When adventure turns fatal: 5 daring explorers who died doing what they love

Extreme adventurers often live on the edge — pushing the boundaries of human endurance, imagination, and risk. While their feats have inspired millions, some paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the extraordinary. Here are some of the most unforgettable adventurers who died or disappeared during bold quests:

Felix Baumgartner (1969–2025)

The Austrian daredevil who broke the sound barrier in a 2012 skydive from the stratosphere died in a paragliding crash in Italy. Baumgartner became a global icon for his fearless leaps and helicopter stunts — and stayed airborne until his final day.

Amelia Earhart (1897–1937?)

Aviation’s most enduring mystery. Earhart vanished over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 while attempting to fly around the world. Despite massive search efforts, no confirmed trace of her plane was ever found.

Steve Fossett (1944–2007)

The first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in a balloon. Fossett disappeared while flying a small plane over Nevada. His remains were discovered a year later in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Ueli Steck (1976–2017)

Known as “The Swiss Machine,” Steck was a speed-climbing legend who scaled Himalayan giants solo. He fell to his death on Nuptse while preparing for an ambitious Everest-Lhotse traverse.

Carlin Dunne (1983–2019)

A gifted motorcycle racer and stuntman, Dunne was just meters from a record-breaking finish when he lost control at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and flew off the mountain road.