Richard Abruzzo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Abruzzo
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Abruzzo on the balcony of the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
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| Born | May 19, 1963 |
| Died | September 29, 2010 (aged 47) |
| Cause of death | Balloon accident |
| Resting place | Gate of Heaven Cemetery Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Real estate business |
| Known for | Balloonist who with Dr. Carol Rymer Davis won the 2004 Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race and the 2003 America's Challenge Gas Race |
| Parent(s) | Ben Abruzzo (father) Patricia Ann "Pat" Steen Abruzzo (mother) |
Richard Abruzzo (born May 19, 1963 – died September 29, 2010) was a super talented American balloonist. A balloonist is someone who flies in hot air balloons or gas balloons. Richard won many big races, including the 2003 America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race and the 2004 Gordon Bennett Cup with his teammate Carol Rymer Davis.
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Richard Abruzzo's Early Life and Family
Richard Abruzzo was born on May 19, 1963. His parents were Ben Abruzzo and Patricia Ann "Pat" Steen Abruzzo. Richard grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Following in His Father's Footsteps
Richard's father, Ben Abruzzo, was also a very famous balloonist. Ben was part of the first teams to fly balloons across the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean! Growing up with such an adventurous dad inspired Richard to become a great balloonist himself.
Amazing Ballooning Achievements
Richard Abruzzo achieved many amazing things during his life as a balloonist. He was known for his skill and bravery in long-distance balloon flights.
Breaking Records and Winning Races
In 1992, Richard made history. He flew the first gas balloon all the way from North America to Africa! This flight broke the distance record that his own father had set before him.
Richard was also a five-time champion of the America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race. He won this tough competition in 1995, 1997, 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Winning the Harmon Trophy
The National Aeronautic Association recognized Richard's incredible talent. They gave him the Harmon Trophy three times, in 2001, 2003, and 2005. This award is given to the best aeronaut (someone who flies aircraft) of the year.
- In 2001, he won for his longest solo flight from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Crawfordville, Georgia.
- In 2003, he won for being the first person to fly a gas balloon solo across the United States, from San Diego to the Georgia coast.
Richard Abruzzo's Final Flight
Richard Abruzzo and his teammate Carol Rymer Davis were competing in the 54th Gordon Bennett Cup in 2010. This is a very famous and challenging gas balloon race.
Lost at Sea
On September 29, 2010, five days after starting their flight from Bristol, England, Richard and Carol faced a very bad thunderstorm. They were lost at sea during the race. Their bodies were later found on December 6, 2010, off the coast of Italy in the Adriatic Sea.
