Sam "Morgan" Storm

Samantha Morgan Storm—known affectionately as Sam—was more than a performer; she was a force of nature on two wheels. The only female acrobatic motor drome rider in the world during her prime, Sam spent decades thrilling audiences across the U.S. and Europe, riding her iconic 1931 Indian Scout from Munich to France and far beyond.

One of the most notable modern stunt riders, Samantha’s path to the wall was anything but ordinary. After running away from a troubled foster home in Long Island, she spent several years living on the streets of East Coast cities. Her life changed in the mid-1970s when she found herself at a carnival in Dade County, Florida, and joined the Pelaquin family. In her own words, she “fell in love with the wall”—and from that moment on, she dedicated over 40 years of her life to stunt riding.

Sam became the protégé of legendary wall rider Paul “Sonny” Pelaquin. Under his strict and safety-conscious mentorship, she learned to harness her adrenaline, master her technique, and embrace the discipline of the sport. She didn’t just ride the Wall of Death—she lived it. Literally.

Sam slept in the drome, helped set it up and tear it down, maintained her vintage bikes, and performed in up to four shows a day—all while enduring grueling 16-hour workdays. Despite enduring numerous injuries—including three broken backs—she remained committed to her craft, riding with nearly every existing wall show on her beloved Indian 101 Scout, affectionately named “Beth.”

Even the loss of her mentor in 2002 couldn’t pull her away from the wall. Instead, she poured her heart into every performance, traveling the world and sharing her passion with audiences everywhere. Her peers respected her not just for her talent, but for her tenacity, grit, and fearless spirit. Sam was widely regarded as one of the top extreme sports performers in the motor drome business.

Her career came to a tragic end when she passed away on April 24, 2008, from complications related to her many injuries. Yet her legacy lives on in the roar of engines and the courage of every rider who follows in her tire tracks. Samantha Morgan Storm will forever be remembered as a pioneer, a legend, and the soul of the Wall of Death.