November 30 marked the end of what will forever be remembered as the longest and most courageous battle between one man, a man we all know as the world's greatest daredevil, and death. Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel died in Clearwater, Florida, finally succumbing after nearly a three-year bout with the terminal lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was 69. According to an article in MTV News by Chris Harris, the legend's death was confirmed on November 30th by his granddaughter. MTV News also quotes some as estimating that Knievel broke approximately 40 bones before his official retirement in 1980.
According to Reuters, Knievel got his special nickname as a youth, from a local jailer. After several "run-ins" with the law, the jailer nicknamed him "Evil Knievel," which Knieval later changed to "Evel" as he became more famous (and hoped not to become infamous). The athlete is considered by some to be the "grandfather" of daredevil extreme sports, as he rode his motorcycle through some amazing courses.
CNN cites his 1974 attempted jump over Snake River Canyon, a quarter of a mile wide, as one of his most famous stunts. Knievel's official site describes some of his daredevil moves, such as an amazing New Year's Eve 1967 jump over the fountains at Caesar's Palace, spanning 151 feet. You can read about the legend at his official site: www.evelknievel.com.
Do go thru this "Rest In Peace" tribute video
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