Famous People Who Died in Plane Crashes and Car Accidents - IMDb

Famous People Who Died in Plane Crashes and Car Accidents

by jonesie12345 | created - 04 Mar 2020 | updated - 3 days ago | Public

THE LIST ONLY INCLUDES CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE A PICTURE ON IMDb

CELEBRITIES WITHOUT A PICTURE ON IMDb WHO TRAGICALLY DIED IN VEHICLE ACCIDENTS OR AIR CRASHES INCLUDE:

Major League Baseball players Roberto Clemente, Yordano Ventura, Roy Halladay, Charlie Peete, and Thurman Munson; NBA player Drazen Petrovic; Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala; Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne; Major League Baseball manager Billy Martin; boxer Pernell Whitaker; soccer player Jose Antonio Reyes; and Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds

DJ and lyricist The Big Bopper; singers Jim Croce, Jim Reeves, Stan Rogers, Melanie Thornton, Gabriel Diniz, and Kyu Sakamoto; bassist Berry Oakley; runner Steve Prefontaine; American race car drivers Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Davey Allison; Scottish rally car driver Colin McRae; and pilot Francis Gary Powers

Prince Aly Khan; four members of the R&B group The Bar-Kays; eight members of country singer Reba McEntire's band; rapper Shawty Low; actor and game show host Peter Tomarken; actors Richard Bright and Lamont Bentley; filmmaker Gordon Parks, Jr.; singer-songwriter Harry Chapin; and American politicians Ron Brown and Mickey Leland

Their contributions were numerous and they are greatly missed

1. John Kennedy Jr.

Actor | A Matter of Degrees

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. was born on November 25, 1960, in Washington, DC, to John Fitzgerald Kennedy (President-to-be John F. Kennedy) and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy (Jacqueline Kennedy). Three weeks before his birth, his father was elected President of the United States, and the nation ...

Died July 16, 1999, age 39, in a plane crash; he was piloting the plane from Fairfield, New Jersey to Hyannisport, Massachusetts to attend his cousin's wedding

His wife, Carolyn, and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette also died in the crash

Kennedy left the airport later than originally planned, and the last miles of the trip were spent flying in almost total darkness. He was not licensed to fly with instruments only, and it is believed that he experienced spatial disorientation, causing him to lose control of the plane

He was also recovering from a broken left ankle and was visibly limping before the flight. This probably affected his ability to fly because the plane's pedals are foot-operated. He did not get a medical exam that is required for pilots recovering from a physical injury, and did not have a certificate of fitness to fly

Was the son of John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States and First Lady Jackie Kennedy

Was an attorney, journalist, and publisher of the political magazine "George"

2. Aaliyah

Soundtrack | Romeo Must Die

Talented. Beautiful. Modest. These three words described R&B singer-turned-actress Aaliyah perfectly.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Diane (Hankerson) and Michael Haughton. Her uncle was music manager Barry Hankerson and her brother is director Rashad Haughton. Aaliyah was ...

Died August 25, 2001, age 22, in a plane crash in Abaco Islands, The Bahamas

The twin-engine Cessna was overloaded by 700 pounds and crashed almost immediately upon takeoff, approximately 200 feet from the end of the runway; all 8 passengers and the pilot were killed instantly

The pilot was not certified to fly that type of plane, and an autopsy revealed he had alcohol and cocaine in his system

Was an actress and hip-hop singer, and five-time Grammy Award winner

3. Steve Allen

Actor | Casino

Steve Allen was born on December 26, 1921 in New York City, New York, USA. He was a writer and actor, known for Casino (1995), The Player (1992) and College Confidential (1960). He was married to Jayne Meadows and Dorothy Goodman. He died on October 30, 2000 in Encino, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Died October 30, 2000, age 78, from a ruptured blood vessel in his chest from a traffic accident in Los Angeles, California

The traffic accident had seemed minor, and Allen returned home without seeking medical treatment. He went to his son's home and took a nap, where he died in his sleep

Was an actor, comedian, novelist, lyricist, and television personality best known as the first host of "The Tonight Show" and the TV shows "I've Got a Secret" and "The Steve Allen Show;" was also a Grammy Award winner

4. Duane Allman

Self | Untitled Allman Brothers/Nick Cassavetes Project

Duane Allman was born in Nashville, Tennessee in November 1946. On Christmas Day in 1960, Duane was given a motorcycle as a gift while his younger brother, Gregg Allman, got a guitar. A few months later, Duane wrecked his motorcycle in an accident, but traded in the spare parts for a guitar of his ...

Died October 29, 1971, age 24, in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia

Was a guitarist and member of The Allman Brothers Band

5. David Angell

Writer | Frasier

David Angell was a multiple Emmy Award winner as the creator/executive producer, along with Peter Casey and David Lee, of the hit comedy series Frasier. David was born in West Barrington, RI, and he received a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Providence College. He entered the army upon...

Died September 11, 2001, age 55; was aboard the first plane to hit the World Trade Center in New York City in the 9/11 terrorist attack

Was an American TV producer and screenwriter best known for producing the TV shows "Frasier" and "Wings"

6. Lisa Banes

Actress | Gone Girl

Lisa Lou Banes was an American actress known for more than 80 film and television roles, as well as stage appearances on Broadway and elsewhere.

She was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play in 1984 for Isn't it Romantic? and won a 1981 Theatre World Award for her ...

Died June 14, 2021, age 66, after being struck by a scooter in New York City

Was an actress best known for the movies "Cocktail," "Gone Girl," and the TV show "Nashville"

In September 2022 the driver of the scooter pled guilty to manslaughter. In November 2022 he was sentenced to 1-3 years in prison

7. Orson Bean

Actor | Being John Malkovich

Orson Bean, the American actor, television personality and author, was born Dallas Frederick Burrows on July 22, 1928 in Burlington, Vermont to George Frederick Burrows, a policeman who later went on to become the chief of campus police at Harvard University, and the former Marion Ainsworth Pollard...

Died February 7, 2020, age 91, after being struck by two vehicles as he was walking down the street in Venice, California

The first vehicle knocked him down; while on the ground a second vehicle fatally struck him

Was an actor, comedian, game show panelist, and TV host

8. Berry Berenson

Actress | Winter Kills

Born Berinthia Berenson in New York in 1948, Berenson was a noted photographer and actress and was the sister of model-turned-actress Marisa Berenson (of "Barry Lyndon" fame). Berenson met her husband, actor and star of Alfred Hitchcock's original version of Psycho (1960), Anthony Perkins on the ...

Died September 11, 2001, age 53; was aboard one of the planes that struck the World Trade Center in New York City in the 9/11 terrorist attack

Was an actress and model best known for the movie "Cat People"; was the sister of actor Marisa Berenson; was married to actor Anthony Perkins

9. Hale Boggs

Self | Issues and Answers

Hale Boggs was an American Democratic politician and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the House majority leader and a member of the Warren Commission.

In 1972, while he was still majority leader, the twin engine airplane in which Boggs was travelling ...

Disappeared October 16, 1972; declared dead December 1972, age 58

Was on a flight from Anchorage, Alaska to Juneau, Alaska when the twin-engine plane he was in disappeared. There was an extensive search, but the plane was never found, and neither were Boggs and the other 3 people on board

Was an American Congressman, House majority leader, and member of the Warren Commission, which investigated the assassination of JFK; was the father of TV journalist Cokie Roberts

10. Marc Bolan

Soundtrack | G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Born on September 30, 1947 in London, England, Mark Bolan was always destined to be a star. Even as a teenager, he was already seeking fame. Well known as a sharp dresser, he was employed by a modeling agency and became a "John Temple Boy", wearing John Temple suits in their catalogs as well as ...

Died September 16, 1977, age 29, in a car accident in London, England

Was the leader of the English band T. Rex and one of the pioneers of glam rock

11. Lorenzo Brino

Actor | 7th Heaven

Lorenzo Brino was born on September 21, 1998 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an actor, known for 7th Heaven (1996). He died on March 9, 2020 in Yucaipa, California, USA.

Died March 9, 2020, age 21, in a one-car accident when his car struck a pole in San Bernardino County, California

Was a child actor who co-starred on the TV show "7th Heaven"; he was a quadruplet; he and one of his brothers played twins on the show

12. Kobe Bryant

Producer | Dear Basketball

Kobe Bean Bryant was an American professional basketball player. A shooting guard, he spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Bryant won five NBA championships, ...

Died January 26, 2020, age 41, when the helicopter he was in crashed into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, California

All on board died, including his 13 year-old daughter Gianna, the pilot, and 6 other passengers; cause of the crash was attributed to heavy fog and clouds and the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation

Bryant was an American professional football player who entered the NBA directly from high school; he spent his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers

At age 34 became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 points; had 4 MVP awards, which was a tie for the most in NBA history; also won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film

His widow sued Los Angeles County because firefighters and sheriff's deputies took unauthorized pictures of Kobe and Gianna at the crash scene, which they showed to colleagues and friends. In August 2022 she won a $16 million judgment; her co-plaintiff, Chris Chester, whose wife and daughter also died in the crash, was awarded $15 million

13. Cliff Burton

Soundtrack | Triple Frontier

Clifford Lee Burton was born on February 10, 1962 in Castro Valley, California, to Janet (Morgen) and Ray Herbert Burton. He had two siblings. His mother was from a German Jewish family, and his father was of British Isles descent.

As a youngster, Clifford always liked music, listening to genres ...

Died September 27, 1986, age 24, in a bus accident in Sweden

Was a guitarist for the heavy metal band Metallica

14. Patsy Cline

Soundtrack | Assassin's Creed

Patsy Cline was born Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932 in Winchester, Virginia. Her brush with show business came at age four when she won a prize in an amateur tap dancing contest. By the time she entered grade school, her family was fully aware of her musical talent. On her eighth ...

Died March 5, 1963, age 30, in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee

The pilot lost control of the small plane shortly after takeoff and crashed into a wooded area. Severe weather was a contributing factor, particularly since the pilot was not licensed for instrument flying

Was a country music artist who was the first female soloist inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame

15. Eddie Cochran

Soundtrack | Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Eddie Cochran was born as Ray Edward Cochran on October 3, 1938 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. When Eddie was 14, his parents moved to Bell Gardens, California where he began playing the guitar. In 1954, Eddie joined a local band with songwriter Hank Cochran where Eddie performed as the second vocalist....

Died April 17, 1960, age 21, in England when the taxi he was in struck a lamp post and he was ejected from the vehicle

Was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist; was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

16. Jessi Combs

Actress | Breathless Betrayal

Jessi Combs was born in the Black Hills of Rapid City, South Dakota. With a lifelong desire to become a race-car driver, this fearless young lady found a love for speed and its machines at a very young age. Her family explored everything around them and gave her a solid appreciation for off-roading...

Died August 27, 2019, age 39, in a car crash in the Alvord Desert in Oregon while trying to break the women's land-speed world record

She had accelerated to more than 550 mph (885 kph) before the crash, and Guinness World Records posthumously awarded her the land speed record in June 2020

Was a professional race car driver best known for the TV shows "Mythbusters", "Xtreme 4x4", and "Overhaulin"

17. Herbert 'Cowboy' Coward

Actor | Deliverance

Herbert 'Cowboy' Coward was born on August 21, 1938 in Haywood County, North Carolina, USA. He was an actor and producer, known for Deliverance (1972), Ghost Town: The Movie (2007) and Hillbilly Blood (2013). He was married to Dorothy Eileen Ledford. He died on January 24, 2024 in Haywood County, ...

Died January 24, 2024, age 85, on a North Carolina highway when his car was hit by a 16 year-old driver. His passenger also died in the crash

Was an actor best known as the toothless sadistic mountain man in the movie "Deliverance"

18. Lashawn Daniels

Soundtrack | Widows

Lashawn Daniels was born on December 28, 1977 in Newark, New Jersey, USA. He was a composer, known for Widows (2018), The House Bunny (2008) and Trainwreck (2015). He was married to April Daniels and April. He died on September 3, 2019 in South Carolina, USA.

Died September 3, 2019, age 41, in a car accident in South Carolina

Was an American songwriter and producer who was nominated for 8 Grammy Awards

19. James Dean

Actor | East of Eden

James Byron Dean was born February 8, 1931 in Marion, Indiana, to Mildred Marie (Wilson) and Winton A. Dean, a farmer turned dental technician. His mother died when Dean was nine, and he was subsequently raised on a farm by his aunt and uncle in Fairmount, Indiana. After grade school, he moved to ...

Died September 30, 1955, age 24, in a car accident in San Luis Obispo County, California when his Porsche slammed into an approaching car that turned left in front of him

Dean's passenger and the driver of the other car both survived the crash; Dean had been ticketed for speeding 2 hours before the accident

Is the only actor to have been nominated posthumously two times for the Academy Award; the nominations were for the movies "Giant" and "East of Eden"

20. John Denver

Soundtrack | Armageddon

His birth occurred on Friday, December 31st, 1943, as the son of an Air Force officer, Denver was constantly moved from state to state and country to country. It was in Tucson, Arizona, that his grandmother gave him his first acoustic guitar, a gift that would prove an icebreaker when meeting other...

Died October 12, 1997, age 53, when the plane he was piloting crashed in the Pacific Ocean in Monterey, California after running out of fuel

He was not licensed to fly because his pilot's license had been suspended a year earlier due to two drunk-driving convictions. Moreover, the homemade plane's fuel gauge and fuel tank switch were located behind the pilot seat, making it unsafe to fly the plane solo

Denver had bought the plane a mere two weeks earlier. An inquest concluded that he had accidentally discharged the fuel due to his unfamiliarity with the plane's atypical layout

Was an American singer, songwriter, and actor who sold 33 million records, including 12 gold and 4 platinum albums

21. Brandon De Wilde

Actor | Shane

Born into a theatrical family, he made a much-acclaimed Broadway debut in "The Member of the Wedding," when he was 9 years old. He was the first child actor to win the Donaldson Award, and went on to repeat his role in the film version (directed by Fred Zinnemann in 1952). As the blond-haired, ...

Died July 6, 1972, age 30, in a one-vehicle accident near Denver, Colorado when his camper van slid off the road, hitting a guard rail and then a fence

Was best known for starring in the movie "Shane," for which he was nominated for an Academy Award at age 11

22. Princess Diana

Self | Charles & Diana: Never Meant to Be

Princess Diana was a member of the British royal family. She was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry. Diana's activism and glamour made her an international icon and earned her an enduring popularity.

Diana was born into the British nobility ...

Died August 31, 1997, age 36, in a car accident in Paris, France while fleeing the paparazzi

Dodie Fayed, son of billionaire Mohamed El Fayed, also died in the crash, as did the driver

Was a member of the British royal family; was the former wife of Prince Charles and the mother of Princes William and Harry

23. Isadora Duncan

Writer | Isadora

Isadora Duncan was an American dancer and innovative educator known for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural projects, and a hectic marriage to the famous Russian poet Sergei Esenin.

She was born Isador 'Dora' Angela Duncan on May 26, 1877, in San Francisco, California. Her father, Joseph Duncan, ...

Died September 14, 1927, age 50, in a car accident in Nice, France when her long scarf became entangled in the wheels of the car in which she was riding

Was an American dancer known as "The Mother of Dance"

Was portrayed by Vivian Pickles in the BBC biopic "Isadora Duncan, The Biggest Dancer in the World" and by Vanessa Redgrave in the film "Isadora" for which Redgrave received an Academy Award nomination

24. Ryan Dunn

Writer | Jackass 3D

Ryan Dunn (June 11, 1977 - June 20, 2011) was an American reality television personality, actor and stunt man. He was a member of the Jackass and Viva La Bam crew.

Ryan Matthew Dunn was born in Medina, Ohio, to Linda Sue (Reese) and Ronald James Dunn. He came to prominence as a member of the CKY ...

Died June 20, 2011, age 34, in a car accident in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

His blood alcohol level was .20, more than twice the legal limit; it was estimated he was traveling approximately 135 mph in a 55 mph zone (217 kph in a 89 kph zone)

Was an actor and stuntman best known for being a member of the "Jackass" reality show

25. Falco

Soundtrack | Pineapple Express

He was born as Johann Hölzel in Vienna, but was mostly called "Hans". Very young, he was considered as a new Mozart and decided to have a musical career. He started playing the bass guitar in local bands such as "Drahdiwaberl" or "The Hallucination Company". Around that time he changed his name to ...

Died February 6, 1998, age 40, when the car he was driving was hit by a small bus in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; he was alone in the car, and no one else was injured in the crash

Was an Austrian singer-songwriter best known for the songs "Rock Me Amadeus" and "Der Kommissar;" he sold 60 million records worldwide

Austria issued a commemorative postage stamp in 2017 on what would have been his 60th birthday

26. Dodi Fayed

Producer | Chariots of Fire

Dodi Fayed was born on April 15, 1955 in Alexandria, Egypt. He was a producer, known for Chariots of Fire (1981), Hook (1991) and F/X (1986). He was married to Susanne Gregard. He died on August 31, 1997 in Paris, France.

Died August 31, 1997, age 36, in a car accident in Paris, France while fleeing the paparazzi

Princess Diana also died in the crash, as did the driver

Was a movie producer and the eldest son of Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods department store

27. Shain Gandee

Self | Buckwild

Shain Gandee was born on November 1, 1991 in Sissonville, West Virginia, USA. He died on April 1, 2013 in Sissonville, West Virginia, USA.

Died April 1, 2013, age 21, in Sissonville, West Virginia; he, his uncle, and another passenger died of carbon monoxide poisoning when the car they were in became stuck deeply in mud

Starred on the MTV reality show "Buckwild;" MTV canceled the show 9 days after his death

28. Carlos Gardel

Soundtrack | True Lies

Known as El Zorzal Criollo, the songbird of Buenos Aires, Carlos Gardel is a legendary figure in Uruguay and Argentina. He was born on December 11st, 1890, in Toulouse (France). His place of birth have been claimed by the Uruguayans and Argentinians, however, his Birth Certificate and his Will ...

Died June 24, 1935, age 44, in a plane crash in Medellin, Colombia

Was an Argentine singer and actor born in France; birth name was Charles Romuald Gardès

Was known throughout Latin America for his ballads of the tango

29. Troy Gentry

Soundtrack | Best of CMT Music Awards

Troy Gentry was born on April 5, 1967 in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. He was married to Angie McClure and Kia Bradley Gentry. He died on September 8, 2017 in Medford, New Jersey, USA.

Died September 8, 2017, age 50, in a helicopter crash in Medford, New Jersey; cause of the crash was attributed to pilot error

Was one-half of the country music duo Montgomery Gentry, who had 3 songs certified platinum. In 1999, they were awarded Favorite New Artist—Country at the American Music Awards. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2009

His duo partner, Eddie Montgomery, continues to perform as a solo artist

30. Bill Graham

Actor | Bugsy

Bill Graham was born on January 8, 1931 in Berlin, Germany. He was a producer and actor, known for Bugsy (1991), The Doors (1991) and Apocalypse Now (1979). He was married to Bonnie B MacLean. He died on October 25, 1991 in Vallejo, California, USA.

Died October 25, 1991, age 60, in a helicopter crash near Vallejo, California

The helicopter was flying in inclement weather when it hit a high-voltage tower and burst into flames on impact

Was an actor and rock concert promoter

31. Kylie Rae Harris

Self | Lone Star Roads

Kylie Rae Harris was born on May 15, 1989 in Wylie, Texas, USA. She died on September 4, 2019 in New Mexico, USA.

Died September 4, 2019, age 34, in a car accident near Taos, New Mexico

Her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit, and she was driving 95 mph (153 kph) when the crash occurred; the driver of the car she struck also died

Was a singer and songwriter best known for appearing on the TV show "Troubadour, TX"

32. Anne Heche

Actress | Six Days Seven Nights

Anne Celeste Heche was an American actress, director, and screenwriter. She came to recognition portraying Vicky Hudson and Marley Love in the soap opera Another World (1964), which won her a Daytime Emmy Award and two Soap Opera Digest Awards. She came to mainstream prominence in the late 1990s ...

Died August 12, 2022, age 53, 7 days after she crashed her speeding car into a residential home, setting the car and home on fire

She was trapped in her burning car for over an hour while firefighters worked to rescue her. She fell into a coma shortly thereafter from which she never awoke

She had two other car accidents the same day, crashing into an apartment garage and then striking another vehicle. She fled the scene of both of them right before her third and fatal crash

Was an Emmy Award-winning actress best known for the TV shows "As the World Turns," "Men in Trees," and "Hung;" also for the movies "Donnie Brasco" and "Wag the Dog"

33. Buddy Holly

Soundtrack | Big Fish

Charles Hardin Holley, known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer and songwriter who was a central and pioneering figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, to a musical family during the Great Depression, and learned to play guitar and sing alongside his siblings. His ...

Died February 3, 1959, age 22, in a plane crash near Mason City, Iowa; singer Ritchie Valens and DJ/songwriter The Big Bopper also died in the crash

Was a musician and singer-songwriter who was one of the pioneers of rock and roll

His life was portrayed in the biopic "The Buddy Holly Story" starring Gary Busey, for which he received an Academy Award nomination

34. James Horner

Music_department | Titanic

James Horner began studying piano at the age of five, and trained at the Royal College of Music in London, England, before moving to California in the 1970s. After receiving a bachelor's degree in music at USC, he would go on to earn his master's degree at UCLA and teach music theory there. He ...

Died June 22, 2015, age 61, when the turbo prop plane he was piloting crashed in the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara, California

Was a composer and conductor who scored over 100 films, including "Avatar," "Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, "Cocoon," and many others; won two Academy Awards, six Grammy Awards, and two Golden Globes

35. Leslie Howard

Actor | Pygmalion

Leslie Howard Steiner was born in London to Lilian (Blumberg) and Ferdinand "Frank" Steiner. His father was a Hungarian Jewish immigrant, and his English mother was of German Jewish and mostly English descent. Leslie went to Dulwich College, then worked as a bank clerk until the outbreak of World ...

Died June 1, 1943, age 50, when the commercial plane on which he was flying was shot down by German aircraft en route from Lisbon, Portugal to Bristol, England

Was an English actor, director, and producer

36. Pedro Infante

Actor | Tizoc (Amor indio)

Undoubtedly, Pedro Infante was, and still is, the idol of Mexico. Because of his movies (59 including 55 leading roles and four cameos), records (366 songs recorded between 1943 and 1956) and public appearances in Mexico and Latin America, Infante became a star and the most beloved human being in ...

Died April 15, 1957, age 39, when the plane he was co-piloting suffered engine failure upon takeoff in Merida, Mexico

He had survived two previous plane crashes

Was a popular Mexican ranchera singer and actor who appeared in more than 60 films and recorded more than 350 songs

37. Leslie Jordan

Actor | The Help

For such a diminutive (4' 11") frame, character actor Leslie (Allen) Jordan had a tall talent for scene-stealing. Hailing from the South, as his dead-giveaway drawl quickly exposed, he was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 29, 1955, and raised in a highly conservative, deeply religious ...

Died October 24, 2022, age 67, in a car crash in Los Angeles

Was an actor, comedian, and writer best know for the TV sitcom "Will and Grace," "American Horror Story," and Hearts Afire"

38. Grace Kelly

Actress | Dial M for Murder

On November 12, 1929, Grace Patricia Kelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to wealthy parents. Her girlhood was uneventful for the most part, but one of the things she desired was to become an actress which she had decided on at an early age. After her high school graduation in 1947, Grace ...

Died September 14, 1982, age 52, in a car accident in Monaco; her daughter, Princess Stephanie, was injured but survived

Doctors believe she suffered a stroke while driving, causing her to lose control of the car

Was an Academy Award-winning actress who became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier

39. Sam Kinison

Actor | Back to School

Sam Kinison was a popular stand-up comedian from Yakima, Washington, mainly active in the 1980s and the early 1990s. He also had a few acting roles in film and television. His only recurring role was that of Hugh, the main character's alter ego in the short-lived sitcom "Charlie Hoover" (1991). The...

Died April 10, 1992, age 38, in a car accident in Nevada when his car was struck head-on by a 17-year-old drunk driver

Was a stand-up comedian and actor

40. Ernie Kovacs

Actor | Bell Book and Candle

Author, actor, comedian, composer and producer. He was educated at the New York School of Theatre, and received the Sylvania Television Award. Joining the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1957, he composed a number of songs and themes, a number of which were used in ...

Died January 13, 1962, age 42, in a car accident in Beverly Hills, California

Was an American comedian, writer, and actor

41. Sammi Kane Kraft

Actress | Bad News Bears

Sammi Kane Kraft was born on April 2, 1992 in Livingston, New Jersey, USA. She was an actress, known for Bad News Bears (2005), Today (1952) and Help Her Live (2022). She died on October 9, 2012 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Died October 11, 2012, age 20, in a car accident in Los Angeles, California

Was a child actress who appeared in "The Bad News Bears"

42. Joe Lara

Actor | Doomsdayer

Joe Lara was born in San Diego, California. He was cast to play "Tarzan" in "Tarzan: The Epic Adventures" in the early 1990s. He worked in many countries, including South Africa, Bulgaria, and Russia. He co starred in many film to video projects that were filmed in Bulgaria, Russia, and Africa. He ...

Died May 29, 2021, age 58, in a plane crash near Nashville, Tennessee

The small jet crashed into Percy Priest Lake shortly after takeoff. His wife, Gwen Shamblin, founder of the Christian diet program The Weigh Down, and 4 other people on board were also killed; it is unclear whether or not Lara was piloting the plane

Was an actor best known for playing Tarzan in two TV movies and a TV series

43. Billy 'Froggy' Laughlin

Actor | Rover's Big Chance

His mother enrolled him in a dramatic class to overcome his self-consciousness. His gravel voice was exploited by an MGM talent scout. After his test and positive public reaction he was signed to a term contract to Our Gang. His favorite sport was bicycling. After Our Gang was over, Froggy was ...

Died August 31, 1948, age 16, in La Puente, California when the motor scooter on which he was riding was struck by a truck

Was a child actor best known for appearing in the "Our Gang" TV series

44. Carole Lombard

Actress | My Man Godfrey

Carole Lombard was born Jane Alice Peters in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 6, 1908. Her parents divorced in 1916 and her mother took the family on a trip out West. While there they decided to settle down in the Los Angeles area. After being spotted playing baseball in the street with the ...

Died January 16, 1942, age 33, when the plane in which she was riding crashed into a mountain near Las Vegas, Nevada

All 22 people on board were killed, including Lombard's mother

Was a classic American actress who starred in several comedy and drama films; was married to actor Clark Gable at the time of her death; also formerly married to actor William Powell

45. Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes

Soundtrack | Captain Marvel

Controversial, flamboyant, and spontaneous are probably the best words to describe Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Born in Philadelphia, and raised throughout the world as the daughter of a U.S. Army serviceman, Lisa Lopes became one of the most important trendsetters in the 1990s music scene. After ...

Died April 5, 2002, age 30, in a car accident in La Ceiba, Honduras

Lopes swerved to avoid an oncoming car, and she and her 3 passengers were ejected from the vehicle when it rolled over several times; her passengers survived the crash

Was a member of the four-time Grammy Award-winning R&B group TLC before embarking on a solo career

46. Kirsty MacColl

Soundtrack | Run All Night

English songwriter and singer Kristy MacColl had hits with such albums as "Kite" (1989), "Titanic Days" (1994) and "Tropical Brainstorm" (2000). Her first hit as a songwriter was "They Don't Know" for Tracey Ullman in 1983. Her trademark style is a sharp wit allied to strong melodies. Her work ...

Died December 18, 2000, age 41, after being struck by a powerboat while diving in Cozumel, Mexico

Was a British singer-songwriter who had several hit songs in the 1980's and 1990's

47. Jayne Mansfield

Actress | The Girl Can't Help It

One of the leading sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s, film actress Jayne Mansfield was born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the only child of Vera J. (nee Palmer; later Peers) and Herbert W. Palmer. Her parents were well-to-do, with her father a successful attorney ...

Died June 29, 1967, age 34, when the car in which she was riding crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer near New Orleans, Louisiana

Was an actress and sex symbol formerly married to Mr. Universe, Mickey Hargitay

Was the mother of actress Mariska Hargitay, who was in the car with 2 of her siblings, all of whom survived the accident with only minor injuries

48. Rocky Marciano

Actor | College Confidential

Rocco Francis Marchegiano , better known as Rocky Marciano, was an American professional boxer who competed from 1947 to 1955, and held the world heavyweight title from 1952 to 1956. He is the only heavyweight champion to have finished his career undefeated. His six title defenses were against ...

Died August 31, 1969, age 45, when the small private plane he was in hit a tree while attempting to land near Newton, Iowa

He died one day before his 46th birthday

Was a professional boxer who is the only undefeated heavyweight champion in history

49. Nathaniel Marston

Actor | One Life to Live

Nathaniel Marston was born on July 9, 1975 in Sharon, Connecticut, USA. He was an actor and producer, known for One Life to Live (1968), The Craft (1996) and As the World Turns (1956). He was married to Rita Bias. He died on November 11, 2015 in Reno, Nevada, USA.

Died November 11, 2015, age 40, from injuries he received 12 days earlier when his truck flipped over several times near Reno, Nevada

Was an actor who starred on the soap operas "As the World Turns" and "One Life to Live"

50. Dean Paul Martin

Soundtrack | Hell Ride

The son of Rat Pack member Dean Martin, Dean Paul Martin initially showed interest in a singing career, and was also a talented tennis player, which served him well in his role opposite Ali MacGraw in Players (1979). An avid pilot and a captain in the California Air National Guard, Martin was ...

Died March 21, 1987, age 35, when the plane he was piloting crashed in the San Bernardino Mountains in California during a military training flight with the California Air National Guard

Was an actor best known for the movie "Players" and the TV series "Misfits of Science;" was also a member of the singing group Dino, Desi, and Billy

Was the son of comedian, actor, and singer Dean Martin; was formerly married to actress Olivia Hussey and Olympic skater Dorothy Hamill

51. Marília Mendonça

Soundtrack | Malhação

Marília Mendonça was born on July 22, 1995 in Cristianópolis, Goiás, Brazil. She was a composer, known for Malhação (1995), Wounded Past (2016) and A Mother's Love (2019). She died on November 5, 2021 in Piedade de Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Died November 5, 2021, age 26, in a plane crash near Caratinga, Brazil; all 5 persons on board were killed

Was a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and musician; was a Latin Grammy Award winner; her funeral was attended by more than 100,000 people

52. Jordi Mestre

Actor | Centro médico

Jordi Mestre was born on September 14, 1981 in Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. He was an actor, known for Centro médico (2015), Cuéntame cómo pasó (2001) and Born (2014). He died on June 6, 2020 in Madrid, Spain.

Died June 6, 2020, age 38, when his motorcycle struck a lamp post in Madrid, Spain

Was a Spanish model and actor best known for the TV series "Centro Médico"

53. Eve Meyer

Actress | Eve and the Handyman

Sultry, buxom and shapely blonde looker Eve Meyer was born Evelyn Eugene Turner on December 13, 1928 in Griffin, Georgia. Eve was a popular high profile pin-up model throughout the 50s who was the Playmate of the Month in the June, 1955 issue of "Playboy." Other men's magazines Meyer did pictorials...

Died March 27, 1977, age 48, when her KLM flight collided on the runway with a Pan Am plane in Tenerife, Canary Islands

It is the deadliest air crash in aviation history, with 583 fatalities

She was an American pinup model, Playboy centerfold, actress, and producer; was formerly married to producer-director Russ Meyer

54. Glenn Miller

Soundtrack | Wild at Heart

Alton Glenn Miller was born on March 1, 1904, in Clarinda, Iowa; the son of Lewis Elmer and Mattie Lou Cavender Miller. He started his music studies when his father gave him a mandolin. He soon traded the mandolin for an old horn. In 1916 he switched to trombone. In 1923, he enrolled in the ...

Died December 15, 1944, age 40, when his plane disappeared while flying over the English Channel near Bedford, England

The cause of the crash is unknown, and many conspiracy theories have been postulated. The most likely cause is that the plane experienced carburetor icing due to the cold wintry weather, causing it to lose power and crash

Was an American big band trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader who had 16 number-one records and 69 top-10 hits in only four years, which is more than The Beatles and Elvis Presley

55. Margaret Mitchell

Writer | Gone with the Wind

Margaret Mitchell was born on November 8, 1900 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She was a writer, known for Gone with the Wind (1939), Luan shi yao ji (1956) and E o Vento Levou (1956). She was married to John R. Marsh and Berrien Kinnard "Red" Upshaw. She died on August 16, 1949 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Died August 16, 1949, age 48, after being struck by a drunk driver while crossing the street in Atlanta, Georgia

The driver was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and served 11 months in jail

Was a writer who only wrote one novel, the classic "Gone With the Wind" for which she won a Pulitzer Prize; the movie based on her novel won 10 Academy Awards

56. Vic Morrow

Actor | Combat!

Vic Morrow was born in the Bronx, New York, to Jean (Kress) and Harry Morrow, an electrical engineer. His parents were Russian Jewish immigrants. Morrow dropped out of high school at 17 to join the U.S. Navy. When he left the Navy, he used the G.I. Bill to study pre-law at Florida State. While ...

Died July 23, 1982, age 53, in a helicopter crash near Santa Clarita, California

Died while filming a scene for the "Twilight Zone" movie; two child actors also died in the crash. Director John Landis and 4 others were charged with involuntary manslaughter, but all were acquitted after a nine-month trial

Was an American actor best known for the movies "Blackboard Jungle", "Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry" and the TV show "Combat"

Was the father of actress Jennifer Jason-Leigh

57. Roger E. Mosley

Actor | Magnum, P.I.

Roger E. Mosley was born on December 18, 1938 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an actor and director, known for Magnum, P.I. (1980), A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996) and Terminal Island (1973). He was married to Antoinette 'Toni' Laudermilk and Saundra J Locke. He died on August 7, ...

Died August 7, 2022, age 83, three days after a car accident in Lynwood, California

Was an actor best known as the helicopter pilot on the TV show "Magnum,P.I." and for the movie "The Mack"

58. Audie Murphy

Actor | To Hell and Back

Audie Murphy became a national hero during World War II as the most decorated combat soldier of the war. Among his 33 awards was the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery that a soldier can receive. In addition, he was also decorated for bravery by the governments of France and Belgium, and...

Died May 28, 1971, age 46, in a plane crash in the mountains near Roanoke, Virginia

Was an American actor who was purportedly the most decorated U.S. soldier of World War II

Played himself in the biopic about his life, "To Hell and Back"

59. Ricky Nelson

Actor | The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

Ricky Nelson was born on May 8, 1940 in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA as Eric Hilliard Nelson. He was an actor, known for The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (1952) and Rio Bravo (1959). He was married to Kristin Harmon. He died on December 31, 1985 in De Kalb, Texas, USA.

Died December 31, 1985, age 45, in a plane crash near De Kalb, Texas when the pilot attempted an emergency landing because the plane was on fire

Was an American singer and actor; was the son of actors Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, brother of actor David Nelson, and father of actor Tracy Nelson

60. Christian Oliver

Actor | Speed Racer

German actor Christian Oliver worked in the entertainment industry for more than 15 years, with, among others, Steven Soderbergh in The Good German; with Brian Singer and Tom Cruise in Valkyrie; and with the Wachowski sisters in Speed Racer. He also starred in Europe's Number One action series ...

Died January 4, 2024, age 51, in a plane crash off the island of Bequia in the Caribbean

His two daughters, aged 10 and 12, were also killed in the crash, as was the pilot

Was an actor best known for the movies "The Baby-sitters Club," "The Good German," "Speed Racer," and "Valkyrie"

61. Barbara Olson

Self | Politically Incorrect

Barbara Olson was born on December 27, 1955 in Houston, Texas, USA. She was married to Ted Olson. She died on September 11, 2001 in Arlington, Virginia, USA.

Died September 11, 2001, age 45; was aboard the plane that struck the Pentagon in Washington, DC in the 9/11 terrorist attack

Was an attorney and TV commentator for CNN and Fox News

62. George S. Patton

Self | Nazi Concentration Camps

George S. Patton III was a highly successful and highly controversial general who held Corps- and Army-level commands during World War II. Because of his great competence as a battlefield commander, Patton might have led the American troops during the invasion of Normandy; however, his impolitic ...

Died December 21, 1945, age 60, in Germany from injuries he received in a car accident 12 days earlier

Was a United States General in WWII; was portrayed by George C. Scott in the movie "Patton"

63. Chance Perdomo

Actor | Gen V

Chance Perdomo was born on October 19, 1996 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an actor, known for Gen V (2023), After We Fell (2021) and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018). He died on March 29, 2024.

Died March 30, 2024, age 27, in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, California

Was an actor best known for starring in the television series “Gen V” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”

64. Shawn Phelan

Actor | Toy Soldiers

Shawn Phelan was born on January 7, 1975 in Stoughton, Massachusetts, USA. He was an actor, known for Toy Soldiers (1991), Grand (1990) and Caroline? (1990). He died on September 27, 1998 in Houston, Texas, USA.

Died September 27, 1998, age 23; he had been comatose for 4 years following a car accident near his home in Houston, Texas

Was an actor best known for the movie "Miles from Nowhere"

65. Jackson Pollock

Art_department | American Gothic

Jackson Pollock was born on January 28, 1912 in Cody, Wyoming, USA. He is known for American Gothic (2016), Works of Calder (1950) and The New York School (1972). He was married to Lee Krasner. He died on August 11, 1956 in Springs, New York, USA.

Died August 11, 1956, age 44, in a car accident near his home in the Hamptons, New York

Was an American abstract painter

66. Wiley Post

Actor | Air Hawks

Wiley Hardeman Post (1898-1935) was interested in aviation from his boyhood days in Texas, and became a parachute jumper with an aerial-exhibition team. After an oil-field accident in which he lost an eye, he purchased an airplane and learned to fly it in 1927. He than became a 'barnstormer." After...

Died August 15, 1935, age 35, in a plane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska in an aircraft he was piloting; famed actor and newspaper columnist Will Rogers also died in the crash

The plane was a hybrid he built himself using salvaged parts from two different Lockheed aircraft. Lockheed had refused to make the modifications on the grounds that the two parts were incompatible and therefore dangerous

Was the first pilot to fly solo around the world

67. Otis Redding

Soundtrack | Top Gun

Otis Redding was born on September 9, 1941 in Dawson, Georgia, USA. He was a music artist and composer, known for Top Gun (1986), Hamburger Hill (1987) and Road House (1989). He was married to Zelma Redding. He died on December 10, 1967 in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Died December 10, 1967, age 26, in a plane crash in Lake Morona in Madison, Wisconsin; 4 members of the R&B group The Bar-Kays also died in the crash

Was an R&B singer best known for the song "Sitting on Dock of the Bay" for which he posthumously won two Grammy Awards

68. Natina Reed

Actress | Bring It On

Natina Reed was born on October 28, 1980 in New York City, New York, USA. She was an actress and composer, known for Bring It On (2000), Honey (2003) and V.I.P. (1998). She died on October 26, 2012 in Duluth, Georgia, USA.

Died October 26, 2012, age 31, after being struck by a car while crossing the street near Lilburn, Georgia

Was a member of the girl group Blaque, whose debut album went platinum; also starred in the hit movie "Bring It On!" and the dance film "Honey"

69. Randy Rhoads

Soundtrack | Ghost Rider

Randy Rhoads was born on December 6, 1956 in Santa Monica, California, USA. He was a writer, known for Ghost Rider (2007), Megamind (2010) and Tag (2018). He died on March 19, 1982 in Leesburg, Florida, USA.

Died March 19, 1982, age 25, in a plane crash in Leesburg, Florida

His tour bus driver was also a private pilot, but his pilot's license had expired. The bus driver took a friend's small private plane from a nearby airstrip and tried to buzz the tour bus as a prank. The plane clipped the bus, spiraled out of control, hit the home of the plane's owner, and burst into flames

Was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne, Black Oak Arkansas, and Quiet Riot, which he co-founded

70. Sylvester Ritter

Actor | WWWF Championship Wrestling

The man who would eventually become known as the Junk Yard Dog was born on December 13, 1953, in Wadesboro, North Carolina. He played football & wrestled in high school and was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1975 after graduating from Fayetville State University, but was cut after blowing out his...

Died June 1, 1998, age 45, in a single-car accident near Forest, Mississippi as he was driving home from his daughter's high school graduation

Was a championship wrestler professionally known as Junkyard Dog; was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004

71. Jenni Rivera

Actress | Filly Brown

Dolores Janney "Jenni" Rivera was a Mexican-American actress, singer-songwriter, T.V. producer, spokesperson, philanthropist & entrepreneur known for her work within the banda and norteña music genres. She began recording in 1992, and her recordings often have themes of social issues, infidelity & ...

Died December 9, 2012, age 43, in a plane crash near Monterrey, Mexico

Was a Mexican-American actress and singer-songwriter

72. Will Rogers

Actor | Steamboat Round the Bend

World-famous, widely popular American humorist of the vaudeville stage and of silent and sound films, Will Rogers graduated from military school, but his first real job was in the livestock business in Argentina, of all places. He transported pack animals across the South Atlantic from Buenos Aires...

Died August 15, 1935, age 55, in a plane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska; famed aviator Wiley post was piloting the plane and also died in the crash

Was an American actor, humorist, and vaudeville performer; made 71 films and wrote more than 4000 newspaper columns

73. Ashley Ross

Self | Little Talk Live: Aftershow

Ashley Ross was born on October 21, 1984 in the USA. She died on April 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Died April 27, 2020, age 35, in a car accident in South Fulton, Georgia

She hit a right-side curb, crossed into the oncoming lane, and struck another vehicle head-on

Best known as Ms Minnie on the reality show "Little Women: Atlanta"

74. Jessica Savitch

Actress | Nasty Habits

Jessica Savitch was born on February 1, 1947 in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Her father suddenly died when she was just 12 years old. It was he that encouraged her for a career in broadcast journalism. Jessica first considered a career in broadcasting while in high school. A friend then got her a ...

Died October 23, 1983, age 36, in a car accident in New Hope, Pennsylvania

The driver had accidentally plunged into a canal, and he and Savitch were trapped inside the car; they both drowned

Was a TV news anchor and broadcast journalist

75. Ayrton Senna

Self | Formula 1

Ayrton Senna da Silva was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil to a wealthy family. When he was four years old his father Milton bought him a go-kart, and by age eight Ayrton was regularly competing in karting events. His career progressed quickly, and in 1982 he moved to England to pursue his racing. In 1984...

Died May 1, 1994, age 34, when his race car hit a concrete wall during the San Marino Gran Prix in Imola, Italy

Was a Brazilian race car driver who won 41 Gran Prix races

Brazil declared 3 days of national mourning following his death. An estimated 3 million people lined the streets of his hometown of Sao Paolo when his coffin was carried into the city, purportedly the largest recorded gathering of mourners in modern times

76. Bob Simon

Self | 60 Minutes

Bob Simon was born on May 29, 1941 in Bronx, New York, USA. He was a producer and writer, known for 60 Minutes (1968), 60 Minutes II (1999) and CSI: NY (2004). He was married to Françoise. He died on February 11, 2015 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.

Died February 11, 2015, age 73, in a car accident in New York City when the limousine he was in rear-ended a car at a stoplight

The driver of the limousine had 9 previous license suspensions in the previous 4 years

Was a TV correspondent for "CBS News" and "60 Minutes," and had received 27 Emmy Awards

77. Bessie Smith

Soundtrack | Angel Heart

Bessie Smith was born on April 15, 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. She was an actress, known for Angel Heart (1987), Water for Elephants (2011) and Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004). She was married to Jack Gee. She died on September 26, 1937 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA.

Died September 26, 1937, age 43, in a car accident near Clarksdale, Mississippi

Was an American singer nicknamed "The Empress of the Blues;" was portrayed by Queen Latifah in a movie about her life, "Bessie"

78. Samantha Smith

Actress | Lime Street

Samantha Smith was born on June 29, 1972 in Houlton, Maine, USA. She was an actress, known for Lime Street (1985), Charles in Charge (1984) and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962). She died on August 25, 1985 in Auburn, Maine, USA.

Died August 25, 1985, age 13, in a plane crash in Auburn, Maine

Was an American child actress who became famous for writing a letter to Soviet leader Yuri Andropov during the Cold War

She was dubbed "America's Youngest Ambassador;" the Soviets issued a stamp in her name, named a mountain after her, and erected a statue of her in Moscow

79. Payne Stewart

Actor | We Married Margo

Payne Stewart was born in Springfield, Missouri, on Wednesday, January 30th, 1957. He and his wife, Tracy Stewart (nee, Ferguson), were married on Tuesday, November 10th, 1981. They had 2 children, Chelsea, and William Aaron. Over the course of his PGA career, he won eleven PGA Tour events, ...

Died October 25, 1999, age 42, in a plane crash in South Dakota

The cabin of the Learjet in which he was flying failed to pressurize on takeoff, and all 6 passengers immediately lost consciousness due to lack of oxygen; the plane continued to fly on autopilot for nearly 4 hours until it ran out of fuel and crashed in a field

Was an American pro golfer who won 11 PGA tours

80. Andrew Symonds

Self | The Ashes

Andrew Symonds was born on June 9, 1975 in Birmingham, England, UK. He died on May 14, 2022 in Hervey Range, Queensland, Australia.

Died May 14, 2022, age 46, when his car flipped over and hit an embankment in Queensland, Australia

Was an Australian cricketer and two-time World Cup winner

81. Mike Todd

Producer | Around the World in Eighty Days

Film producer Michael Todd was one of the major contributors to technical innovation in the film industry in the 1950s. Having worked with Fred Waller and Cinerama, he got tired of the three-panel format, left the company and tried to find the process for making "Cinerama coming from one hole". He ...

Died March 22, 1958, age 50, in a plane crash in New Mexico when his twin-engine Lockheed suffered engine failure

The plane was overloaded and was flying in icy weather

Was an American film producer best known for the movie "Around the World in 80 Days" which won an Academy Award for Best Picture

Was married to actress Elizabeth Taylor at the time of his death; had previously been married to actress Joan Blondell

82. Thuy Trang

Actress | Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Thuy Trang was born on December 14th of 1973 in Saigon, Vietnam. After the fall of Saigon in 1975 to Communist forces, her father who had fought in the Vietnam War, traveled to the United States to seek political asylum. However, his entire family, unable to follow, were left behind.

In 1979, Thuy ...

Died September 3, 2001, age 27, in a car accident in California

The driver of the car survived, as did the other passenger, actress and model Angela Rockwood, but she became paralyzed from the neck down

Was an actress best known as the Yellow Power Ranger in the TV series "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers"; also appeared in the movie "The Crow: City of Angels"

83. Ritchie Valens

Soundtrack | La Bamba

Ritchie, the 'California Kid' was from a family of poverty stricken fruit pickers and was the first rock star to originate from the West Coast and one of the innovators of 'Latino rock. In an eight month career he scored three hits with 'Come On Let's Go', 'Donna' and 'La Bamba' before being killed...

Died February 3, 1959, age 17, in a plane crash near Mason City, Iowa; singer Buddy Holly and DJ/songwriter The Big Bopper also died in the crash

Was a singer and guitarist best known for the songs "La Bamba" and "Donna;" was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

His life was portrayed in the biopic "La Bamba" starring Lou Diamond Phillips

84. Ronnie Van Zant

Soundtrack | Kingsman: The Secret Service

Ronnie Van Zant was born on January 15, 1948 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the oldest son of six children (3 sisters and 2 brothers - musicians Donnie and Johnny). Ronnie attended Lee High School in Jacksonville with fellow band members Gary Rossington and Allen Collins. They soon formed what ...

Died October 20, 1977, age 29, in a plane crash outside of Gillsburg, Mississippi when the plane ran out of fuel

Bandmember Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines also died in the crash, along with three others; the other 20 people on board survived

Was frontman for the band Lynyrd Skynyrd

85. Stevie Ray Vaughan

Soundtrack | Unbreakable

Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Dallas, Texas. He was the main guitarist and frontman for the musical trio "Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble" from 1978 to his death in 1990. Vaughan and his band-mates specialized in blues rock, and Vaughan was a key ...

Died August 27, 1990, age 35, in a helicopter crash in East Troy, Wisconsin

The copter collided into a nearby ski slope, killing all 5 occupants. The pilot was not licensed to fly solely by instruments, which was necessary given the foggy conditions

Was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter

86. Paul Walker

Actor | The Fast and the Furious

Paul William Walker IV was born in Glendale, California. He grew up together with his brothers, Caleb and Cody, and sisters, Ashlie and Amie. Their parents, Paul William Walker III, a sewer contractor, and Cheryl (Crabtree) Walker, a model, separated around September 2004. His grandfather, William ...

Died November 30, 2013, age 40, in a car accident in Santa Clarita, California

The driver of the car was going 80-90 mph in a 45 mph zone when he lost control and hit a concrete lamp post (137 kph in a 72 kph zone); he also died in the crash

Was best known for co-starring in the "Fast and the Furious" movie franchise

87. Dottie West

Actress | The Aurora Encounter

Dottie West was one of country music's greatest female stars for 30 years. Her career began in 1959 when she made her first recording for Starday Records. She first made the national charts in 1963 and the following year had a blockbuster country hit with "Here Comes My Baby Back Again" which would...

Died September 4, 1991, age 58, 5 days after a car accident in Nashville, Tennessee

The driver of the car was speeding and had a blood alcohol level of .08; he pleaded no contest to reckless endangerment; he served no jail time

Was a Grammy Award-winning country music singer-songwriter

88. Treat Williams

Actor | Deep Rising

Richard Treat Williams was born in Stamford, Connecticut, to Marian (Andrew), who dealt in antiques, and Richard Norman Williams, a corporate executive. At the age of three, his family moved to Rowayton, Connecticut. Educated at prep-school, he first made a serious commitment to his craft during ...

Died June 12, 2023, age 71, in a motorcycle accident near Dorset, Vermont when a car turned left in front of him

The driver of the car has been charged with “grossly negligent operation with death”

Was an actor best known for the films "Hair," "Prince of the City," "Once Upon a Time in America," and "Mulholland Falls"

89. Ben Woolf

Actor | American Horror Story

Ben Woolf was born on September 15, 1980 in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. He was an actor, known for American Horror Story (2011), Haunting Charles Manson (2014) and Woggie (2012). He died on February 23, 2015 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Died February 23, 2015, age 34; was struck by a car while crossing the street in Los Angeles, California

Was an actor best known for appearing in the TV series "American Horror Story"

90. Bruce Yarnell

Actor | Irma la Douce

Bruce Yarnell was born on December 28, 1935 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an actor, known for Irma la Douce (1963), Bonanza (1959) and The Next Best Thing (2000). He was married to Joan Patenaude and Frances L. Chadwick. He died on November 30, 1973 in California, USA.

Died November 30, 1973, age 37, when the plane he was piloting developed electrical problems and crashed into a mountain in Los Angeles County, California

Was a singer and actor best known for the movie "Irma la Douce" and the TV show "Outlaws"

91. Anton Yelchin

Actor | Star Trek

Anton Yelchin was an American actor, known for playing Bobby in Hearts in Atlantis (2001), Chekov in the Star Trek (2009) reboot, Charlie Brewster in the Fright Night (2011) remake, and Jacob in Like Crazy (2011).

He was born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, USSR, to a Jewish family. His ...

Died June 19, 2016, age 27, when his car rolled down his steep driveway and pinned him between a pillar and gate at his home in Los Angeles, California

Was a Russian-American actor best known for starring in three "Star Trek" films; was named one of People magazine's "100 Most Beautiful People in the World" in 2009



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