By MITCH STACY, Associated Press Writer
10 minutes ago

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Evel Knievel, the red-white-and-blue-spangled motorcycle daredevil whose jumps over crazy obstacles including Greyhound buses, live sharks and Idaho's Snake River Canyon made him an international icon in the 1970s, died Friday. He was 69.

Knievel's death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel. He had been in failing health for years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs.

Knievel had undergone a liver transplant in 1999 after nearly dying of hepatitis C, likely contracted through a blood transfusion after one of his bone-shattering spills.

Longtime friend and promoter Billy Rundel said Knievel had trouble breathing at his Clearwater condominium and died before an ambulance could get him to a hospital.

"It's been coming for years, but you just don't expect it. Superman just doesn't die, right?" Rundel said.

Immortalized in the Washington's Smithsonian Institution as "America's Legendary Daredevil," Knievel was best known for a failed 1974 attempt to jump Snake River Canyon on a rocket-powered cycle and a spectacular crash at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. He suffered nearly 40 broken bones before he retired in 1980.

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RIP.

When you think of the word 'Daredevil', Knievel is what most comes to mind.

There wouldn't be 'X Games' nor 'Motorcyclye freestyle jumps' if it wasn't for him. IMO

RIP

right on bear, knievel rocks

I used to watch his stunts all the time on t.v...he was truly the original daredevil....

I was shocked to hear this. I was watching the news just last night where he sued Kanye West for wearing a suite in a music video and portraying a stunt like his. Called it copyright infringement.

^ I was just reading about that yesterday.

It's a shame he died. RIP.

My sentiments exactly! I had no idea he had been so ill for so long, may he rest in peace! And my heart felt sympathies to his family and friends!

That's too bad , I was a kid in the 70's and he was a bigger hero to us than any sports star , so hearing this news really sucks!

who can forget that jump he made in a steam roller!

I was shocked alos but he lived a dare devilish life and it was a fun journey.

He always reminded me of a cross between a Gay Elvis & a White supremest....anyhow, guess he was pretty good with his chopper...

RIP

maybe superdave will do a tribute jump?

Sad.