster than the speed of sound during a 24-mile (38.6km) skydiving adventure through the stratosphere in 2012. On July 17, the Austrian daredevil died at age 56 while engaged in a far less intense activity, crashing into the side of a hotel swimming pool while paragliding in Porto Sant Elpidio, a town on central Italy's eastern coast. According to Sky Austria, he became ill before the crash. A hotel employee was hospitalised after sustaining injuries in the accident, the report stated. "Our community is deeply affected by the tragic disappearance of Felix Baumgartner, a figure of global prominence, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight," Porto Sant Elpidio Mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella said on Facebook. The man known as "Fearless Felix" made history 13 years ago when he parachuted down to a landing near Roswell, New Mexico, United States, after being lifted 24 miles above Earth into the stratosphere in a capsule carried by a helium balloon. He set a record for fastest free fall, descending 127,852 feet (38,969m) at 843.6 mph (1,357km/h) and becoming the first human to break the sound barrier without the assistance of a vehicle. As he exited his capsule and jumped into air that was 70 degrees below zero (-21 degree Celcius), Baumgartner gave a thumbs-up to onlookers watching a livestream online. He activated his parachute as he neared the ground. "When I was standing there on top of the world, you become so humble, you do not think about breaking records anymore, you do not think of about gaining scientific data. The only thing you want is to come back alive," he said after landing safely. "Sometimes we have to get really high to see how small we are." Baumgartner's altitude record stood for two years until Google executive Alan Eustace set new marks for the highest free-fall jump and greatest free-fall distance. A former Austrian military parachutist, Baumgartner made numerous jumps from airplanes, skyscrapers and bridges. He also leaped from famed landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He once flew across the English Channel in a carbon fibre wing after being dropped from a plane. The daredevil also performed as a helicopter stunt pilot in shows across Europe. Baumgartner died while engaged in a more prosaic activity. Paragliders are lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched aircraft primarily used for recreation. The pilot sits suspended below a fabric wing. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a representative for Baumgartner's longtime sponsor Red Bull said, "We are shocked and overwhelmed with sadness to hear the devastating news of our longtime friend Felix Baumgartner. "Felix was 'born to fly' and was determined to push the limits. He was also smart, professional, thorough and meticulous, never leaving anything to chance. He was generous, giving much of his time to help and inspiring so many people. "We remember Felix as a lovely person, devoted to his family and friends, to whom we send our heartfelt sympathy. Felix, you will be deeply missed." In an interview with Red Bull years ago, Baumgartner addressed his meticulous preparation before taking flight. "We had a very long list of 'what ifs,' in other words eventualities that could happen and how we would deal with them in an emergency," he said. "The list kept getting longer and longer. I was only afraid of the things that were not on the list, the things we had not thought of. To this day, I abort missions if the conditions are not right." – Los Angeles Times/Tribune News Service
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Daredevil legend ‘Fearless Felix' Baumgartner dies in paragliding accident at 56
Felix Baumgartner lived to leap, becoming the first person to fall faster than the speed of sound during a 24-mile skydiving adventure through the stratosphere in 2012. On Thursday, the Austrian daredevil died at age 56 while engaged in a far less intense activity, crashing into the side of a hotel swimming pool while paragliding in Porto Sant Elpidio, a town on central Italy's eastern coast. According to Sky Austria, he became ill before the crash. A hotel employee was hospitalized after sustaining injuries in the accident, the report stated. 'Our community is deeply affected by the tragic disappearance of Felix Baumgartner, a figure of global prominence, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight,' Porto Sant Elpidio mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella said on Facebook. The man known as 'Fearless Felix' made history 13 years ago when he parachuted down to a landing near Roswell, N.M., after being lifted 24 miles above Earth into the stratosphere in a capsule carried by a helium balloon. He set a record for fastest free fall, descending 127,852 feet at 843.6 mph and becoming the first human to break the sound barrier without the assistance of a vehicle. As he exited his capsule and jumped into air that was 70 degrees below zero, Baumgartner gave a thumbs-up to onlookers watching a live stream online. He activated his parachute as he neared the ground. 'When I was standing there on top of the world, you become so humble, you do not think about breaking records anymore, you do not think of about gaining scientific data. The only thing you want is to come back alive,' he said after landing safely. 'Sometimes we have to get really high to see how small we are.' Baumgartner's altitude record stood for two years until Google executive Alan Eustace set new marks for the highest free-fall jump and greatest free-fall distance. A former Austrian military parachutist, Baumgartner made numerous jumps from airplanes, skyscrapers and bridges. He also leaped from famed landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He once flew across the English Channel in a carbon fiber wing after being dropped from a plane. The daredevil also performed as a helicopter stunt pilot in shows across Europe. Baumgartner died while engaged in a more prosaic activity. Paragliders are lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched aircraft primarily used for recreational. The pilot sits suspended below a fabric wing. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a representative for Baumgartner's longtime sponsor Red Bull said, 'We are shocked and overwhelmed with sadness to hear the devastating news of our longtime friend Felix Baumgartner. 'Felix was 'born to fly' and was determined to push the limits. He was also smart, professional, thorough and meticulous, never leaving anything to chance. He was generous, giving much of his time to help and inspiring so many people. 'We remember Felix as a lovely person, devoted to his family and friends, to whom we send our heartfelt sympathy. Felix, you will be deeply missed.' In an interview with Red Bull years ago, Baumgartner addressed his meticulous preparation before taking flight. 'We had a very long list of 'what ifs,' in other words eventualities that could happen and how we would deal with them in an emergency,' he said. 'The list kept getting longer and longer. I was only afraid of the things that were not on the list, the things we had not thought of. To this day, I abort missions if the conditions are not right.'
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Felix Baumgartner dead at 56: Skydiver famous for space jump dies in paragliding tragedy after crashing into pool
FELIX BAUMGARTNER has died aged 56 after crashing into a pool in a paragliding tragedy. The Austrian skydiver became a household name when he jumped to Earth from a helium balloon in 2012. 2 2 He set world records for skydiving an estimated 24 miles and reaching an estimated top speed of Mach 1.25 (843.6mph), becoming the first person ever to break the sound barrier without vehicular power. But Baumgartner's latest adventure ended in tragedy as he plunged to his death while attempting another stunning feat. According to Sky Austria, the extreme sports lover was in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy, when disaster struck. Baumgartner had been flying in a motored paraglider when he suffered a "sudden onset of illness." This caused him to lose control, with Baumgartner's glider crashing to the ground and into a hotel swimming pool. He was reportedly killed instantly in the tragic accident. Meanwhile, a hotel employee was also injured during Baumgartner's fall. They were said to be struck by the paraglider as it hit the ground. The employee was rushed to hospital and is said to have suffered neck injuries. Fans quickly paid tribute to Baumgartner on social media. One said: "RIP legend." Another declared: "Can't believe, am so sorry for his friends and family." One noted: "We will all miss you Felix." Another added: "Shocked by the news, RIP." THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
RB Leipzig midfielder flirts with Premier League move
Like many other players, Xaver Schlager would like to play in the English Premier League at some point. The 27-year-old midfielder made no secret of his dream in an interview with Sky Austria. "I'll say it openly and honestly: the Premier League is the top league everyone wants to play in because it's so spectacular," said Schlager. However, he also pointed out that he doesn't want to leave Leipzig at any price, as he feels very comfortable at the Bundesliga club. 'I feel very good in Leipzig. When you're healthy and fit, it's a very good thing. That's what I want to have at the moment, and what's important for me now is to play and have fun. Then we can take our time and see what the future holds.' It was recently reported that Leipzig are keen to keep hold of Schlager and are seeking to extend his contract beyond 2026. The Austria international recently returned to full training after a lengthy knee injury.
