Beachgoers knew something was wrong when they heard a loud boom ring out as a paraglider spun out of control, killing its only occupant, extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner.

Extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner, the first skydiver to fall faster than the speed of sound, was killed in a crash along the eastern coast of Italy, according to an official. He was 56.

Baumgartner, who was known as "Fearless Felix," was most known for his 2012 skydive that broke the sound barrier. The stunt was part of the Red Bull Stratos project. Baumgartner partnered with the company in an attempt to record the highest-ever skydive.