Evel Knievel broke every bone in his body more than once, or at least that was the official story. He inspired copy cats and toys and appeared nearly a dozen times on Wide World of Sports, always defying death in some insane way. He famously flared out over the Snake River Canyon, crashed into just about everything even on live national TV, yet kept coming right on back. Who would’ve ever thought that Evel Knievel would die of natural causes? But he did, yesterday, November 30, 2007 at the age of 69.

Here he is jumping 11 Mack trucks, with Howard Cossell and Don Meredith providing the play by play, February 17, 1974 in North Richland Hills, TX.

Another appearance on Wide World of Sports that didn’t go so well. May 31, 1975 in Wembley Stadium in London, attempting to jump 13 double-decker buses.

Here’s the Snake River Canyon stunt, September 8, 1974.

Some biographical video through the years and the jump at King’s Island.

He was a patriot and a superhero who took his greatest leap late in life. They don’t make ’em like Evel Knievel anymore.