Invention: Shock absorbent barrel Country: United States Died: 1985 A star of the stunt world, Karel Soucek became something of a celebrity figure thanks to his invention, the shock absorbent barrel. The barrel was nine feet long and five feet wide, and designed to hold Soucek himself inside. Soucek was most famous for going over Niagra Falls in the barrel, dropping down and landing safely in the water below. Despite spending almost $50,000 on the stunt, Soucek was able to quickly make his money back through exclusive interviews and sales. The following year, Soucek attempted another stunt in his barrel, this time planning a 180 foot drop from the top of the Houston Astrodome. However, the barrel was accidentally released early, spinning frantically as it fell. Instead of landing in the centre of the tank of water as planned, it hit the tank's rim, and Soucek died of his injuries shortly after. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdhU026S_3U
Invention: Shock absorbent barrel Country: United States Died: 1985 A star of the stunt world, Karel Soucek became something of a celebrity figure thanks to his invention, the shock absorbent barrel. The barrel was nine feet long and five feet wide, and designed to hold Soucek himself inside. Soucek was most famous for going over Niagra Falls in the barrel, dropping down and landing safely in the water below. Despite spending almost $50,000 on the stunt, Soucek was able to quickly make his money back through exclusive interviews and sales. The following year, Soucek attempted another stunt in his barrel, this time planning a 180 foot drop from the top of the Houston Astrodome. However, the barrel was accidentally released early, spinning frantically as it fell. Instead of landing in the centre of the tank of water as planned, it hit the tank's rim, and Soucek died of his injuries shortly after. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdhU026S_3U