Ravellette was driving a GMC van through the intersection of N.C. 87 and East Greensboro-Chapel Hill Road in Alamance County when a large truck collided with the side of the vehicle, said Ray Estes, a longtime friend.

Ravellette was thrown from the van, and his head struck a pole, killing him. He could not wear a seat belt because it kept him from using his left foot to steer, Estes said. (He worked the gas and brake pedals with his right.) His wife of 17 years, Maree, was in the van but was unhurt.

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Ravellette operated a landscaping business for years. Part of his local fame came from the double-takes he would induce in passers-by: Was he really mowing grass, driving, eating a biscuit with no arms? He was.

Bill Hayes, who filmed the documentary about Ravellette called ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The world learned of Ravellette in 1998 after he rescued an elderly woman from a burning car on the shoulder of U.S. 15-501 in Durham. He kicked the window open, and Maree helped the woman out. His heroism attracted international media coverage, and Ravellette appeared on Rosie O?EUR??,,????'?????<

Ravellette learned independence early. He was born in Indiana in December 1939, and his parents sent him to an orphanage when he was 2 months old. A 2003 documentary shows Ravellette as a baby gripping a bottle with his feet.

Woodard recalled the first time Ravellette strolled into Sutton?EUR??,,????'?????<

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