Evel Knievel, the red-white-and-blue-spangled motorcycle daredevil whose jumps over crazy obstacles including Greyhound buses, live sharks and Idaho’s Snake River Canyon made him an international icon in the 1970s, died Friday. He was 69.

Knievel’s death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel. He had been in failing health for years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs.

Knievel had undergone a liver transplant in 1999 after nearly dying of hepatitis C, likely contracted through a blood transfusion after one of his bone-shattering spills. He also suffered two strokes in recent years.

Longtime friend and promoter Billy Rundle said Knievel had trouble breathing at his Clearwater condominium and died before an ambulance could get him to a hospital.

“It’s been coming for years, but you just don’t expect it. Superman just doesn’t die, right?” Rundle said.

…

Knievel lived with his longtime partner, Krystal Kennedy-Knievel, splitting his time between their Clearwater condo and Butte. They married in 1999 and divorced a few years later but remained together. Knievel had 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Rest In Peace, Evel.

1. I grew up surrounded by bikers, including my dear uncle. My father, while not a biker, was a devoted Evel Knievel fan. My brothers and I had all the toys when growing up. This is a sad day for all daredevil and biker fans.

   Comment by Bridget on Dec 1st, 2007 @ 09:19

   
   

2. Man, Mr. Knievel is an American icon… a legend in the stunt man circle. It is sad to see him go.

   Comment by perros on Dec 1st, 2007 @ 22:03

   
   

3. I remember watching Evel vids as a kid. he was my hero for years. i probably got more scraped knees from imitating him than anything else!

   Sad to see him go!

   Comment by jim on Dec 3rd, 2007 @ 12:06

   
   

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