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.
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.