Daredevil Kirk Jones found dead

Back in 2003 40 year old Kirk Jones defied death by jumping into the Niagara River and going over The Falls wearing nothing but his clothes. The stunt earned him a hefty fine and lifetime of notoriety. But now a body found downriver from The Falls 2 weeks ago has been identified as his, and it looks like Jones died attempting another stunt.

Kirk Jones was draped in a blanket and taken into police custody after his death-defying stunt 14 years ago. He suffered broken ribs and a bruised spine. Pictures show Jones climbing out of the Gorge on his own and is then was seen raising his hands in victory.

On April 19th of this year, police believe Jones jumped over the American Falls, but this time he wasn’t so lucky.

On June 2nd his body was pulled from Lake Ontario near the US Water Community of Youngstown, which is just on the other side of the Niagara River.

A passing boat had spotted Jones’ body 19 kms away from the American Falls.

Police believe the 53 year old attempted to go over The Falls in a 10 foot clear inflatable ball.

Brian Nisbet of New York Parks Police described the incident:

“It was spinning in the rapids and it was unmanned at the time it then went over The Falls and was recovered by The Maid of the Mist and it was still unmanned. So it went over the falls unmanned.”

It’s not known if the strong currents pulled Jones under before he could get into the ball.

In 2003 Jones talked about the sheer power of water saying:

“I heard a gigantic roar and felt a gigantic suction that literally sucked me under the water.”

After that plunge Jones was fined $4,400 by a St.Catharines judge.

Niagara Parks and New York State Parks Police say anyone attempting a stunt without permission at The Falls could face serious fines and even jail time.

Since Jones’ plunge only 3 others have survived the drop.