Evel Knievel – The Daredevil’s Life, Death, and Legacy
Evel Knievel, born Robert Craig Knievel, was an American daredevil who became a global symbol of courage and spectacle through his death‑defying motorcycle jumps. Over a career that spanned more than 300 attempts, he survived crashes that broke nearly every bone in his body and cemented his place in popular culture. This article presents a fact‑based account of his life, stunts, family, finances, and legacy.
Who Was Evel Knievel? The Life of a Daredevil Legend
- Evel Knievel’s career was defined by severity of injury — he broke over 40 bones.
- His most famous jump attempt (Snake River Canyon, 1974) was a commercial failure but solidified his legend.
- Despite massive fame, his net worth at death was estimated at $3 million — eroded by lawsuits and lifestyle.
- The Evel Knievel toy (Ideal Toys) was one of the best‑selling toys of the 1970s.
- His son Robbie also became a professional stunt performer.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Craig Knievel |
| Born | October 17, 1938, Butte, Montana |
| Died | November 30, 2007, Clearwater, Florida |
| Cause of Death | Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetes complications |
| Spouse | Linda Bork (first wife), later Krystal Kennedy‑Knievel |
| Children | Kelly Knievel, Robbie Knievel |
| Net Worth at Death | Est. $3 million (varies by source) |
| Major Stunts | Snake River Canyon, Caesars Palace, Wembley Stadium, 14 Greyhound Buses |
| Toy Franchise | Ideal Toys released best‑selling action figure and motorcycle set |
How Did Evel Knievel Die? Cause of Death and Final Days
Evel Knievel passed away on November 30, 2007, in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 69. The official cause of death, recorded on his death certificate, was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis — a progressive lung disease — along with complications from diabetes. These findings are documented by Britannica and Wikipedia.
Online rumors falsely claim Knievel died of COVID‑19. He died in 2007, more than a decade before the pandemic. His death is securely attributed to lung disease and diabetes.
After his death, Knievel was buried in Butte, Montana. Reports of his last words vary and remain unconfirmed by a primary source.
Did Evel Knievel Have Children? His Family and Personal Life
Knievel had two children from his first marriage to Linda Bork: a son, Kelly, and a son, Robbie. After his semi‑retirement in 1977, he actively promoted Robbie’s daredevil career, as noted by IMDb.
Later in life, Knievel married Krystal Kennedy‑Knievel. His family life was often in the public eye, but details about his son Kelly remain sparse in available records. For more insight into his upbringing, you can read about his early life and background.
Did Evel Knievel’s son die?
No information in the provided research confirms the death of either son. Robbie Knievel is known to have performed as a stuntman.
What Was Evel Knievel’s Net Worth? His Financial Legacy
Exact net worth figures are not publicly documented with certainty. Estimates range from $1 million to $10 million, with $3 million being the most frequently cited figure. A single stunt — the Snake River Canyon jump in 1974 — earned him $6 million, an enormous sum at the time, according to EBSCO.
The $3 million estimate appears in secondary sources such as celebritynetworth.com but is not confirmed by estate records. Lawsuits and a lavish lifestyle may have reduced his wealth.
The Evel Knievel toy line, produced by Ideal Toys, became one of the best‑selling action figure sets of the 1970s. Vintage examples can fetch hundreds of dollars among collectors.
What Were Evel Knievel’s Most Famous Stunts?
Knievel completed more than 300 jumps over his career. The following list highlights the most notable attempts in chronological order.
- 1968: 15 Ford Mustangs (Scottsdale, AZ) – Crashed on landing, broke right leg and foot. (Wikipedia)
- 1968: Caesars Palace Fountains (Las Vegas) – Crashed a 151‑foot jump, fractured skull, one‑month coma. (Britannica, EBSCO)
- 1970: 13 Pepsi Trucks (Yakima, WA) – Front‑wheel crash, collarbone and compound arm fracture, broken legs. (evelknievel.com)
- 1974: Snake River Canyon (Twin Falls, ID) – Failed; parachute deployed early. Unhurt, earned $6M. (Britannica, EBSCO)
- 1975: 15 Double‑Decker Buses (Wembley, UK) – Crashed, crushed pelvis and femur, 29‑day coma. (EBSCO, biography.com)
- 1975: 14 Greyhound Buses (Kings Island, OH) – Successful 133‑foot jump, no major injuries. (biography.com)
The Snake River Canyon jump used the steam‑powered Sky‑Cycle X‑2. Superheated steam at 500 °F propelled the vehicle, but a premature drogue parachute deployment caused drag, preventing him from reaching the far side. The event was broadcast live and remains his most‑discussed stunt.
The Sky‑Cycle X‑2 was launched at 3:36 p.m. MDT. It was designed to cross the canyon using rocket‑like thrust, but the parachute deployed seconds after launch.
Was Evel Knievel in Jail? Legal Troubles and Controversies
In his youth, Knievel was arrested for hubcap theft. Facing prison, he instead joined the U.S. Army — a decision that, according to his official biography, “straightened him out.” Later in life, multiple lawsuits from spectators and business partners followed his stunts. A more detailed timeline of his legal issues can be found in the Evel Knievel legal troubles archive.
Today, many of his original motorcycles are owned by private collectors and museums. The Sky‑Cycle occasionally appears at exhibitions, but its current owner is not publicly listed.
What Is Known for Certain About Evel Knievel’s Death and Net Worth?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Cause of death: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis plus diabetes. | Exact net worth at death; estimates vary widely. |
| Date and location of death: November 30, 2007, Clearwater, Florida. | His last words are unconfirmed. |
| Burial site: Butte, Montana. | Rumors about COVID‑19 death are false. |
What Was Evel Knievel’s Cultural and Legal Impact?
Knievel embodied the 1970s anti‑hero — a man who courted disaster and turned failure into legend. His image appeared in films such as Viva Knievel! (1977) and in the TV series The Bionic Woman (1976), according to Celebrity Net Worth. Modern daredevils like Travis Pastrana and Robbie Maddison cite him as an inspiration.
Financially, Knievel’s brand suffered after his career ended, partly due to legal disputes. Yet his legend remains a benchmark for stunt performers.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Evel Knievel?
“You can’t break a man’s spirit when he’s got faith.” — Evel Knievel
Attributed in multiple biographies, including Britannica and Wikipedia.
His son Robbie once described his father as “the king of the daredevils.” Primary sources include evelknievel.com, Britannica, and Wikipedia.
What Is Evel Knievel’s Lasting Legacy?
Evel Knievel redefined courage by attempting the impossible, failing spectacularly, and surviving to try again. His story continues to inspire new generations, with a biopic reportedly in development as of 2024. Interest in vintage 1970s toys has also driven up prices for the original Evel Knievel action figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bones did Evel Knievel break?
He broke over 40 bones throughout his career, including multiple back fractures and several arm and leg breaks.
Who owns Evel Knievel’s motorcycle?
Many of his motorcycles are owned by private collectors and museums. His Snake River Canyon Sky‑Cycle is held by private owners and occasionally displayed.
Is there an Evel Knievel movie?
Yes, a 1971 biographical film starring George Hamilton, and a 2004 TV film starring George Eads. A new biopic was announced in 2023.
How did Evel Knievel get his name?
The origin of “Evel” is unclear; some sources say it derived from a childhood nickname. His legal name was Robert Craig Knievel.
Where is Evel Knievel buried?
He is buried in Butte, Montana, his hometown.
What were Evel Knievel’s last words?
No reliable primary source confirms his last words.
Did Evel Knievel’s son die?
Information is not confirmed. His son Robbie Knievel is known as a stunt performer.
What is the Evel Knievel toy worth?
Original 1970s action figures can sell for $50–$300 depending on condition and packaging.
How much money did Evel Knievel make from the Snake River Canyon jump?
He earned $6 million from that single event, a large sum for the time.
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