Robert Craig Knievel, known to the world as Evel Knievel, was an American motorcycle daredevil whose spectacular, often dangerous stunts captivated audiences in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Butte, Montana, he built a legacy on a foundation of ambition, showmanship, and an extraordinary tolerance for physical punishment. His story is one of incredible highs, devastating lows, and a lasting impact on pop culture.
When Did Evel Knievel Die and How Did He Die?
Robert Craig Knievel
October 17, 1938, Butte, Montana
November 30, 2007 (age 69), Clearwater, Florida
Motorcycle stuntman, daredevil jumps, 433 broken bones
Unknown (rumored to be broke)
- Evel Knievel’s death was due to diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, not a stunt.
- His son Robbie Knievel died in 2023, carrying on the daredevil legacy.
- Despite fame, Knievel had financial struggles and legal issues.
- The Evel Knievel toy line (1970s) remains a collectible.
- His most famous jump attempt (Snake River Canyon, 1974) was a failure but iconic.
- He attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps and over 300 jumps overall.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of broken bones | 433 |
| Number of jumps | Over 75 ramp-to-ramp jumps |
| Longest jump | 133 feet (over 14 Greyhound buses, 1975) |
| Guinness World Records | Most bones broken in a lifetime |
| Spouse | Linda Joan Bork (married 1959–divorced 1997), later Crystal Kennedy (died 2004) |
| Children | 4: Kelly, Robbie, Tracey, Arica |
Who Were Evel Knievel’s Family Members?
Evel Knievel’s family life was closely tied to his public persona. He was married twice. His first marriage was to Linda Joan Bork, a union that lasted from 1959 until their divorce in 1997. He later married Krystal Kennedy, who passed away in 2004.
He had four children: Kelly, Robbie, Tracey, and Arica. Of these, Robbie Knievel is the most well-known, having followed his father into the dangerous world of stunt performance. Robbie carried on the Knievel daredevil legacy for decades.
What Happened to Evel Knievel’s Son Robbie?
Robbie Knievel died in 2023 at the age of 60. His death was attributed to cancer. Like his father, Robbie was known for performing high-risk motorcycle jumps and became a celebrated stuntman in his own right, though his career was also marked by the physical toll of the profession.
Evel Knievel’s son Robbie became a professional stunt performer, continuing the family’s daredevil tradition. Robbie’s death in 2023 marked the end of an era for the Knievel name in the world of extreme stunts.
What Was Evel Knievel’s Net Worth?
Determining Evel Knievel’s net worth at the time of his death is not straightforward. There is no reliable, publicly available net-worth figure from the sources examined. While it is widely rumored that he died broke due to financial mismanagement, legal issues, and a lavish lifestyle, a specific, verifiable number cannot be confirmed from the available information.
His financial struggles are a well-known part of his later years, with stories of tax problems and lawsuits circulating for decades. Despite earning substantial sums from his tours and merchandise, his wealth did not appear to be stable.
What Were Evel Knievel’s Most Famous Stunts and Injuries?
Evel Knievel’s career was defined by two major events. On September 8, 1974, he attempted to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho using the Skycycle X-2, a rocket-powered cycle. The parachute deployed prematurely, causing the attempt to fail, but he survived with only minor injuries. This failed attempt became one of the most iconic moments in daredevil history.
On May 31, 1975, he attempted to jump over 13 buses at Wembley Stadium in London. He crashed on landing, suffering a broken pelvis. While often cited as 14 buses in some sources, the official number for that specific event was 13.
How Many Bones Did Evel Knievel Break?
The exact number of bones Evel Knievel broke over his career is a subject of debate, though the figure cited most often is 433 bone fractures. This number is recognized by Guinness World Records for “most bones broken in a lifetime.” Other sources simply say he broke “hundreds of bones” and that the exact count remains difficult to verify.
While Knievel claimed 433 bone fractures and Guinness recognized this, some sources caution that the exact number is not independently verifiable. What is certain is that he suffered an extraordinary number of injuries over his career.
What Is the Story Behind the Evel Knievel Toy?
In the 1970s, the Evel Knievel toy line became a massive success. The most famous toy was a wind-up or battery-operated action figure that performed stunts, including the “Knievel Power Cycle” and the “Scramble Van.” These toys captured the imagination of a generation and remain highly collectible today. The merchandise tied directly into his image as an action hero for children.
Timeline of Evel Knievel’s Life and Career
- 1938: Born in Butte, Montana.
- 1965: First major stunt: jumping over a box of rattlesnakes and mountain lions.
- 1967: Launch of the Evel Knievel persona; jumps over 16 cars.
- 1974: Snake River Canyon jump (failed, but famous).
- 1975: Jump over 14 Greyhound buses at Wembley, England.
- 1977: Film ‘Viva Knievel!’ released.
- 1999: Inducted into Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
- 2007: Dies at age 69 in Clearwater, Florida.
- 2023: Son Robbie Knievel dies at age 60.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Evel Knievel?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Cause of death: diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Not a stunt. | Net worth at death: widely reported as broke, but no official estate filing available. |
| Robbie Knievel’s death: confirmed, died of cancer in 2023. | Number of broken bones: claimed by Knievel, but exact count unverified. Guinness recognized 433. |
| Snake River Canyon jump: failed to clear, but parachute deployed. No major injury. | Grave location: sources confirm Butte as birthplace, but exact grave details are not consistently reported. |
What Is the Context of Evel Knievel’s Legacy?
Evel Knievel’s impact extends far beyond his stunts. He became a symbol of American daredevilry, a showman who understood the power of spectacle. His influence can be seen in modern stunt performers and the culture of extreme sports. Despite his fame, his financial narrative is a cautionary tale, as significant earnings were eroded by poor management, costly legal battles, and tax troubles.
The physical toll of his career was immense, not only breaking hundreds of bones but also leading to a reliance on painkillers that complicated his later years. The Knievel family brand, carried on by his son Robbie and other descendants, along with the enduring popularity of his merchandise, ensures his name remains part of the cultural landscape. For a look at other figures who faced similar public and personal battles, you might be interested in the story of Lenny McLean – Life, Death, and Legacy of The Guv’nor.
What Are the Key Sources and Notable Quotes About Evel Knievel?
Information about Evel Knievel comes from a mix of authoritative and official sources. His official website provides a biography that emphasizes his role as a showman and legend. For a broader perspective, Wikipedia offers a detailed, encyclopedic account of his life and career. His filmography is documented on IMDb. The staggering number of his injuries is a key part of his record, with Guinness World Records recognizing him for the “most bones broken in a lifetime.”
I am a man who had a dream. I lived that dream. I am a legend.
— Evel Knievel (autobiography)
He was the greatest showman on two wheels.
— Son Robbie Knievel
Summary: What Is the Lasting Story of Evel Knievel?
Evel Knievel’s story is that of a man who pushed the limits of physical endurance and public spectacle. From his birthplace in Butte, Montana, to the heights (and depths) of his stunts, he created a mythic persona that continues to fascinate. His legacy is a complex one of fame, failure, financial ruin, and incredible fortitude, cemented in the American imagination as the ultimate daredevil. For another story of survival and legacy, you can read about Bam Margera – Skateboarding Comeback and Health Update 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Evel Knievel’s real name?
Robert Craig Knievel.
How tall was Evel Knievel?
He was 6 feet tall (1.83 m).
Where was Evel Knievel born?
Butte, Montana, USA.
Did Evel Knievel die in a stunt?
No, he died from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis.
How many children did Evel Knievel have?
Four: Kelly, Robbie, Tracey, and Arica.
What happened to Robbie Knievel?
Robbie died in 2023 at age 60 from cancer.
Is Evel Knievel in the Guinness World Records?
Yes, for most bones broken in a lifetime (433).
What was Evel Knievel’s most famous jump?
The Snake River Canyon jump (1974) and the Wembley Stadium jump over 14 buses (1975).
Where is Evel Knievel buried?
In Butte, Montana, at Mountain View Cemetery.
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Thomas Whitmore is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at BritainNow.uk, covering Westminster, policy and government affairs.