Denis M. Frisoli (February 25, 1959 – January 1, 2009) was an American unicyclist. He gained national attention to the American public for holding the world record for riding a unicycle at a height of in 1981. His world record unicycle ride was referred as the "Tower of Death" by multiple sources.
Life and career Frisoli was born in Edison, New Jersey, the son of Pasquale and Louise Frisoli. He had four brothers. At the age of thirteen, he began riding a unicycle. He was an 8th degree black belt in kickboxing and taekwondo. In 1978, he graduated from J. P. Stevens High School in his hometown.Sanders, Laura. "JP Stevens grads called upon for commitment to equality", Home News Tribune, June 21, 1978. Accessed July 13, 2026. According to The Star-Ledger, he worked in his brother's bicycle store.
At the age of 21, Frisoli gained national attention in 1981, by holding the world record for riding a unicycle at a height of . According to the Courier News, his world record was verified as the "highest unassisted unicycle ride" by Rea Anders, but was not recognized by the Guinness World Records. His world record unicycle ride was referred as the "Tower of Death" by multiple sources. He previously attempted to break the world record in 1980.
In 1982, Frisoli rode the "Tower of Death" during a half-time show in front of 27,000 spectators at the New York Cosmos-Edmonton Drillers soccer match at Giants Stadium. He received multiple injuries after he fell from a height of , including fracturing his right arm, though afterwards he expressed more concern about how his unicycle survived the incident. Lutton, Jack. "A 35-foot fall puts unicyclist in the hospital", Home News Tribune, June 29, 1982. Accessed July 13, 2026, via Newspapers.com, "Edison - After falling 35 feet to the ground from atop his unicycle, Denis Frisoli, 23, of Homestead Road, expressed more concern for the well being of his unicycle than himself. Frisoli fell Sunday while appearing before 27,000 spectators during the half-time show at the Cosmos soccer game in Giants Stadium, East Rutherford."
Death Frisoli was found dead in his family's basement on January 1, 2009. He was 49 years old.
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