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Bungee Whiz

Video clip shows bungee jumper whose head is bitten off by a crocodile?

Published Oct. 24, 2005

Claim:

Claim:   Video clip shows bungee jumper whose head is bitten off by a crocodile.


Status:   False.

Example:     [Collected via e-mail, 2005]

I received this video clip on 10/24/2005, from a friend. There is no mention of time/place/or circumstances regarding this video. I hope you can determine if it is real or fake. From the accent on the video, it has to be Australia. However, the "Croc" seems all too coincidental!

[Note: This video clip is a large file — please be patient while it downloads.]

Origins:   The above-linked video clip purportedly shows, to the accompaniment of an Australian-accented announcer, a bungee jump over a river by one "Big Doug" which ends in tragedy when Big Doug's head is bitten off by a crocodile who emerges from the depths with jaws open wide just as Doug hits the water headfirst.

One tell-tale clue to this video clip's authenticity is the fact the audio cuts out halfway through. The reason for this is editing is that a voice-over at the conclusion of the original, unedited clip reveals it to be a television commercial for Foster's Beer: "New Foster's hit tap. Don't lose your head."

This 2003 Foster's commercial, promoting "a new pouring system intended to give drinkers a consistent head on their pint," drew complaints when it first aired from hundreds of viewers who were disturbed by the seeming authenticity of the home video-style ad.

Last updated:   24 October 2005





David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994.

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