There was definitely an explorer mentality back in the day. Adrenalin junkies and those hoping to catch the public's interest for some enterprise were eagerly testing the answer to the question, "I wonder if this is possible?" Here are some who learned the answer the ard (and permanent) way -
Niagara Falls
Over the past 125 years, thousands have gone over the falls and only 16 have survived.
In 1995, Robert Overacker decided to jet ski over the falls and deploy a parachute, only it didn't open.
In 1903, baseball hall of famer, Ed Delahanty died after he drunkenly stumbled into the falls.
Tightrope
Karl Wallenda is perhaps the most notable daredevil doing tightrope from high buildings. He was the leader of the Flying Wallendas. But, in 1978, the 73-year-old decided to walk a wire between two 10-story towers in Puerto Rico. Strong winds and an unsecured wire had him falling to land on a taxi.
Motorcycle
Alex Harvill set the Guinness world's record for longest ramp to dirt jump on a motorcycle. In 2021, at Grant County International Airport, he was attempting a distance jump when he hit the edge of the dirt ramp, flying from his bike, helmet coming off. He died en route to the hospital.
High rise climbing
Thirty-year-old French daredevil climber, Remi Lucidi, fell to his death from the 68th floor of a high rise in Hong Kong. He was locked outside of an apartment, knocked on the window, and lost his balance.
Wingsuit base jumping
Dean Potter, a famous climber and wingsuit base jumper, fell to his death in Yosemite while wearing a wingsuit. It's important to note that 1 in 2300 jumps ends in death.
Rooftoppers
Today's youths that decide to climb high rises to get a selfie have learned the hard way that using AI to insert yourself into the location can only lead to virtual and not actual death. In 2017, a Chinese rooftopper fell 62 stories to his death, all for the supposed glamour of a selfie in a dangerous place.
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Perhaps in another era, Vikings or ocean explorers were considered daredevils, but in today's world with a social media culture, it has become a gladiator sport.
Note: Like gambling, only gamble what you can afford to lose. If you can't afford to lose your life, walk away from dares, thoughts of fame, or the thrill of surviving. I am reminded of an astute person who once said, "Swimming is not a sport. It's a way to keep from drowning."