Charles Stephens (daredevil)

Charles Stephens
Born 1862
Died 11 July 1920
Niagara Falls
Nationality England
Occupation Barber, daredevil
Known for Being the first person to die attempting to go over Niagara Falls
Spouse(s) Annie Stephens
Children 11

Charles Stephens or Demon Barber of Bedminster (1862 – 11 July 1920) was an English barber and daredevil. Stephens was the first person to die attempting to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.[1][2] He is also the third person and second man to attempt this stunt. A barber living and working in Bristol, Stephens started performing stunts to support his family, which included his wife, Annie, and their 11 children.

Stephens went over the Falls in an oak barrel using an anvil for ballast; this proved to be fatal. Stephens ignored warnings from his advisers, fellow Niagara daredevils, Bobby Leach and William "Red" Hill, Sr., who suggested he test the barrel before going over the Falls. As a result, Stephens was dragged under the Falls after the anvil broke the bottom of the barrel. Stephens' severed arm (the only part recovered) is buried in the Drummond Hills Cemetery in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Charles G. Stephens". Niagara Daredevils. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  2. ↑ "Charles Stephens". Niagara Falls info. Retrieved 13 March 2015.

External links


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