Evel Knievel's 1967 Caesars Palace crash was less deadly than legend claims
Evel Knievel's infamous jump over the Caesars Palace fountain on New Year's Eve 1967 remains one of his most talked-about stunts. The daredevil fell short by just one foot, leading to a dramatic crash that injured him far less severely than later reports claimed. New details from the Vegas Myths Busted series reveal how the incident was exaggerated for publicity.
On December 31, 1967, Knievel attempted to clear the 141-foot-wide fountain at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. His back tire clipped the edge of the landing ramp, sending him flying over the handlebars. He tumbled across the pavement, suffering multiple broken bones and a concussion. Despite the injuries, he never lost consciousness, and his life was never in serious danger.
Reports at the time painted a far more dramatic picture. Jay Sarno, the founder of Caesars Palace, allegedly paid hospital staff to claim Knievel was 'barely hanging on.' His wife and a childhood friend later admitted that the daredevil himself played up the severity of his injuries to boost his fame. The crash did little to slow Knievel down. He went on to perform at least 65 more jumps before retiring in 1980, including a record-breaking leap over 13 buses in London. His career lasted over a decade after the Caesars Palace incident, cementing his reputation as one of history's greatest stunt performers. Knievel died on November 30, 2007, at 69, from complications of pulmonary disease. The *Vegas Myths Busted* series, which revisits famous Las Vegas stories, originally published this account on June 16, 2025. New entries appear every Monday, with a bonus *Flashback Friday* edition for revisited tales.
The Caesars Palace jump became legendary, though much of its drama was manufactured. Knievel's injuries were serious but not life-threatening, and he continued performing for years afterward. The incident remains a prime example of how publicity shaped his larger-than-life persona.
Read also:
- Ignorant Youth Unfamiliar with Quebec's Cultural Landscape
- PCOS-related Gas Buildup: Explanation, Control Strategies, and Further Insights
- Astral Lore and Celestial Arrangements: Defining Terms & In-Depth Insights - Historical Accounts & Glossary of Cosmic Mythology
- "Rural Idyls with Supercars: Astonishing Sites Where Residents Cruise McLarens and Ferraris for Groceries"
