Felix Baumgartner died instantly upon impact after sustaining a broken spine in the lumbar region and severe damage to his spinal cord, according to preliminary autopsy results.
Investigators are currently exploring a theory that a detached video camera may have caused the fatal crash. Reports from the Daily Mail suggest the camera, which was mounted on Baumgartner’s powered paraglider, might have come loose mid-flight and become entangled in the propeller, leading to a catastrophic malfunction.
The circumstances surrounding the tragic accident are being examined by prosecutor Raffaele Iannella, who confirmed to BID that the autopsy is ongoing at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Fermo.
‘What we know for sure so far: Baumgartner died on impact, his spine fractured in the lower part of his back, and his spinal cord was damaged,’ said the prosecutor.
Local sources point to a potential unforeseen technical failure. The video equipment attached to the paraglider may have come off during flight, striking the propeller and triggering the deadly descent. Authorities are still searching for the missing camera in hopes of reconstructing the exact chain of events.
The prosecution has indicated that the investigation could take 40 to 45 days to fully clarify all aspects of the incident.
Following the heartbreaking news, Baumgartner’s longtime partner, Mihaela Rădulescu, shared deeply moving photographs on social media platform X—images taken just moments before the crash.
‘For over 12 years I was there for every take off and landing, from skydiving, paragliding, helicopter flights, paramotor to aerobatic shows.
‘And when I couldn’t be there for some heli flights, we had the WLC code – “the Wifey Landing Call”. Never missed one. Except …this one.’ – she wrote.
In her emotional message, Rădulescu described Baumgartner as a “truly special” soul who has now “returned home—up there, where he was happiest.”
I was filming him taking off not knowing that this will be his last flight of his extraordinary life.
For over 12y I was there for every take off and landing, from skydiving, paragliding, helicopter flights, paramotor to aerobatic shows. And when I couldn’t be there for some… pic.twitter.com/9imwjV9Xbn
— miha schwartzenberg (@mihaschw) July 19, 2025
The 55-year-old television host also expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone offering support during this painful time and to those who are helping preserve Baumgartner’s extraordinary legacy.
Felix Baumgartner secured his place in history in 2012 when he completed a record-breaking skydive from the stratosphere—one of the most extreme stunts ever performed, earning him worldwide recognition.