Extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner, the first skydiver to fall faster than the speed of sound, died Thursday in a paragliding accident in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy. He was 56.

Baumgartner crashed into a wooden structure next to a swimming pool at the Le Mimose holiday village and died shortly after impact. The mayor confirmed his death, calling him "a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight".

Known as "Fearless Felix," Baumgartner stunned the world in 2012 when he jumped from 24 miles above Earth, reaching 843.6 mph during his record-breaking stratospheric leap. The Austrian extreme sportsman made thousands of jumps from planes, bridges, and landmarks throughout his career, becoming an internet sensation and inspiring millions with his daredevil feats.