The Flying Wallendas

The Flying Wallendas are a family of high wire performers known for their dangerous stunts.Biography.com: The Great (or Flying) Wallendas Biography The family began performing in Germany in the 1780s. Karl Wendella brought the family business to America with him in the early 20th century, joining the Ringling Brothers circus in 1928. They were known then as The Great Wallendas. After falling gracefully at a performance in the 1940s, one reporter stated that they looked like they were flying. They became known as The Flying Wallendas.Today: Daredevil Wallenda Prepares to Defy Death on Live TV (October 14, 2008)

Nik Wallenda set the world record for "longest distance and greatest height on a bicycle" for his high wire performance on October 15, 2008. Today: Daredevil Wallenda Prepares to Defy Death on Live TV (October 14, 2008)

Karl Wellenda died in 1978 at the age of 73 when he fell more than 100 feet from a high wire.Today: Daredevil Wallenda Prepares to Defy Death on Live TV (October 14, 2008) Karl lost his balance and was not able to grab the wire, falling to his death in front of a crowd in Puerto Rico. His granddaughter Rita was there, and performed just 5 hours later as scheduled. A year later, grandson Rick went to Puerto Rico to complete the high wire walk that had taken Karl's life.Today: Daredevil Wallenda Prepares to Defy Death on Live TV (October 14, 2008) Two other family members were killed and one was paralyzed during a 1962 performance in Detroit. One family member died after his metal pole hit a high-tension wire, and still another family member was lost after falling from a sway pole.Today: Daredevil Wallenda Prepares to Defy Death on Live TV (October 14, 2008)