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Italian Authorities Probe Circumstances of Baumgartner’s Fatal Paragliding Crash

Authorities are probing whether a sudden health event or technical malfunction led to the crash that killed the record-breaking skydiver.

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Felix Baumgartner poses during the Airpower 2022 airshow in Austria.
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Overview

  • Baumgartner lost control of his motorised paraglider above Porto Sant’Elpidio and plunged into a hotel pool on July 17.
  • The 56-year-old daredevil died on impact and a hotel employee struck by falling debris was treated for non-serious injuries.
  • Local reports suggest Baumgartner may have suffered a sudden medical issue before losing control of his paraglider.
  • Porto Sant’Elpidio’s mayor paid tribute to Baumgartner as a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight.
  • Officials have launched a formal inquiry into equipment performance and potential health factors behind the accident.