When Evel Knievel died: verified date and immediate context
Evel Knievel died on November 30, 2000 in Clearwater, Florida, United States. He was 69 years old. The publicly reported cause of death was pulmonary disease. This concise status note clarifies the facts in a single, durable summary and frames what follows in deeper context.
Key verified facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | November 30, 2000 | Obituary records, news archives |
| Location | Clearwater, Florida, USA | Local reports, family statements |
| Age | 69 years | Biographical data |
| Cause of death | Pulmonary disease | Coroner/medical reports |
Early life and identity context
Born Robert Craig Knievel in Butte, Montana, on October 17, 1938, he became globally known as Evel Knievel. His persona fused stunt performance with showmanship, and his name became synonymous with risk, spectacle, and the motorcycle daredevil archetype. Establishing this baseline supports accurate status reporting.
Notable career highlights before death
- 1970s stadium jumps: Knievel popularized the mega-stunt format in indoor arenas across the United States.
- Caesar's Palace jump (1967): A widely publicized crash that nonetheless cemented his fame.
- Snake River Canyon jump (1974): Used a rocket-powered vehicle; the attempt ended before launch but drew global attention.
- Multiple hospitalizations and injuries over decades, including a ruptured liver and various broken bones.
Health issues in later years
In the decade before his death, Knievel disclosed a diagnosis of pulmonary disease. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, he was using supplemental oxygen and limiting public appearances. These health details are consistently cited in post-2000 coverage and help explain the proximate cause listed on his death certificate.
Death and memorial details
On November 30, 2000, Knievel died at a hospital in Clearwater, Florida. Family members were present. His death followed a period of documented respiratory decline. The announcement prompted widespread media retrospectives, given his decades-long footprint in popular culture.
Legacy and lasting influence
Knievel’s impact extends beyond his death date. He helped elevate stunt performance into mainstream entertainment and inspired generations of riders and extreme sports athletes. While injuries and legal issues marked parts of his career, his cultural footprint remains recognizable worldwide.
Common questions about his death
- Where did Evel Knievel die? He died in Clearwater, Florida, USA.
- How old was he when he died? He was 69 years old.
- What did he die of? The reported cause was pulmonary disease.
- Was he still performing when he died? No, he had not performed for many years due to health issues.
- Is the date commonly misreported? No; November 30, 2000 is consistently documented across reputable sources.