Who was Tom Knapp?
Tom Knapp was an American exhibition shooter who broke several world records for clay shooting. He was born on September 30, 1950, in Maple Plain, Minnesota, and developed a passion for shooting at a young age. He learned various tricks and techniques from watching other shooters on TV, and practiced with different guns and targets. He became a professional shooter in 1993, when he joined Benelli, a firearms manufacturer. He traveled around the world, performing in front of thousands of spectators, and showcasing his skills and charisma. He also appeared on several TV shows, such as The History Channel, Outdoor Channel, and Discovery Channel. He hosted Benelli’s American Birdhunter for eight seasons
How did he die?
Tom Knapp died on April 26, 2013, at the age of 62, at St. Mary’s Hospital at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He had been hospitalized with pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that causes scarring and breathing problems. The exact cause of his death was not disclosed, but some sources speculated that he had a heart attack. His family and friends were shocked and saddened by his sudden passing, and asked for prayers and support from his fans and followers
Why is his death significant?
Tom Knapp’s death was a huge loss for the shooting community, as he was one of the most influential and respected shooters of his time. He inspired many people to pursue shooting as a hobby or a career, and he entertained and educated millions with his amazing feats and demonstrations. He was known for his accuracy, speed, and creativity, as well as his humor and personality. He held three world records for clay shooting, which involved breaking multiple clay targets in the air with individual shots in a matter of seconds. He used various types of guns, such as semi-automatic, pump-action, and double-barrel shotguns, and he could shoot anything from aspirins to golf balls. He was also a musician, an actor, and a philanthropist, who supported various causes and charities
What is his legacy?
Tom Knapp’s legacy lives on through his music, his videos, his books, and his fans. He recorded several albums of country and gospel songs, which are available on his website and on YouTube. He also published a book, titled Tom Knapp’s Shotgun Chronicles, which contains stories, tips, and insights from his shooting career. He also left behind a rich collection of videos, which showcase his best performances and tricks, and which can be found on his YouTube channel and on other platforms. He also has a loyal fan base, who continue to celebrate his life and his work, and who honor him with tributes and memorials
