Stuntman Evel Knievel died Friday at the age of 69. Knievel was the consummate showman and marketer, using all sorts of weird obstacles and obstruction to jump his motorcycle over. More than once he came close to death performing his risky stunts.
Knievel jumped over cars, buses, the Snake River Canyon in Idaho and live sharks, among other things.
The most attention Knievel got, and what he is probably most remembered for was his attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in 1974. He used a rocket-powered motorcycle for the attempt. His extraordinary crash as Caesars Palace was also etched in the memories of those enamored with his antics.
According to Billy Rundel, a Knievel friend and promoter, he had trouble breathing at his condominium and died before an ambulance was able to get to the hospital.
Knievel is survived by his four children Kelly, Robbie, Tracey and Alicia; 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Caesar's Palace
Snake River Canyon
Jumping Over Cars in Portland
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