Man in ball dies in Niagara stunt

THE first person to survive a plunge into Niagara Falls without protection has died after apparently attempting the feat again in an inflatable ball, according to US media.

A body recently discovered in the Niagara River has been identified as Kirk Jones, 53, who first jumped into the falls in 2003 and lived, the Syracuse Post-Standard said, citing New York State Park Police.

Jones went over the 51m falls — which straddle the border between Canada and the US — again on April 19.

The inflatable ball was found empty at the foot of the thundering water. — AFP