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December 2, 2008 10:22:03 AM CST

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RIP, Steve Fossett

Posted Feb 16, 08 5:44 AM CST in Sports,  US 

(Newser) – He vanished on a routine flight five months ago, and now daredevil Steve Fossett has been declared dead at the age of 63, the AP reports. The famous world record breaker was last seen flying a small plane over western Nevada where 15-20 private planes have disappeared since 1950. The first man to circle the world solo in a hot air balloon, Fossett aspired to "be the best in everything."

Fossett's most famous feats include swimming the English Channel, breaking the round-the-world sailing record by six days and completing the Ironman Triathlon. He competed against and collaborated with friend Richard Branson and survived a few close calls, including a 29,000-foot fall into the Coral Sea. Despite the dangers, he once said, "I plan to be setting and breaking records indefinitely."

Source Associated Press

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Elevation map shows extent of search for pilot Steve Fossett and locations of known plane crash sites since 1964; 2c x 5 inches; 96.3 mm x 127 mm   (Associated Press)
Pilot Steve Fossett walks across a windy runway to the GlobalFlyer at the Salina Municipal Airport in Salina, Kan. in this Feb. 28, 2005 file photo. Fossett, who risked his life seeking to set records...   (Associated Press)
FILE ** Pilot Steve Fossett, talks to VIP guests as his wife Peggy looks on after his attempt to set a solo flight record was delayed by high crosswinds at the Salina Municipal Airport in Salina, Kan....   (Associated Press)
American adventurer Steve Fossett arrives at Kent International Airport, Manston, Kent, England. in this Feb. 11, 2006, photo. Relying on new leads from Air Force experts, crews looking for famed aviator...   (Associated Press)
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obituary • pilot • Richard Branson • aviation • world record • Steve Fossett • hot air balloon


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