Tightropes, barrel plunges, and a jet ski: More than 20 people braved going across or down Niagara Falls with varying degrees of success

James PasleyMay 12, 2023, 03:56 IST

Daredevil Nik Wallenda walks across Niagara Falls from the US to the Canadian border on a tightrope in 2012.Donna Svennevik/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images

For a century and a half, Niagara Falls have compelled people to do dangerous things.
Performers crossed the gorge on tightropes, pulling off stunts like carrying people on their shoulders.

Over the last century and a half, a select few have dared cross and later ride down Niagara Falls.

At least six have died from trying to ride the falls. But people kept going for it.

Michael Clarkson, who wrote a book about Daredevilry and the falls called "The Age Of Daredevils," told WBUR that the falls seem "to draw people. It seems to pull them."

One daredevil named William Fitzgerald told Clarkson he visited the falls when he was 5 years old, and the roar ended up haunting him for years.

"That damn water wouldn't shut up," he told Clarkson. "The raw power, that unleashed power."

Fitzgerald isn't the only person who attempted to brave the white rapids of the falls. He's among nearly two dozen others who faced it — all of whom were met with varying degrees of success.

Niagara Falls' daredevilry began with the tightrope. In 1859, Jean Francois Gravelet, otherwise known as the Great Blondin, completed a number of tightrope crossings over the Niagara Falls Gorge, including one where he carried his manager.

Jean Francois Gravelet tightrope walks across the Niagara River Gorge carrying his manager, Harry Colcord, on his back, in 1859.Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Niagara Falls' daredevilry began with the tightrope. In 1859, Jean Francois Gravelet, otherwise known as the Great Blondin, completed a number of tightrope crossings over the Niagara Falls Gorge, including one where he carried his manager.

In another attempt, he wheeled across a wheelbarrow. He also made the crossing while his legs and arms were bound in chains. Blondin didn't use a net for his crossings since he figured the safety measure would only increase the chances of him falling.

Jean Francois Gravelet tightrope walks across the Niagara River Gorge pushing a wheelbarrow in 1859.Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In another attempt, he wheeled across a wheelbarrow. He also made the crossing while his legs and arms were bound in chains. Blondin didn't use a net for his crossings since he figured the safety measure would only increase the chances of him falling.

In 1876, a 23-year-old Italian woman named Maria Spelterini crossed the gorge on a tightrope wearing baskets for shoes and a paper bag over her head. She is the only woman to have made the tightrope crossing.

A woodcutting of Maria Spelterini making the crossing over the gorge in 1876.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1876, a 23-year-old Italian woman named Maria Spelterini crossed the gorge on a tightrope wearing baskets for shoes and a paper bag over her head. She is the only woman to have made the tightrope crossing.

From 1887 to 1896, four other men crossed the gorge on tightropes. Only the first, Ontarian local Stephen Peer, died in an attempt to make the crossing in 1887. He died during a nighttime crossing after he'd made several successful trips across.

Samuel Dixon walks across the Niagara River Gorge in 1890.Bettmann/Getty Images

From 1887 to 1896, four other men crossed the gorge on tightropes. Only the first, Ontarian local Stephen Peer, died in an attempt to make the crossing in 1887. He died during a nighttime crossing after he'd made several successful trips across.

As the excitement around tightropes winded, the next way people sought to harness the thrill of the falls was by riding it.

French tightrope walker Philippe Petit surveys the Niagara Falls in 1974.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old teacher from Bay City, Michigan, designed a barrel that included pillows and cushions and sent her cat in it over the falls first.

Annie Taylor after riding the Niagara Falls in 1901.Library of Congress

In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old teacher from Bay City, Michigan, designed a barrel that included pillows and cushions and sent her cat in it over the falls first.

After the stunt, she told reporters she "would not do it again for a million dollars."

Annie Taylor after riding the Niagara Falls in 1901.Library of Congress

In 1911, British stuntman Bobby Leach, who had previously leaped between rope ladders attached to moving planes and parachuted from hot air balloons, rode the falls in a steel barrel. He survived but broke his jaw and both kneecaps on impact.

Bobby Leach pointing to the spot where he went over the falls in 1925.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1911, British stuntman Bobby Leach, who had previously leaped between rope ladders attached to moving planes and parachuted from hot air balloons, rode the falls in a steel barrel. He survived but broke his jaw and both kneecaps on impact.

In 1920, a 58-year-old English barber named Charles Stephens went over the falls in a heavy barrel with a lead bottom. For extra weight, he tied his feet to a 100-pound anvil. He didn't survive the fall and was ripped apart from the impact.

Spectators observe the American Falls and steel arch bridge from Goat Island, Niagara Falls, New York in 1895.DeWitt Historical Society/Morton Collection/Getty Images

In 1920, a 58-year-old English barber named Charles Stephens went over the falls in a heavy barrel with a lead bottom. For extra weight, he tied his feet to a 100-pound anvil. He didn't survive the fall and was ripped apart from the impact.

In 1928, Jean Lussier, a 36-year-old man from Quebec, went over the falls in a rubber ball in front of a crowd of 150,000 people. He was the first person to ride the falls in something other than a wood or steel barrel.

Jean A. Lussier in the big rubber ball he used to go over Niagara Falls in 1928.NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images

In 1928, Jean Lussier, a 36-year-old man from Quebec, went over the falls in a rubber ball in front of a crowd of 150,000 people. He was the first person to ride the falls in something other than a wood or steel barrel.

In 1930, a New York chef named George Stathakis went down the falls in a barrel with three hours of worth of oxygen and his pet turtle named Sonny Boy. He wanted to write a book and thought the fame he'd get from riding the falls might pay for it.

George Stathakis photographed a few minutes before he got into the barrel and jumped down Niagara Falls.Austrian Archives/Getty Images

In 1930, a New York chef named George Stathakis went down the falls in a barrel with three hours of worth of oxygen and his pet turtle named Sonny Boy. He wanted to write a book and thought the fame he'd get from riding the falls might pay for it.

While Stathakis survived the drop down the falls, he was trapped at the bottom of the falls and suffocated before a rescue party could get to him.

The body of George Stathakis was removed from this barrel after it was towed to shore in 1930.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1930, William Red Hill Sr., a local hero who had saved 28 people from drowning around the falls, rode through the Niagara rapids in front of 25,000 spectators. He survived and made the journey twice more before he got trapped in some rough waters and was in need of rescue.

William Hill in the barrel made of rubber tubes in 1930.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1930, William Red Hill Sr., a local hero who had saved 28 people from drowning around the falls, rode through the Niagara rapids in front of 25,000 spectators. He survived and made the journey twice more before he got trapped in some rough waters and was in need of rescue.

But that didn't stop his son William Red Hill Jr. from trying. In 1951, Hill Jr. died during an attempt to go over the falls. He had built himself a cheap contraption called "the Thing," made out of canvas, fish nets, and tubing.

William Red Hill Jr. in a barrel he planned on using for one of his attempts to ride the falls in 1945.Toronto Star Archives/Getty Images

But that didn't stop his son William Red Hill Jr. from trying. In 1951, Hill Jr. died during an attempt to go over the falls. He had built himself a cheap contraption called "the Thing," made out of canvas, fish nets, and tubing.

In 1960, 7-year-old Roger Woodward unintentionally plunged over the falls in nothing but a life jacket when the boat he was on with his family capsized. His father died in the water and his sister was saved before she got to the falls, but Roger went over the falls and survived.

Roger Woodward with his parents in 1960 after surviving going over the Niagara Falls.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1960, 7-year-old Roger Woodward unintentionally plunged over the falls in nothing but a life jacket when the boat he was on with his family capsized. His father died in the water and his sister was saved before she got to the falls, but Roger went over the falls and survived.

In 1985, 22-year-old stuntman Steven Trotter went over the falls in a barrel. He survived with nothing more than a scraped knee and was charged for breaking the law by the police. Here, he holds one of the oxygen tanks he took with him.

Steven Trotter of Rhode Island waves one of the oxygen bottles he took with him over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1985.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1985, 22-year-old stuntman Steven Trotter went over the falls in a barrel. He survived with nothing more than a scraped knee and was charged for breaking the law by the police. Here, he holds one of the oxygen tanks he took with him.

In 1989, Peter DeBernardi, 42, and Jeff Petkovich, 25, survived going over the falls in a foam-lined, 10-foot-long steel tank. They were the first two-person team to make it.

A view of the Horseshoe falls, on the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls.John Stilwell/PA Images/Getty Images

In 1989, Peter DeBernardi, 42, and Jeff Petkovich, 25, survived going over the falls in a foam-lined, 10-foot-long steel tank. They were the first two-person team to make it.

In 1995, Steven Trotter rode the falls again. This time, he went with a 29-year-old woman named Lori Martin in a barrel that was built out of water heaters lined with fiberglass. They were the first man-and-woman duo to make it down the falls.

Niagara Falls with a faint rainbow in the foreground.Yves Forestier/Sygma/Getty Images

In 1995, Steven Trotter rode the falls again. This time, he went with a 29-year-old woman named Lori Martin in a barrel that was built out of water heaters lined with fiberglass. They were the first man-and-woman duo to make it down the falls.

In 1990, 28-year-old Tennesse native Jessie Sharp tried to ride the falls in a canoe named "Rapidman." After going over the falls, he disappeared and his body was never recovered. His canoe was later found with a large dent in it.

Jessie Sharp’s battered canoe in 1990.Steve Liss/Getty Images

In 1990, 28-year-old Tennesse native Jessie Sharp tried to ride the falls in a canoe named "Rapidman." After going over the falls, he disappeared and his body was never recovered. His canoe was later found with a large dent in it.

In 1995, 39-year-old Californian Robert Overacker went over the falls on a jet ski. He had a rocket-propelled parachute strapped to his back, and the plan was to float down after flying off the falls.

Niagara Falls in 1995.Yves Forestier/Sygma/Getty Images

In 1995, 39-year-old Californian Robert Overacker went over the falls on a jet ski. He had a rocket-propelled parachute strapped to his back, and the plan was to float down after flying off the falls.

In 2003, Kirk Jones from Canton, Michigan, jumped off the falls in attempted suicide, but he survived. He was the first person to purposefully jump off and survive without any protective gear.

Kirk Jones after posting bail following his illegal jump off Niagara Falls in 2003.David Wilson Burnham/Getty Images

In 2003, Kirk Jones from Canton, Michigan, jumped off the falls in attempted suicide, but he survived. He was the first person to purposefully jump off and survive without any protective gear.

In 2012, 33-year-old stuntman Nik Wallenda, a member of the Flying Wallendas family, crossed the falls on a 2-inch tightrope. It was the first time it had been done in more than one hundred years and took him two years to convince authorities to let him do it.

Nik Wallenda crosses Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 2012.Ida Mae Astute/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images

In 2012, 33-year-old stuntman Nik Wallenda, a member of the Flying Wallendas family, crossed the falls on a 2-inch tightrope. It was the first time it had been done in more than one hundred years and took him two years to convince authorities to let him do it.

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Tightropes, barrel plunges, and a jet ski: More than 20 people braved going across or down Niagara Falls with varying degrees of success

Niagara Falls' daredevilry began with the tightrope. In 1859, Jean Francois Gravelet, otherwise known as the Great Blondin, completed a number of tightrope crossings over the Niagara Falls Gorge, including one where he carried his manager.

In another attempt, he wheeled across a wheelbarrow. He also made the crossing while his legs and arms were bound in chains. Blondin didn't use a net for his crossings since he figured the safety measure would only increase the chances of him falling.

In 1876, a 23-year-old Italian woman named Maria Spelterini crossed the gorge on a tightrope wearing baskets for shoes and a paper bag over her head. She is the only woman to have made the tightrope crossing.

From 1887 to 1896, four other men crossed the gorge on tightropes. Only the first, Ontarian local Stephen Peer, died in an attempt to make the crossing in 1887. He died during a nighttime crossing after he'd made several successful trips across.

As the excitement around tightropes winded, the next way people sought to harness the thrill of the falls was by riding it.

In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old teacher from Bay City, Michigan, designed a barrel that included pillows and cushions and sent her cat in it over the falls first.

After the stunt, she told reporters she "would not do it again for a million dollars."

In 1911, British stuntman Bobby Leach, who had previously leaped between rope ladders attached to moving planes and parachuted from hot air balloons, rode the falls in a steel barrel. He survived but broke his jaw and both kneecaps on impact.

In 1920, a 58-year-old English barber named Charles Stephens went over the falls in a heavy barrel with a lead bottom. For extra weight, he tied his feet to a 100-pound anvil. He didn't survive the fall and was ripped apart from the impact.

In 1928, Jean Lussier, a 36-year-old man from Quebec, went over the falls in a rubber ball in front of a crowd of 150,000 people. He was the first person to ride the falls in something other than a wood or steel barrel.

In 1930, a New York chef named George Stathakis went down the falls in a barrel with three hours of worth of oxygen and his pet turtle named Sonny Boy. He wanted to write a book and thought the fame he'd get from riding the falls might pay for it.

While Stathakis survived the drop down the falls, he was trapped at the bottom of the falls and suffocated before a rescue party could get to him.

In 1930, William Red Hill Sr., a local hero who had saved 28 people from drowning around the falls, rode through the Niagara rapids in front of 25,000 spectators. He survived and made the journey twice more before he got trapped in some rough waters and was in need of rescue.

But that didn't stop his son William Red Hill Jr. from trying. In 1951, Hill Jr. died during an attempt to go over the falls. He had built himself a cheap contraption called "the Thing," made out of canvas, fish nets, and tubing.

In 1960, 7-year-old Roger Woodward unintentionally plunged over the falls in nothing but a life jacket when the boat he was on with his family capsized. His father died in the water and his sister was saved before she got to the falls, but Roger went over the falls and survived.

In 1985, 22-year-old stuntman Steven Trotter went over the falls in a barrel. He survived with nothing more than a scraped knee and was charged for breaking the law by the police. Here, he holds one of the oxygen tanks he took with him.

In 1989, Peter DeBernardi, 42, and Jeff Petkovich, 25, survived going over the falls in a foam-lined, 10-foot-long steel tank. They were the first two-person team to make it.

In 1995, Steven Trotter rode the falls again. This time, he went with a 29-year-old woman named Lori Martin in a barrel that was built out of water heaters lined with fiberglass. They were the first man-and-woman duo to make it down the falls.

In 1990, 28-year-old Tennesse native Jessie Sharp tried to ride the falls in a canoe named "Rapidman." After going over the falls, he disappeared and his body was never recovered. His canoe was later found with a large dent in it.

In 1995, 39-year-old Californian Robert Overacker went over the falls on a jet ski. He had a rocket-propelled parachute strapped to his back, and the plan was to float down after flying off the falls.

In 2003, Kirk Jones from Canton, Michigan, jumped off the falls in attempted suicide, but he survived. He was the first person to purposefully jump off and survive without any protective gear.

In 2012, 33-year-old stuntman Nik Wallenda, a member of the Flying Wallendas family, crossed the falls on a 2-inch tightrope. It was the first time it had been done in more than one hundred years and took him two years to convince authorities to let him do it.