A stuntman has successfully jumped the Snake River Canyon in a tribute to his boyhood idol Evel Knievel.

Eddie Braun, 54, hurtled across the 1,400ft wide canyon in southern Idaho in a custom-built rocket dubbed "Evel Spirit".

The rocket hit an estimated 400mph before its parachute deployed, allowing Mr Braun to land safely in fields on the other side.

Image: Eddie Braun is blasted into the air by his rocket 'Evel Spirit'

Knievel has failed in his attempt to traverse the canyon on 8 September, 1974, when his parachute deployed prematurely partway across. He walked away with only minor injuries.

Mr Braun said his rocket was identical to the "X2 Skycycle" model used by Knievel and said he hoped his effort would prove the stuntman could have made it across if his parachute had deployed correctly.


Prior to his attempt, he had asked his young son to walk his sisters down the aisle at their weddings if he died in the attempt.

Image: Evel Knievel failed in his attempt to cross the canyon by rocket in 1974

Months of testing were carried out on the Evel Spirit, which was designed by Scott Truax whose father built the original X2 Skycycle.

Mr Traux followed his father's blueprints exactly, apart from an updated parachute system.

Before the jump, Mr Braun told the Idaho Statesman: "I like to say I'm not doing something that Evel Knievel couldn't do.

Image: Eddie Braun holds his helmet before testing the rocket in 2014

"I'm simply finishing out his dream. How many people get to finish the dream of their hero?"

Mr Braun is believed to be the first person to attempt the stunt since Knievel failed more than 40 years ago.