A stuntman has become the first to successfully jump Snake River Canyon – 42 years after Evel Knievel almost died attempting to do so.
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A stuntman has recreated Evel Knievel’s iconic Snake River Canyon jump in the US.
Prior to his jump, which saw him launch off a steep ramp on the edge of the canyon rim, Braun told the Idaho Statesman: “I like to say I’m not doing something that Evel Knievel couldn’t do”.
On Sept. 8, 1974, Knievel failed to reach the north wall of the canyon when the rocket cycle’s parachute deployed early and stopped the ship’s forward thrust. It was the same jump that Knievel attempted back in 1974.
Braun, 54, said he had asked his young son to walk his sisters down the aisle at their weddings if he died in the jump. Some of the guests including a group of Boy Scouts and a man who came from England just to see the jump.
Braun said he spent about $1.5 million of his own money on the effort.
The rocket was designed by engineer Scott Truax, whose father constructed Knievel’s rocket. Continuing with “I’m simply finishing out his dream”.
“Before I could even think I was doing the five-count”, Truax said. “How many people get to finish the dream of their hero?”
“Evel” Knievel soars over 13 autos in a demonstration at Lewis County Fairgrounds near Centralia, Wash.
Other daredevils have proposed similar jumps across the canyon in recent decades – including Knievel’s son Robbie.
Braun deployed a parachute after the jump.
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After completing to unbelievable jump, the stuntman said he was overjoyed with his team’s efforts after the success flight.
