Felix Baumgartner was never one to live quietly. The Austrian daredevil etched his name into history on October 14, 2012, when he stepped out of a capsule suspended 24 miles above Earth—and became the first human to break the sound barrier in free fall.
Wearing a pressurized suit and carried to the stratosphere by a giant helium balloon, he reached a mind-bending speed of 843.6 mph during his descent over New Mexico, capturing the world’s awe and rewriting what was physically possible for man without a machine.
For a man so known for pushing limits, his end came not on the edge of space, but in a tragic crash near sea level. On July 17, 2025, Baumgartner died at age 56 after his motorized paraglider spiraled out of control and slammed into a swimming pool in Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy.
Italian authorities suspect he may have suffered a sudden medical episode mid-flight. His death stunned the extreme sports community and broke the hearts of fans who had once watched him fall from the edge of the atmosphere with nothing but silence between him and the Earth.
While headlines now mourn the loss of “Fearless Felix,” many are also looking back at the man behind the suit. Beyond the records, beyond the Red Bull Stratos spectacle, who did Felix Baumgartner love? Who stood by him through the highs, the risks, and the adrenaline-fueled madness that defined his life?
As the world pays tribute to one of the boldest figures in aviation history, attention has turned to his personal life, especially his romantic chapter, which was as complex and gripping as his stunts.
Felix Baumgartner’s Relationship With Mihaela Rădulescu – Were They Married?
At the time of his death, Baumgartner was in a long-term relationship with Romanian television personality and humanitarian Mihaela Rădulescu, also known as Mihaela Schwartzenberg. The two had been together since 2014 and were frequently seen attending events and traveling together.
While the Daily Mail referred to Mihaela as Felix’s wife, several other reputable sources—including Wikipedia and international news outlets—describe her as his partner. As of now, there is no official confirmation or public record of a legal marriage between them.
Mihaela, based in Monaco, is known for her decades-long career in Romanian media, her philanthropic efforts, and her work with organizations like United Way and Save the Children. She also has one son, Ayan Schwartzenberg.
Before his relationship with Mihaela, Felix was engaged to Nicole Öttl, a former beauty queen and model. He proposed to her shortly after his historic 2012 Red Bull Stratos jump. The engagement did not lead to marriage, and the relationship eventually ended.
The Woman Beside Felix – Mihaela Rădulescu
Felix Baumgartner spent the last decade of his life with Mihaela Rădulescu, a well-known Romanian television host and public figure. She has worked as a presenter, producer, columnist, and social activist, and is recognized for her long-running media career and charitable efforts.
Mihaela is also the founder of Fundația Ayan, a children’s support foundation, and has partnered with organizations like United Way and Save the Children. The two were together from 2014 until Felix’s death in 2025 and were often seen traveling and attending events as a couple.
Born on August 3, 1969, Mihaela began her career in Bucharest after the Romanian Revolution, working in various roles, from student taxi driver to government secretary. She later skyrocketed to household-name status in Romania with her hit TV show Duminica în familie. She continued to dominate the screen through talent shows, celebrity competitions, and reality TV.
Along the way, she produced documentaries in Iraq and Afghanistan, voiced characters for Disney and DreamWorks, and authored five books—all while championing countless humanitarian causes.
Rădulescu has received multiple accolades, including the Order of Merit from King Mihai of Romania and the Tocqueville Award for philanthropy. She runs a charity foundation and has raised funds for children’s hospitals, disaster victims, and underserved communities, often launching fast-response campaigns to meet urgent needs.
Mihaela was previously linked to Romanian actor and director Dan Chișu. She has one son, Ayan Schwartzenberg, though the identity of his father has never been publicly confirmed.
Felix Grew Up With His Brother
Baumgartner was born on April 20, 1969, in Salzburg, Austria. His mother, Eva, played a visible role in his upbringing, while public records do not mention his father. He was raised alongside a younger brother named Gerard.
Though the family maintained a relatively private profile, it’s clear that Felix’s fascination with flight began early—he often spoke about dreaming of skydiving and flying as a child.
Growing up in Salzburg, Felix was drawn to heights and speed from a young age, showing a natural interest in aviation and parachuting long before his career began. His close-knit bond with his family, particularly his mother and brother, remained a steady presence even as he moved into high-risk sports and global recognition.
