Karel Soucek eighth person to survive going over The Falls but tragic ending in Houston
On a recent visit to historic Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls, Ontario, I discovered the grave of Karel Soucek, the Czech-born daredevil who became the eighth person to successfully go over Niagara Falls and survive. His grave lies in the same historic cemetery as that of Laura Secord, the Canadian patriot whose name would later become synonymous with chocolate.
Now, sitting at the cottage and listening to Duran Duran’s hit song Ordinary World, I find myself thinking about Soucek. The lyrics, “In this ordinary world, I will learn how to survive,” seem strangely fitting for a man who devoted eight years to preparing for one extraordinary moment.
On July 2, 1984, Soucek challenged the mighty Horseshoe Falls in a homemade barrel of his own design. Constructed from lightweight metal and plastic, the specially engineered barrel contained enough counterweight at one end to help ensure a feet-first descent. It was also equipped with a two-way radio. Soucek reportedly spent $15,000 preparing for his attempt.
Then came the moment he had spent eight years anticipating. The plunge over the Horseshoe Falls lasted only about 3.2 seconds. After the successful free-fall he emerged with a few cuts on his face and declared himself the “Last of the Niagara Daredevils.”
The top of Soucek’s grave monument is shaped like a barrel. Visitors placed coins on his monument as a sign of their visit.
On January 19, 1985, just six months after conquering the Horseshoe Falls, Karel attempted another spectacular stunt, this time at the Houston Astrodome. He would plunge approximately 180 feet (55 metres) from the stadium’s rafters into a tank containing 10 feet of water. But the stunt went tragically wrong. The barrel missed the centre of the tank and struck the edge instead, seriously injuring Soucek. He was rushed to hospital but died the following day, January 20, 1985, at the age of 37.
Karel Soucek died on January 20, 1985 in Houston, Texas. He was only 37.
1947-1985
Map of The Falls and messages inscribed on his monument.
Related posts of pervious Falls attempts.
