Gary Wells was an American motorcycle daredevil who attempted to jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 1980, a stunt that had been previously attempted and failed by Evel Knievel. Wells crashed and suffered severe injuries that nearly killed him. He survived the accident, but his health deteriorated over the years. He died in 2020 at the age of 63. What was the cause of his death and what led to his tragic fate?
The Caesars Palace Jump
On September 15, 1980, Wells was filming a segment for the reality television show That’s Incredible! He planned to jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace, a distance of about 180 feet, using his customized Honda CR500 motorcycle. He had practiced the jump several times before and was confident that he could pull it off.
However, things went wrong when he hit the ramp at a speed of more than 100 miles per hour. He flew too high and too far, overshooting the landing ramp and crashing into a cement wall. He was thrown from his bike and landed on the pavement, breaking both his legs, fracturing his pelvis, and tearing his aorta. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency heart surgery to repair his aorta. According to UPI, he also suffered internal bleeding, lung damage, and brain swelling.
Wells miraculously survived the crash, but he was left with permanent physical and psychological scars. He spent months in the hospital and underwent several surgeries and rehabilitation. He suffered from chronic pain, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He also faced legal troubles, as he was sued by Caesars Palace for damages and by ABC for breach of contract.
The Aftermath of the Crash
Wells never fully recovered from his injuries and struggled to resume his career as a stuntman. He attempted a few more jumps in the following years, but none of them matched his previous fame or success. He also tried to pursue other ventures, such as acting, singing, and motivational speaking, but none of them took off.
Wells became addicted to painkillers and alcohol and had several run-ins with the law. He was arrested for driving under the influence, domestic violence, and drug possession. He also faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy twice. He divorced his wife and lost custody of his son.
Wells tried to turn his life around several times, but he always relapsed into his old habits. He moved to Arizona in 2012 and lived in a trailer park with his girlfriend. He claimed that he had found God and was working on a book about his life story.
The Cause of Death
Wells died on August 6, 2020, in Glendale, Arizona. He was 63 years old. According to his obituary on Legacy.com, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. The cause of death was not officially disclosed, but it is likely that it was related to his long-term health issues stemming from his crash.
Wells was remembered by his family and friends as a brave and adventurous man who loved motorcycles and lived life on the edge. He was also described as a kind and generous person who helped others in need. He was survived by his son, his girlfriend, his siblings, and his nieces and nephews.
Wells was buried at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona. His grave marker reads: “Gary Wells – Daredevil – 1957-2020”.
