KAREL SOUCEK
1977, 1984
(Survived)
Karel Soucek was a stuntman from Hamilton, Ontario, and was born in Czechoslovakia on April 19, 1947. He advertised himself as the “Last of the Niagara Daredevils”.
On July 22, 1976, Soucek attempted to cross the Whirlpool on a moped by using the cables of the Spanish Aero Car. This attempt failed and a safety harness worn by Soucek saved his life.
On June 11, 1977, Karel Soucek made a successful trip through the Whirlpool Rapids in a barrel. He was stuck in the rapids for 3 hours. He was rescued and fined by the Niagara Parks police for performing a stunt without a license.
On July 2, 1984, Karel Soucek, then aged 37, decided to go over the Horseshoe Falls in a homemade barrel made of lightweight metal and plastic with sufficient ballast on one end to ensure he would plunge feet first into the falls.
He would be the first person to attempt the stunt over the Horseshoe Falls in 23 years. The barrel was released upstream from the falls along the Canadian shore. It went over the falls perfectly.
The barrel kept bouncing at the base of the falls for 45 minutes. Fortunately for Soucek, he had sufficient oxygen. The changing water currents finally carried the barrel further downstream where it was quickly recovered. All he suffered were minor cuts and bruises.
Karel Soucek was killed in January 1985 while attempting a free fall stunt at the Houston Astrodome in front of 45,000 spectators. The 6-foot barrel he was contained in, hit the edge of the water tank that was 10 feet in diameter. The force of the impact resulted in massive internal injuries.
Karel Soucek is buried at Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
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Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
