Daredevils of Niagara Falls: The Incredible Stories of Those Who Survived the Plunge
Niagara Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, with a deadly reputation—yet a handful of daredevils have defied the odds and survived the plunge. Whether by accident or stunt, these stories of survival are as thrilling as they are unbelievable.
At Niagara Regional Cleaning, we keep spaces spotless, but even we can’t clean up the mess left by these wild adventures! Here’s a detailed look at every known person who went over Niagara Falls and lived to tell the tale.
1. The First Known Survivor: Annie Edson Taylor (1901)
How It Happened: A 63-year-old schoolteacher seeking fame and fortune became the first person to survive a deliberate trip over the falls in a wooden barrel.
Local Connection: Taylor’s barrel was constructed by Niagara Falls Ontario carpenters specifically for this attempt.
Survival Details: She padded the barrel with pillows and survived with minor injuries, though she later said, “No one ought ever do that again.”
Aftermath: She never achieved the financial success she hoped for and died in poverty. You can learn more about her story at the Niagara Falls History Museum, one of the top educational attractions in Niagara Falls.
2. Bobby Leach (1911) – The Second Barrel Daredevil
How It Happened: A stuntman and circus performer, Leach went over in a steel barrel, surviving but breaking both kneecaps and his jaw.
Survival Details: His barrel was more durable than Taylor’s, but his injuries took months to heal.
Niagara Impact: His attempt led to increased safety measures along the Niagara Parkway, where many daredevils launched their barrels.
Aftermath: He later died from complications after slipping on an orange peel (!) in New Zealand.
3. Charles Stephens (1920) – A Fatal Mistake
How It Happened: Stephens, a barber, attempted the plunge in a wooden barrel strapped to an anvil for weight.
Survival Details: The barrel shattered, and his arm (still strapped to the anvil) was the only part recovered.
Aftermath: The first fatal barrel attempt, proving how deadly the falls truly are.
4. Jean Lussier (1928) – The Rubber Ball Survivor
How It Happened: Lussier designed a giant rubber ball with inner tubes for cushioning.
Survival Details: He survived with only bruises and walked away smiling.
Local Legacy: Parts of his contraption were displayed at Niagara Falls Ontario souvenir shops for years after his stunt.
Aftermath: He later sold pieces of his rubber ball as souvenirs.
5. George Stathakis (1930) – The Tragic Air Supply Error
How It Happened: Stathakis used a heavy steel barrel but got stuck at the base of the falls.
Survival Details: He survived the plunge but suffocated inside the barrel before rescuers could free him (his pet turtle, however, lived).
Aftermath: His barrel is now displayed at the Niagara Falls Museum.
6. William “Red” Hill Jr. (1951) – The Last Barrel Daredevil (For a While)
How It Happened: Hill, whose father was a famous Niagara riverman, used a cork-and-net contraption called “The Thing.”
Survival Details: He survived but was badly injured and fined for the stunt.
Aftermath: His attempt led to laws banning such daredevil acts.
7. Roger Woodward (1960) – The Accidental Survivor
How It Happened: A 7-year-old boy miraculously survived after a boating accident sent him over the falls with only a life jacket.
Survival Details: He plunged 162 feet and was rescued by the Maid of the Mist boat.
Aftermath: The only person to survive without any protection.
8. Deanne Wenda & Stephen Trotter (1985 & 1995) – The Duo Who Cheated Death
How It Happened:
- Deanne Wenda (1985) – Survived in a modified barrel but suffered serious injuries.
- Stephen Trotter (1995) – Used a modified water tank and survived with minor injuries.
Aftermath: Both were arrested—stunting over the falls is now illegal.
9. Kirk Jones (2003) – The First to Go Over… and Survive… with No Protection!
How It Happened: Jones jumped into the falls on purpose, with no barrel, wearing only his clothes.
Survival Details: He somehow survived with just broken ribs.
Aftermath: He was fined and banned from Canada—then tried it again in 2017 (and survived again!).
10. The Unknown Survivors (Various Accidents)
Over the years, a few people have fallen in accidentally and lived, including:
- A woman who survived after her car plunged into the river (1982).
- A man who went over while trying to rescue his dog (2012).
Why Did Some Survive While Others Didn’t?
✔ Luck – Hitting deep water instead of rocks.
✔ Barrel Design – Later attempts used stronger materials.
✔ Body Position – Some were knocked unconscious, which may have reduced injury.
The Legacy of Niagara’s Daredevils
Today, going over Niagara Falls is illegal, punishable by heavy fines. But the stories of these survivors remain a fascinating part of Niagara’s history.
At Niagara Regional Cleaning, we don’t recommend testing fate—but we do recommend keeping your business or home spotless and safe!
Why These Stories Matter for Niagara Tourism
These incredible survival stories continue to draw visitors to:
- The Niagara Falls Daredevil Exhibit at the Niagara Falls History Museum
- Guided tours along the Niagara Gorge where many stunts were attempted
- The Niagara Fallsview Casino area where some daredevils celebrated their survival
Experience Niagara’s Thrilling History Safely
While we don’t recommend attempting any falls stunts (they’re now illegal!), you can safely explore these stories at:
- The Niagara Falls History Museum (one of the best family-friendly activities in Niagara Falls)
- The White Water Walk near where some barrels were recovered
- Various Niagara Falls Ontario walking tours that cover daredevil history
For businesses in the area, maintaining clean, welcoming spaces is crucial to accommodating these history-seeking tourists. That’s where Niagara Regional Cleaning comes in – we provide:
✅ Professional cleaning services for Niagara Falls businesses
✅ Deep cleaning for Niagara tourist attractions
✅ Customized janitorial solutions in St. Catharines and Niagara Region
📞 Need professional cleaning in the Niagara region? Contact us today!
