Karel Soucek

Karel Soucek (April 19, 1947 – January 20, 1985) was a Czech professional daredevil living in Canada who went over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1984. He died the following year due to injuries sustained during a stunt attempt at the Astrodome in Houston.

Biography Before emigrating to Canada, Soucek was a tank commander in his native Czechoslovakia. He lived in Hamilton, Ontario.

Soucek prepared for his 1984 attempt to go over Niagara Falls by researching previous attempts, by sending unmanned barrels over the falls to test the currents, and by dropping his barrel off the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton to test its shock absorbance. Soucek's custom-made barrel was long and in diameter. It was bright red and bore the words, "Last of the Niagara Daredevils - 1984" and "It's not whether you fail or triumph, it's that you keep your word... and at least try!"

On July 2, 1984, the barrel was rolled into the Niagara River above the cataract of Niagara Falls with Soucek inside. In seconds, the barrel was swept over the brink. Shortly after, Soucek emerged bleeding but safe. Foam pads, which had been placed at the bottom of the tank to cushion Soucek's fall, had floated to the surface before the barrel was released.