I just heard the sad news that Evel Kneivel has passed away at the age of 69. He was just in the news recently because he’d sued Kanye West because Kanye used Evel-Kneivel-like images in one of his music videos. Apparently, they had just settled the lawsuit two days ago.
The one thing I really remember about him is an Evel Kneivel toy I had as a kid. Here’s a picture of it:
This toy was the greatest. You’d put Evel on the motorcycle and then place the motorcycle in the wind-up thingie. You would then turn the wheel faster and faster until the motorcycle would shoot off the stand and speed off toward the ramp. For fun we’d wind him up from the sidewalk and see if he could make it across our street as cars drove by.
It’s funny how something like a person’s death can bring back memories that have been totally repressed. Rest in peace, Evel!
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#1 by Nick on November 30th, 2007
Terrible news. I also remember my Evel Kneivel motorcycle toy that I got from Santa a long, long time ago. I also remember some of the crazy stunts the real Evel tried. I remember the marketing as well. A true one of a kind now gone, along with some more of our youth!
#2 by kay on November 30th, 2007
it’s sad, i work with one of his nephews…
=(
#3 by Valley Girl on November 30th, 2007
Did he die of old age or while doing a stunt?
#4 by Sandy on November 30th, 2007
I have the same questions as Valley Girl.
Geez, didn’t Kanye West’s mom die recently too from plastic surgery?
#5 by Daddy Dan on December 1st, 2007
VG and Sandy: He didn’t die doing a stunt. They said that he’d been ill for a long time with diabetes and a heart condition.
#6 by Andrea on December 1st, 2007
Bummer DD. Do you still have that toy? Maybe the babito can play with it.