Childhood Hero Evel Knievel Dies At Age 69

As a young boy, no one was a bigger figure to me than a man called Evel Knievel. I remember following this mans career for many years as he used his motorcycle to gain fans at various events. When I was in juror high, I remember watching a movie about Evel Knievel and at that age I also bought many posters that glorified the accomplishments of this man that had no fear of death. On many occasions Evel Knievel broke almost every bone in his body after horrific crashes, but somehow he was able to beat the odds and stay alive. Now, at age 69 Evel Knievel has finally met his maker - but his eventual demise was due to old age and illness and not from injuries suffering in a motorcycle crash.

The power of the legend that was Evel Knievel has lived in the hearts of men and women that grew up in the 1970's. During those turbulent years, it was common for young people to find heroes in unlikely places and for many a motorcycle daredevil named Evel Knievel was the hero of choice back in the 1970's. At one point, Evel Knievel wanted to jump his motorcycle over the 'Grand Canyon'. However, after researching that idea it became clear to Knievel that such an attempt was impossible, so instead he decided to try and jump 'Snake River Canyon' which ended up being broadcast to millions of people via live television.

While Evel Knievel's jump over 'Snake River Canyon' was a failure which almost cost him his life - his legend never suffered and a small but loyal group of fans followed his career right up till the end. In modern day America they don't build the likes of Evel Knievel anymore and that truly is ashame. For young people that are trying to make sense of a messed up world, people like Evel Knievel who appear to be fearless in the face of danger, can touch a cord in a young person that feels there might not be a place for them in this world. While there might not be many people honoring the life of Evel Knievel during the event of his passing, I on the other hand still think foldly of a man that was willing to try almost anything in order to generate excitement among his fans. Evel Knievel will be truly missed by millions of fans that remember his death defying stunts over the years.

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