Explore the life and legacy of Felix Baumgartner — from his record-breaking space jump to his tragic death in a paragliding accident. Discover his net worth, achievements, personal life, and career milestones.
Felix Baumgartner wasn’t just a daredevil — he was a legend in the world of extreme sports. Known globally for his supersonic freefall from the edge of space in 2012, the Austrian skydiver and BASE jumper inspired millions with his fearless stunts and unmatched courage. But on June 13, 2025, the world was shocked by the tragic news of his passing in a paragliding accident in Italy.
This blog post offers a comprehensive look at the life, achievements, and legacy of Felix Baumgartner — including his net worth, age, wife, groundbreaking space jump, accident details, height, and more.
Key Takeaways
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Felix Baumgartner |
| Date of Birth | April 20, 1969 |
| Date of Death | June 13, 2025 (aged 56) |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Profession | Skydiver, BASE Jumper, Paraglider, Pilot |
| Famous For | 2012 Red Bull Stratos Space Jump |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 – $6 million |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Romantically linked to model Mihaela Rădulescu |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.73 m) |
| Cause of Death | Paragliding accident in Italy |
Early Life and Background
Felix Baumgartner was born on April 20, 1969, in Salzburg, Austria. From a young age, Felix was fascinated with flight, often saying, “Ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to jump out of a plane.” This fascination with the skies drove him to take up skydiving at the age of 16.
Baumgartner refined his skydiving techniques and skills while serving in the Austrian military. His military experience provided the foundation for what would become a thrilling and globally recognized career in extreme sports and aviation.
Career Achievements and Highlights
Felix Baumgartner’s career is packed with jaw-dropping achievements that pushed the limits of human possibility. Here are some of the most notable milestones:
1. Partnership with Red Bull
In 1988, Felix began collaborating with Red Bull, who would later sponsor many of his daring feats, including the historic Red Bull Stratos mission. This partnership was instrumental in elevating his global profile.
2. Record-Breaking BASE Jumps
In 1999, Felix broke two BASE jumping records:
Highest BASE jump: From the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (88th floor).
Lowest BASE jump: From the hand of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, just 95 feet high.
3. Red Bull Stratos Space Jump (2012)
Perhaps his most iconic feat was the Red Bull Stratos jump on October 14, 2012. In this mission:
He ascended to 128,000 feet (24 miles) above Earth in a helium balloon.
He jumped from the stratosphere and broke the sound barrier, becoming the first human to do so without vehicular assistance.
He reached a maximum speed of 843.6 mph, setting a world record for fastest freefall.
He also held the record for the highest jump until it was broken in 2014.
Felix’s freefall was not only a personal milestone but also a historic scientific achievement. The mission was meticulously planned for over five years, with training supervised by former record-holder Joe Kittinger.
4. Helicopter and Wing Suit Pilot
Baumgartner wasn’t limited to just skydiving. He became a licensed helicopter pilot and was part of Red Bull’s aerial acrobatics team. He also flew using a carbon fiber wing, highlighting his versatility in airborne sports.
Paragliding Accident and Tragic Death
On June 13, 2025, Felix Baumgartner tragically passed away during a paragliding accident in Porto Sant’Elpidio, a town on the eastern coast of Italy.
According to eyewitnesses, the paraglider spun uncontrollably before crashing into the side of a swimming pool. A loud boom was heard before the crash, and rescue teams confirmed the fatality upon arrival.
The mayor of the town, Massimiliano Ciarpella, shared his condolences, stating:
“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.”
Baumgartner had reportedly been vacationing in the area at the time of the accident.
Personal Life: Wife, Relationships, and Family
Felix Baumgartner maintained a relatively private personal life. He was not married, but was known for his relationship with Mihaela Rădulescu, a Romanian television presenter and model. The couple frequently appeared in public together, although it is not confirmed whether they were still together at the time of his passing.
There are no publicly known children linked to Felix Baumgartner.
Net Worth and Earnings
At the time of his death, Felix Baumgartner’s net worth was estimated between $4 million and $6 million. His income sources included:
Sponsorships (most notably Red Bull)
Public speaking engagements
Media appearances
Helicopter stunt shows
Book and documentary rights
His groundbreaking jump and media popularity contributed significantly to his financial success.
Height and Physical Stats
Felix Baumgartner stood at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.73 meters) tall. Though not physically imposing, his mental toughness and unmatched skill set placed him in a league of his own among extreme athletes.
Political Views and Controversies
While his athleticism was widely celebrated, Felix’s political views often stirred controversy. On social media:
He mocked climate activists and disputed efforts to combat climate change.
He voiced anti-LGBTQ sentiments, drawing criticism from advocacy groups.
He controversially praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, calling for him to be given a Nobel Peace Prize for his anti-immigration policies.
These opinions created a divide among fans and critics, although his accomplishments in extreme sports remained respected.
Legacy and Influence
Felix Baumgartner’s impact on the world of extreme sports cannot be overstated. His legacy includes:
Pioneering human freefall from near space
Advancing aerospace safety and medical knowledge
Inspiring countless athletes, scientists, and dreamers
Documentaries, interviews, and articles will continue to preserve his story for future generations. Despite the controversy, his fearlessness left a lasting impression on the world.
Conclusion
Felix Baumgartner lived a life most people could only dream of — one filled with sky-high ambition, record-breaking feats, and a relentless pursuit of the extreme. His tragic passing marks the end of an era, but his achievements will forever be etched in the history of aviation, skydiving, and human exploration. From leaping from space to mastering the art of the jump, Felix taught us all to aim higher — and never stop chasing the impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Felix Baumgartner’s cause of death?
He died in a paragliding accident on June 13, 2025, in Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy.
2. How fast did Felix Baumgartner fall during the Red Bull Stratos jump?
He reached a maximum speed of 843.6 mph, becoming the first human to break the sound barrier unaided.
3. Was Felix Baumgartner married?
No, he was not married. He was romantically linked to model Mihaela Rădulescu.
4. What is Felix Baumgartner’s net worth?
At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated between $4 million and $6 million.
5. What records did Felix Baumgartner break?
He broke records for:
Highest jump
Fastest freefall
First unaided supersonic fall
He also held BASE jump records earlier in his career.