Mike Hughes (daredevil)

Mike Hughes (February 9, 1956 – February 22, 2020), popularly known as "Mad" Mike Hughes, was an American limousine driver, daredevil, and flat Earth conspiracy theorist. He was known for flying in self-built steam rockets.^[1][2]

Hughes planned to launch himself in a rocket on August 10, 2019,^[3] but mechanical troubles postponed the launch. The following weekend, the launch was again postponed and Hughes was treated for heat exhaustion.^[4]

Hughes was killed while filming a rocket stunt for an upcoming Science Channel television series on February 22, 2020.^[5] He was riding a rocket near Barstow, California when the rocket’s parachute appeared to deploy early and detach from the craft.^[6] He was 64 years old.

1. ↑ Dwyer, Colin (November 22, 2017). "'I Don't Believe In Science,' Says Flat-Earther Set To Launch Himself In Own Rocket". NPR. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
2. ↑ Graham, Pat (November 20, 2017). "Self-Taught Rocket Scientist Mad Mike Hughes Plans to Launch Over Ghost Town". NBC4 Washington. Associated Press. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
3. ↑ Mack, Eric (9 August 2019). "Flat Earth Rocket Man 'Mad' Mike Hughes To Blast Off Again Soon". Forbes. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
4. ↑ Gohd, Chelsea (August 12, 2019). "'Mad' Flat-Earther's Steam Rocket Launch Grounded by Bad Water Heater Bought on Craigslist". Space.com. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
5. ↑ "Daredevil dies after homemade rocket crashes in desert while filming TV show". ABC News.
6. ↑ "Daredevil 'Mad' Mike Hughes dead at 64... Fatal Rocket Crash Landing". TMZ. February 22, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2020.