Kenny Powers was a stuntman who lived for the thrill of defying gravity and pushing the limits of human endurance. He was known for his spectacular jumps in rocket-powered cars, often risking his life for the sake of entertainment. But his reckless lifestyle also led him to a tragic demise, as he succumbed to drug addiction and health problems. This is the story of Kenny Powers, the real-life Kenny Powers, and his cause of death.
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The Saint Lawrence River Jump: A Failed Attempt at Glory
Kenny Powers was born in Landrum, South Carolina, on July 9, 1947. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school and served as a barber. He later became a stuntman and worked with Ken Carter, a Canadian daredevil who planned to jump over the Saint Lawrence River in a rocket-powered Lincoln Continental. The jump was supposed to be the longest in history, covering one mile in distance and reaching heights of over 300 feet.
However, the jump was plagued by delays, technical difficulties, and financial troubles. Carter had spent years preparing for the stunt, but he was reportedly suffering from health issues and doubts about the feasibility of the jump. According to some sources, the backers of the stunt decided to replace Carter with Powers at the last minute, without Carter’s knowledge. According to others, Carter still wanted to do the jump, but Powers volunteered to take his place out of loyalty and friendship.
The stunt took place on October 5, 1979, in Morrisburg, Ontario. Powers drove the Lincoln up an eight-and-a-half story ramp at over 250 mph, hoping to soar across the river. But as soon as he left the ramp, the car started to fall apart. The wings detached, the body panels ripped off, and the rocket engine exploded. Powers barely made it off the ramp and plunged into the river, breaking his back in eight places. He miraculously survived the crash and managed to free himself from the harness. As he was taken away on a stretcher, he asked if the crowd was happy.
The stunt was a disaster and a disappointment for both Powers and Carter. It was also a media sensation, as it was filmed by a documentary crew and a helicopter. The footage of the stunt was shown on various TV shows and movies, such as That’s Incredible!, Faces of Death II, and The Devil at Your Heels. The stunt also inspired a musical film called Aim for the Roses, scored by Mark Haney.
The Aftermath: A Life of Drugs and Decline
The Saint Lawrence River jump was supposed to be Powers’ crowning achievement, but it turned out to be his downfall. He suffered from chronic pain and injuries from the crash, which led him to abuse drugs such as cocaine and heroin. He also claimed to have performed stunts for Hollywood movies such as Smokey and the Bandit, Vanishing Point, and Hooper, but he was never credited for them. He became estranged from his family and friends, and lived in poverty and obscurity.
Powers died at the Hampton Veterans Center in Hampton, Virginia on February 28, 2009. He was 61 years old. He was married to Beverly Powers at the time of his death. His cause of death was complications from pneumonia and hepatitis C, which he contracted from sharing needles. He was buried with military honors at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.
Kenny Powers was a man who lived for the moment, not for the consequence. He was a man who loved adrenaline and adventure more than anything else. He was a man who tried to achieve greatness but ended up in tragedy. He was a man who will always be remembered as a stuntman who dared to fly.
