Robbie Knievel gives a thumbs up after jumping on a train at the Texas State Railroad Park February 23, 2000 in Palestine, Texas. AP Photo/LM Otero
Robbie Knievel, son of legendary stuntman Evel Knievel, has died at the age of 60, his brother Kelly Knievel told CBS News on Friday. Robbie Knievel died of pancreatic cancer after three days in hospice.
“It was expected,” his brother told CBS News. “He was in Reno with his three daughters by his side.”
Robbie Knievel, known as “Captain Robbie Knievel”, had his own daring career of 350 jumps and 20 world records, according to his biography on his official website. Knievel was once married and divorced, his brother said.
From a young age, Knievel wanted to be a go-getter, even though he found it difficult to follow in his father’s footsteps personally and professionally, his brother said.
Her father, Evel, was proud of his son’s accomplishments and tried to be a part of all of his jumps, including Knievel’s successful 1989 jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. In 1967, his father attempted the same jump and nearly died from injuries sustained in a crash involving his Harley-Davidson.
“Daredevils don’t have an easy life,” said his brother. “But it is what they do.”
Kelly Knievel said his brother should be remembered for what he did best.
“He was a big go-getter,” he said. “If you look at his jumps, you should know him for that. He loved that.”
Evel Knievel died in 2007 at the age of 69 after years of battling diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis.
Robbie Knievel is survived by his three daughters, five grandchildren, older brother Kelly and two sisters, and his mother Linda.
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