On August 5, 1951, William Red Hill Jr. set out to do something few would even consider: go over Niagara Falls in a contraption he built himself.
He called it… “The Thing.”
That name alone tells you quite a bit.
“The Thing” wasn’t a solid barrel or a reinforced capsule. It was made up of 13 truck tire inner tubes, loosely held together with fish netting and canvas straps. More like something pieced together in a hurry than something designed to survive the power of the Horseshoe Falls.
Thousands came to watch.
The event was heavily publicized, drawing crowds along the riverbanks. Police made no attempt to stop it. After all, Red Hill Jr. wasn’t just anyone. He came from one of Niagara’s most well-known families.
His father, William Red Hill Sr., was a famous riverman and rescuer, respected for his deep knowledge of the river. Both father and son had successfully navigated the dangerous lower Niagara rapids in barrels before, no small feat on its own.
But this was different.
This was the mighty Niagara Falls.
That afternoon, the 38-year-old climbed into “The Thing” and went over the edge.
Within moments, the power of the Falls did what many feared it would. The flimsy construction couldn’t withstand the impact. From below, spectators watched as pieces of inner tube, netting, and canvas surfaced in the churning water.
“The Thing” had come apart.
His body was recovered the following day near the Maid of the Mist Landing on the Canadian side.
The death of William Red Hill Jr. marked a turning point.
Up until then, daredevil stunts at Niagara Falls had been dangerous, but still tolerated.
After this attempt, authorities on both the Canadian and American sides took action. New laws were introduced making it illegal to go over the Falls.
Today, anyone attempting a stunt like this faces arrest by the Niagara Parks Police and fines of up to $10,000... if they survive.
The story of William Red Hill Jr. stands apart not just because of the attempt, but because of what came after.
Standing beside Horseshoe Falls, it’s hard to imagine trusting something like “The Thing” against that kind of power. Inner tubes, netting, and straps might sound cushy, but against Niagara, it was never going to be enough.
What makes this story unforgettable is that it marks the end of an era.
Daredevils had challenged the Falls for decades. Some survived. Many didn’t. But after this attempt, the risks were no longer something authorities were willing to ignore.
This wasn’t just another stunt.
It was the one that changed everything.
Niagara Falls is more than a breathtaking view. It’s a place where real stories unfolded, and where history took unexpected turns.
From daring attempts to the moments that changed the rules forever, these experiences come to life when you’re standing at the edge yourself.
Join us on a guided day tour and see the sights, hear the stories, and experience Niagara Falls in a way that goes far beyond the view.
Best Niagara Falls tour in Canada for 20 years.
