Experienced white water kayaker Jesse W. Sharp, from Ocoee, Tennessee, decided that a trip over Niagara Falls in a kayak would help promote his stunting career. After months of planning, Sharp traveled to Niagara Falls at the age of 28 to attempt the feat of his life.
Sharp's plan was simple enough - gain enough speed in his kayak to propel himself over the falls and plummeting water. He would then navigate the rapids along the Niagara Gorge until he arrived in Lewiston, NY. In fact, Sharp was so confident that he parked his car in Lewiston at Artwork and made dinner reservations for the evening of his stunt.
On June 5th, 1990, Sharp took his turn in history by officially becoming a Niagara daredevil. At approximately 1:45pm Sharp reached the brink of the Horseshoe Falls, and raised his paddle over his head, before disappearing into the raging water below.
Sharp's body was never found again, but we will always continue to remember the failed Niagara Falls kayak daredevil stunt of 1990.