Evel was an American Original. Making something out of nothing he made us gasp, he entertained us, he made us believe that any of us could do anything.
If you have ever been to the Snake River Canyon at Twin Falls, Idaho, you will know that the "shot" across the canyon was
preposterous to begin with - especially in those days of 1974 - yet,
everyone still believed, in those days, that "anything" could be done.
He was, perhaps, the last true American Dreamer. What does
America mean? It means making something out of nothing and
being successful.
Rest in peace, Evel. And, thank you.

Evel was an American Original. Making something out of nothing he made us gasp, he entertained us, he made us believe that any of us could do anything.
If you have ever been to the Snake River Canyon at Twin Falls, Idaho, you will know that the "shot" across the canyon was
preposterous to begin with - especially in those days of 1974 - yet,
everyone still believed, in those days, that "anything" could be done.
He was, perhaps, the last true American Dreamer. What does
America mean? It means making something out of nothing and
being successful.
Rest in peace, Evel. And, thank you.

Godspeed Bobby Knievel...you were the hero of my youth and thousands of kids just like me. My brother and I rode little Harley M-50s...building our own earthen ramps to jump to the heavens just like you did on your Harley XR 750. Your exploits were in every edition of the "Enthusiast". I couldn't wait to get it every month to see what "Evel" had jumped on that famous Red White and Blue motorcycle. Godspeed.

Evel Knievel's greatest contribution to the world was when he stood before hundreds of people and declared Jesus Christ as Lord of his life. Many lives were changed because of his testimony. Now he will finally find peace in heaven with his Savior.

I remember when, in 1974 or 5, my 8 year old son and I went to the Phoenix Open, where Evel was playing golf. I actually got several pictures of my son and Evel. He was very accomodating. Later, Evel sent my son a signed letter, remembering the occasion. For a long time, we had homemade ramps in our yard and have always been real fans. Also, the History Channel has an excellent video of Evel's life.

He truly was the last person anyone would expect to die in bed. I can't remember all the times I heard "who do you think you are, Evel Knievel" fom my folks as a kid. Growing up in the 70s I practically worshipped him and tried to jump many ramps made from scrap lumber and cinderblocks. The kid up the street got a toy rockey cycle for Christmas and was the envy of the neighborhood. Most of all I remember his warnings to stay away from drugs. Evel was the first person I ever heard warn anyone about the dangers of drug abuse and largely because of him I never tried the stuff.

After reading some of the comments here, I really wonder if Heaven is that place where Evel is going. Yes, he made a late-life conversion to religion, which many people do when faced with serious illness as he was. Personally, I think Evel is going down below. And I also think he'll be dressed in his red, white & blue jumpsuit. He'll have his walking cane and white boots. And he'll walk right up to the Devil, look him in the eye and say "Yeah, so this is it? I was expecting something a little scarier".

Like many other young men growing up in the 1970's, I begged my parents for a minibike, in part because of watching Evel Knievel's exploits. I had copied Evel on my bicycle, riding wheelies for blocks, and jumping anything I could find, including live people!

This in not a tragedy. Like Evel said himself "I've lived better than most presidents and kings". So don't be sad for Evel. Be happy. Celebrate his life and all that he inspired us to do as kids watching him on ABC's Wide World of Sports. He was truly an American original. Viva Knievel!