Ken Carter, a fearless individual, was born in the vibrant city of Montreal and spent his formative years in a working-class neighborhood, which would later serve as the backdrop for his extraordinary life of daredevilry. Having abandoned his formal education, Carter would go on to carve out a reputation as a rebellious thrill-seeker, earning the moniker "The Mad Canadian" for his death-defying car stunts that took him across North America.
One of his most breathtaking and ambitious feats was an attempt to defy gravity and leap over the majestic Saint Lawrence River in a rocket-powered Lincoln Continental, a daring endeavor that took place in 1976. This death-defying stunt, which was meticulously documented in the acclaimed documentary "The Devil at Your Heels", captivated the imagination of many, weaving a complex tale involving the mysterious and powerful mafia, as well as a formidable and legendary figure in the world of daredevilry, Evel Knievel.
Ken Carter's relentless pursuit of daredevilry, despite encountering setbacks in 1979, ultimately led to a life of extraordinary proportions, marked by a series of high-stakes stunts that captivated the imagination of many.
This enigmatic figure's remarkable story has inspired a plethora of creative works, including films, novels, and even an album, which drew inspiration from a conceptual string-bass theme. The musical that followed was a testament to the enduring power of his legacy.
Tragically, Ken Carter's final jump, which took place on the night of September 5, 1983, ended in devastating circumstances. While attempting to land his 1982 Pontiac, equipped with a makeshift rocket, on the far side of a murky pond at Westgate Speedway in Peterborough, Ontario, he overshot the mark, resulting in a fatal impact at the age of 45.
Despite the tragic circumstances of his passing, Ken Carter's indomitable spirit and unwavering determination continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, serving as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of risk-taking and the importance of pursuing one's passions, no matter the obstacles that may arise.
