Evel Knievel, one of the most famous showmen of the 1960s and 1970s, died last Friday at the age of 69. His death-defying antics involving seemingly impossible motorcycle jumps attracted worldwide attention. Many of his jumps ended in spectacular crashes and serious injuries, which earned him even more publicity than his successful jumps.
Like that of many showmen, Knievel’s personal life was troubled. On several occasions he was involved in fights. His marriage with his first wife broke up. He became estranged from his son. In spite of all the money made through his shows, he became bankrupt. He was convicted of firearms offences. In 2006, he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
Then Evel Knievel renounced the gold and the gambling and the booze and the women, and became a Christian. He explained how it happened at the Crystal Cathedral in April this year, in one of the most spiritually significant events ever to occur at the Crystal Cathedral. Hundreds of people came forward and were baptised on the spot.