Extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner tragically dies during stunt aged 56

Felix Baumgartner who became a household name more than a decade ago has died following a paragliding incident.

The Austrian skydiver became known around the world after he jumped to Earth from a helium balloon way back in 2012.

The paragliding accident that claimed his life occurred the eastern Italian town of Porto Sant’Elpidio on Thursday (July 17).

Local media has reported that the 56-year-old lost consciousness while in flight and then lost control of his paraglider. He then ended up crashing into a hotel pool and lightly injured a member of staff.

The daredevil reportedly died instantly. The employee was rushed to the hospital and is said to have suffered a neck injury.

Most tragically, hours before his death, Baumgartner posted on his Instagram story captioned: "Too much wind."

Tributes have begun to flood in with many praising Felix for his dedication to his craft (Buda Mendes/Getty Images for Laureus)

Following the incident, the Austrian foreign ministry confirmed the reports to Germany's dpa news agency.

The energy drink company Red Bull, who had previously sponsored many of Baumgartner’s exploits, also confirmed his passing.

Baumgartner shot to fame working with Red Bull in 2012 when he jumped from a helium balloon that was about 24 miles above Earth.

This was the highest manned balloon flight and the highest ever freefall at the time.

During this jump, he reached a maximum speed of 834 mph, meaning he broke the sound barrier.

Tributes on social media have begun to flood in with many remarking at the impressive feats Baumgartner had achieved in his life as well as his dedication to his craft.

One social media user reflecting on the news of his passing said: “This death feels like Steve Irwin's; you expect it to be from something wild daredevil stunt but nope, just paragliding accident. Sad.”

Felix is most known for his death defying jump back to Earth from a helium balloon(Red Bull Content Pool/ABACA/IMAGO)

Another said: “I remember watching this on TV when I was in high school. The wild ride comes to an end eventually. RIP to a legend. If you’re gonna die young, die doing what you love.”

A third added: “I remember his Red Bull jump from space. It was insane. He lost consciousness and came back to. Bro was beast and died being an absolute badass. You can rest peacefully now Champ, you did your thing.”

While another commented: “He survived Stratosphere but died in paragliding. He was meant for big thing in life . paragliding was too small for his calibers.”

With another sweetly added: “A true daredevil and legend of human courage.

Felix Baumgartner defied the limits of possibility when he jumped from the edge of space — an inspiration to millions.Tragically gone too soon. Rest in peace, sky warrior.