Jessie W. Sharp Niagara Falls Kayaking Daredevil, 1990
Last updated on January 31, 2024 By toniagara
JESSIE W. SHARP
1990
(Died)
Jessie W. Sharp was a 28-year-old experienced kayaker from Ocoee, Tennessee. On June 5, 1990, Sharp attempted to ride over the Horseshoe Falls in a polyethylene kayak. He had been planning the stunt for 3 years.
He brought a crew of 3 people to videotape his journey. He did not wear a protective helmet so his face would be visible on the video. He also did not wear a life jacket as he thought it would hamper his escape if trapped underwater.
After going over the falls, Sharp planned on kayaking through the Great Gorge Rapids through the Whirlpool to the docks at Queenston. He was filmed going over the falls in his kayak. The river swallowed him and his body was never recovered.