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Writer's pictureNiagara Action

Who Has Gone Over Niagara Falls and Lived?

Have you ever visited Niagara Falls and wondered who has gone over the falls and lived to tell the tale? Below is a complete list of the daredevils who survived the plunge!


The most famous is Annie Edson Taylor, who went over the falls in a barrel in 1901 and survived with only minor injuries. Since then, a small number of daredevils have attempted similar stunts, some with protective devices or barrels, while others have used custom-designed contraptions.


Niagara Falls Daredevils - Annie Edson Taylor

Annie Edson Taylor

October 24, 1901

Horseshoe Falls

Annie Edson Taylor, having already accomplished the daring feat of sending a cat over Niagara Falls in a barrel just two days prior, bravely embarked on a personal stunt to support herself financially. With courage and determination, she descended over the falls in an oak barrel. The experience was not without its challenges, as she emerged from the barrel with some minor bleeding. Fortunately, she sustained no serious injuries, and her courageous act added to the legacy of survival associated with the mighty Niagara Falls.


Bobby Leach

July 25, 1911

Horseshoe Falls

Bobby Leach, a seasoned performer who had showcased his talents with the renowned Barnum & Bailey Circus, fearlessly undertook the courageous endeavor of descending over Niagara Falls in a sturdy metal barrel. However, the aftermath of this daring feat proved to be quite challenging for him. As a result of the tremendous impact, Bobby Leach endured the unfortunate consequences of two broken knee caps and a fractured jaw. The road to recovery was arduous, as he spent a grueling six months in the hospital. Despite the hardships he faced, Bobby Leach's resilience and determination showcased the incredible risks individuals have taken in pursuit of extraordinary feats.


Jean Lussier

July 4, 1928

Horseshoe Falls

Jean Lussier, defying the odds, accomplished a remarkable feat by navigating the mighty Niagara Falls in a large ball. This extraordinary contraption featured a spring steel frame and a protective rubber covering. Their incredible survival stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to push the boundaries of possibility.


Roger Woodward

July 9, 1960

Horseshoe Falls

In a heart-wrenching incident, seven-year-old Roger Woodward found himself swept away by the powerful currents of Niagara Falls. Roger, accompanied by his sister Deanne and their family friend James Honeycutt, embarked on a fateful journey in a 12-foot aluminium fishing boat. Tragically, a malfunction rendered the boat's propeller useless, leaving them helpless in the face of the relentless river.


As the boat succumbed to the treacherous rapids, tragedy struck. Deanne was miraculously plucked from the river's clutches a mere 20 feet from the precipice of the falls. However, Roger and Honeycutt were not as fortunate. They were swept over the majestic cascade.


Amidst the chaos, Roger's resilience shone through. Equipped with a lifejacket, he remained buoyant in the turbulent waters, fighting against the relentless force of the falls. The Maid of the Mist came to his aid at the bottom of the mighty falls. Roger's life was saved, but tragically, Honeycutt lost his life in the relentless power of the cascading waters.


Nathan Boya

July 15, 1961

Horseshoe Falls

In a daring and audacious adventure, a brave individual named Boya, known as William Fitzgerald, embarked on a perilous journey over the majestic Niagara Falls. Encased in a rubber ball called the "Plunge-O-Sphere," Boya defied the laws of nature. As the ball collided with the unforgiving rocks upon impact, it miraculously bounced back, leaving Boya unscathed and unharmed.


Although Boya had initially launched from the American shore, fate had other plans in store. A powerful current intervened, diverting his trajectory closer to the Canadian shore. What could have been a catastrophic descent over the American Falls turned into a thrilling and unexpected adventure across the Canadian landscape.


Others:

Karel Soucek

July 3, 1984


Steve Trotter

August 18, 1985


David Munday

October 5, 1985


Peter De Bernardi

Jeffery James Petkovich

September 28, 1989


David Munday

September 26, 1993


Steve Trotter (Second Attempt)

Lori Martin

June 18, 1995


Kirk Jones

October 22, 2003

Second attempt resulted in death on April 19, 2017


Unnamed

March 10, 2009


Unnamed

May 21, 2012


Unnamed

July 8, 2019


While surviving a trip over Niagara Falls is extremely rare and highly dangerous, a few individuals have managed to cheat death.


It's important to note, however, that these stunts are highly discouraged and illegal due to the significant risks involved.

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