Evel Knievel, the motorcycle stuntman who was depicted by Kanye West in one of his videos, has died at 69.
Knievel, whose stunts included jumping over buses and live sharks, had been in poor health for several years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis.
His death today (November 30) in Clearwater, Florida was confirmed by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel, reports the Associated Press.
West had just settled a lawsuit with Knievel over the rapper's depiction of him in his "Touch The Sky". West dubbed himself 'Evel Kanyevel' and parodied one of the star's famous stunts, which sparked Knievel to sue for copyright issues.
After their recent settlement meeting, Knievel said, "I thought (West) was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman. We settled the lawsuit amicably. I was very satisfied and so was he."
Knievel began his daredevil career in 1965 when he formed a troupe called "Evel Knievel's Motorcycle Daredevils" that performed stunts including riding through fire walls and jumping over live rattlesnakes and mountain lions.
Knievel is survived by four children, ten grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Source: NME.com
Knievel, whose stunts included jumping over buses and live sharks, had been in poor health for several years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis.
His death today (November 30) in Clearwater, Florida was confirmed by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel, reports the Associated Press.
West had just settled a lawsuit with Knievel over the rapper's depiction of him in his "Touch The Sky". West dubbed himself 'Evel Kanyevel' and parodied one of the star's famous stunts, which sparked Knievel to sue for copyright issues.
After their recent settlement meeting, Knievel said, "I thought (West) was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman. We settled the lawsuit amicably. I was very satisfied and so was he."
Knievel began his daredevil career in 1965 when he formed a troupe called "Evel Knievel's Motorcycle Daredevils" that performed stunts including riding through fire walls and jumping over live rattlesnakes and mountain lions.
Knievel is survived by four children, ten grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Source: NME.com
