Robert Evel Knievel
(1938 - 2007)

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General Details

Name:	Mr Robert Evel Knievel
Nick Name:	Evel Knievel
Gender:	Male
Age:	69 years old
Lived:	Monday, 17 October 1938 - Friday, 30 November 2007

My Story

Knievel's legacy as America's Legendary Daredevil, Last of the Gladiators, and King of the Stuntmen will undeniably live on among millions of fans, past, present and future. However, the memories of the man apart from his legend will live on even stronger in the hearts of his friends and family.

Robert Craig Knievel was born October 17, 1938 in Butte, Montana. He became the world's most famous motorcycle daredevil and has inspired countless of other motorcycle jumpers to follow his path.
In 1965 he began his daredevil career in a motorcycle daredevil show called, "Evel Knievel's Motorcycle Daredevils". In 1966, he left the group to pursue a solo career. One of his first big jumps was in Gardena, California over 16 cars at Ascot Speedway. This jump was the first off many to be covered by ABC's Wide World of Sports.

It wasn't until December 31, 1967 that Evel became a household name. He attempted to jump his Triumph over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He cleared the fountains but had one of the worst motorcycle crashes ever caught on tape. He was in a coma for a month. After that horrible incident, his career literally skyrocketed. In 1971, he set a new world record in by jumping 19 cars and had a movie made about his life. Whenever Evel spoke, people listened. He was the master of showmanship and promotion. His toys became one of the most successful selling in the 1970's.

In the summer of 1974, Evel jump 13 semi-trucks in Canada to set another record. This was his last big jump before his most famous stunt that following in September.

On September 8, 1974, Evel attempted to jump the Snake River Canyon in what he called his skycycle. He unfortunately didn't make it across the 1/4 mile canyon, but he survived one of his most dangerous stunts yet. This was one of the so called "happenings" of the 1970's.

May of 1975, Evel traveled to England to jump 13 buses at Wembley Stadium in the UK In front of a sold out crowd, Evel attempted his farthest jump yet. Unfortunately he didn't have enough speed and landed on the last bus which sent him crashing onto the grounds of Wembley. At this jump, Evel vowed he would never jump again. Of course he couldn't quit.

In October of that same year, he triumphantly came back to attempt to jump 14 Greyhound buses at Kings Island Ohio. He landed on the 14th bus, but held on. This was one of his last big jumps. He went on to jump some more and also starred in an action movie called, "Viva Knievel" in 1977.

In 1979, he toured Australia as an emcee for a touring daredevil show featuring stunt performers from around the world. Eventually he retired in the early 80's from jumping, but he helped Robbie for awhile promoting his jumps.

During the 90's Evel was back in the spotlight again. Making personal appearances and starring in television commercials. He received a new liver in early 1999 after contracting hepatitis C.

Evel was diagnosed with the incurable disease pulmonary fibrosis a couple of years ago. Evel had said that he was prepared to accept that and would say that he has lived a full life and enjoyed it all. Evel passed away November 30, 2007 at his home in Florida. After all these years, Evel still is the "King of the Daredevils".

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From: jenniferhowell

GOD BLESS YOU WILD MAN....REST IN PEACE SAFELY IN THE ARMS OF OUR LORD.

Biography

Fathers Name:	Robert
Mothers Name:	Ann
Country of Birth:	USA
Country of Residence:	USA
Occupation:	Other

Interests

Favourite Sport:

Motor Racing

Passing

Place of Passing:	Clearwater, Florida
Date of Passing:	30 November 2007
Cause of Passing:	Pulmonary fibrosis
Type of Funeral:	Christian Burial
Place of Burial:	Mountain View Cemetery