List Of Famous People Who Died In Car Accidents
Celebrity deaths—as shocking as they might be—are also undeniably fascinating, albeit in a morbid way. In 1997, the world was shaken by the news of the horrific car crash following which the much beloved Princess Diana died. Several years prior to this incident, Hollywood suffered a similar loss when the blonde sex bomb Jayne Mansfield was killed in a car crash at the age of 34, along with two others. The untimely and tragic deaths of James Dean, Paul Walker and Norman Burton in car crashes also shook the world. Accidental deaths become even more sensational when shrouded in mystery as in the case of Victor Davis, an Olympic gold medallist, who was struck by a car whose driver fled the scene. The death of basketball player Bryan Gahol who was killed along with companion Rosemarie Manalo in a multiple-vehicle collision was yet another car crash case which wiped out promising young lives. Famous writers Albert Camus and Margaret Mitchell are also among the unfortunate victims of fatal car crashes. Here we bring to you more information about famous people who died in car accidents.
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1
Grace Kelly(Former Actress and Princess Consort of Monaco (1956 - 1982))
Birthdate: November 12, 1929
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: September 14, 1982
Aptly named by her parents, Grace Kelly was one of the most graceful and talented actresses of her era, starring in 11 feature films and over 60 TV productions. A darling of Alfred Hitchcock movies, this Oscar winning actress left her successful Hollywood career after her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and thus became the Princess of Monaco.
Birthdate: June 13, 1928
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bluefield, West Virginia, United States
Died: May 23, 2015
The inspiration behind the movie A Beautiful Mind, John F. Nash was a legendary mathematician whose work in the area of game theory earned him the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. In his later years, he was riddled with mental illness. He later died in a car crash.
3
Jackson Pollock(American Abstract Expressionist Artist Known for His ‘Drip Technique’ Work)
Birthdate: January 28, 1912
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cody, Wyoming, United States
Died: August 11, 1956
Abstract Expressionist artist Jackson Pollock pioneered the drip technique or action painting, which involved moving his whole body to paint on a horizontal surface. Unfortunately, he struggled with alcoholism and died in a car accident, while drunk driving. He inspired a Pulitzer Prize-winning biography and the 2000 film Pollock.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: November 7, 1913
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Drean, Algeria
Died: January 4, 1960
Albert Camus was a French philosopher and the second-youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. His philosophical views contributed to the rise of absurdism, a philosophical concept. Also a prolific writer, Albert Camus had an illustrious literary career; most of his philosophical essays and novels are still influential.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: July 1, 1961
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Norfolk, England, United Kingdom
Died: August 31, 1997
The first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, Princess Diana was a member of the British royal family. As a princess, she became known for her unconventional approach to charity work. She was celebrated as a style icon and fashionista as well. She divorced Charles in 1996 and died in a tragic car accident the following year.
6
Samuel Burl Kinison(Comedian)
Birthdate: December 8, 1953
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Yakima, Washington, United States
Died: April 10, 1992
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
Recommended Lists:7
Duane Allman(Guitarist, Singer, Musician, Songwriter)
Birthdate: November 20, 1946
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Nashville
Died: October 29, 1971
8
Marc Bolan(English singer-songwriter known for his acoustic guitar-based songs.)
Birthdate: September 30, 1947
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: London, England
Died: September 16, 1977
Marc Bolan was a British singer, songwriter, poet, musician, and record producer. Best remembered for his association with the rock band T. Rex, Bolan is often counted among the pioneers of the glam rock movement. Bolan is also credited with founding the band Tyrannosaurus Rex. In 2020, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Paul Walker(Best Known for His Role as 'Brian O'Conner' in the 'Fast & Furious' Franchise)
Birthdate: September 12, 1973
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glendale, California, United States
Died: November 30, 2013
Actor Paul Walker is remembered for his role as Brian O'Conner in the Fast & Furious franchise. A talented star who made his debut as a child actor, he was known for taking up challenging roles, especially in action films. Besides acting, he had a keen interest in marine biology. He was killed in a tragic car accident in 2013.
10
Ryan Dunn(Stunt Performer)
Birthdate: June 11, 1977
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Medina, Ohio, USA
Died: June 20, 2011
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
11
Cliff Burton(Bass Guitarist for the American heavy metal band Metallica.)
Birthdate: February 10, 1962
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Castro Valley, California, United States
Died: September 27, 1986
Cliff Burton was an American songwriter and musician. He was part of the famous heavy metal band Metallica as the bassist from 1982 until his death in 1986. He died in a bus crash when Metallica was touring in support of their third studio album. Regarded as one of the greatest bassists of all time, Burton remains an influential musician.
12
Junkyard Dog(American Professional Wrestler)
Birthdate: December 13, 1952
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Wadesboro, North Carolina, United States
Died: June 1, 1998
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
13
Charles R. Drew(Surgeon and Researcher Who Improved Techniques for Blood Storage)
Birthdate: June 3, 1904
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Died: April 1, 1950
Born into a middle-class African-American family, Charles R. Drew initially excelled in football and track and field, and ended up earning athletic scholarships to fund his studies. He grew up to be a renowned surgeon and revolutionized the storage of blood plasma in blood banks.
Birthdate: September 20, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Harrison, Arkansas, United States
Died: April 28, 1999
Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth had joined the team as a walk-on and later became an All-American. He was drafted by the NFL team Indianapolis Colts in 1999 but tragically died in a car accident just 11 days later. Following his death, his Arkansas jersey was permanently retired.
15
Cozy Powell(Drummer)
Birthdate: December 29, 1947
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cirencester
Died: April 5, 1998
Birthdate: August 3, 1989
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Nice, France
Died: July 17, 2015
Jules Bianchi, grandson of GT World Champion Mauro Bianchi, was a Formula 3 Euro Series winner and a French Formula Renault 2.0 champion. A collision during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix caused him a diffuse axonal injury. He was in a coma for 8 months before dying at age 25.
17
Thuy Trang(Vietnamese-American Actress, Known for Her Role as ‘Trini Kwan’ in the TV Series ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’)
Birthdate: December 14, 1973
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Died: September 3, 2001
Thuy Trang was a Vietnamese-American actress who is remembered for her portrayal of the first Yellow Ranger on the popular TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Unfortunately, she joined the infamous 27 Club when she passed away after suffering internal injuries caused by a car accident on September 3, 2001, in San Francisco, California, USA.
Birthdate: December 7, 1972
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Pico Rivera, California
Died: April 2, 2001
In her short career, American actress Jennifer Syme acted in few films like Lost Highway and also worked as musician DaveNavarro's personal assistant. She briefly dated Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves. The couple broke up after the death of their daughter who was stillborn. Tragically, the actress died at the young age of 28, when her vehicle crashed into a row of parked cars.
Birthdate: August 5, 1937
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Died: August 11, 2003
20
Desmond Llewelyn(Welsh Actor Best Known for His Role as ‘Q’ in James Bond Films)
Birthdate: September 12, 1914
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Newport, Wales Newport, Wales
Died: December 19, 1999
Welsh actor, Desmond Llewelyn, is best known for his role as Q in many James Bond films over a span of four decades. Even though he originally wanted to be a minister, his interest shifted to acting while in high school. He served in the army during World War II and resumed his acting career afterward.
Birthdate: September 6, 2001
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Dorchester, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Died: April 22, 2021
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)
22
F. W. Murnau(Film director)
Birthdate: December 28, 1888
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bielefeld, Germany
Died: March 11, 1931
F. W. Murnau was a German film director best remembered for directing the 1922 silent horror film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, which is widely regarded as a masterpiece of German Expressionist cinema. He also made Hollywood films like Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, which is often counted among the best movies ever made by critics and film directors.
23
David Halberstam(Historian, Writer, Journalist)
Birthdate: April 10, 1934
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: New York City
Died: April 23, 2007
Journalist and historian David Halberstam is known for his works in areas as diverse as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and American sports and culture. The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter had worked with The New York Times. He later died in a car crash.
24
Johnny Horton(Musician, Singer, Songwriter)
Birthdate: April 30, 1925
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Died: November 5, 1960
Birthdate: January 23, 1919
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Trenton, New Jersey, United States
Died: January 13, 1962
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
Birthdate: July 8, 1992
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Guamuchil, Sinaloa
Died: February 25, 2015
Ariel Camacho was a Mexican singer and songwriter best remembered for leading his Regional Mexican band, Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho. He died in a car accident at the age of 22. Following his death, his album El Karma became immensely popular. His band continues to make albums in his honor.
27
Andrew Symonds(Australian International Cricketer Who Played All Three Formats as a Batting All-Rounder)
Birthdate: June 9, 1975
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Died: May 14, 2022
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
28
Lev Landau(Russian Physicist and One for the Founders of Quantum Mechanical Theory)
Birthdate: January 22, 1908
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Baku, Azerbaijan
Died: April 1, 1968
Nobel Prize-winning Russian physicist Lev Landau is remembered for his pathbreaking research in quantum mechanics. A math prodigy, he had learned calculus at 13. He failed to receive his Nobel in person due to a near-fatal car crash which caused him injuries that eventually caused his death 6 years later.
29
Lamont Bentley(Actor)
Birthdate: October 25, 1973
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Died: January 19, 2005
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
Birthdate: May 23, 1979
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: January 31, 2018
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
31
Gaetano Scirea(Association football player, Scout, Association football manager)
Birthdate: May 25, 1953
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Cernusco sul Naviglio
Died: September 3, 1989
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
32
Justin Strzelczyk(American football player)
Birthdate: August 18, 1968
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: West Seneca, New York, United States
Died: September 30, 2004
Height: 6'6" (198 cm)
33
Mike Hawthorn(British Racing Driver Who Became the United Kingdom’s First Formula One World Champion)
Birthdate: April 10, 1929
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Mexborough, Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died: January 22, 1959
Mike Hawthorn was a British racing driver best remembered as the first Formula One World Champion from the United Kingdom; he achieved the feat when he won the world championship in 1958. Having been affected by the demise of his friend Peter Collins in the 1958 German Grand Prix, Mike Hawthorn announced his retirement after winning the F1 title.
34
Billy Collins Jr.(Boxer)
Birthdate: September 21, 1961
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Died: March 6, 1984
35
Jerry Rubin(Entrepreneur, Businessperson)
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Birthdate: July 14, 1938
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Cincinnati
Died: November 28, 1994
Birthdate: November 27, 1921
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Uhrovec
Died: November 7, 1992
The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, Alexander Dubček, was no stranger to politics as a child, being the son of a Communist Party member. He resisted the Nazi occupation, while his liberal policies later led Soviet authorities to invade Czechoslovakia. He eventually died in a car crash.
37
Berry Oakley(Musician)
Birthdate: April 4, 1948
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Chicago
Died: November 11, 1972
Birthdate: June 3, 1991
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Samana, Dominican Republic
Died: January 22, 2017
Dominican baseball player Yordano Ventura, who made a name for himself as part of the MLB team Kansas City Royals, also won the 2015 World Series with his team. He left his fans and teammates shocked when he died in a car crash at the tender age of 25.
39
José Antonio Reyes(Spanish Professional Footballer Who Played as a Winger)
Birthdate: September 1, 1983
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Utrera, Spain
Died: June 1, 2019
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
40
Françoise Dorléac(French Actress Known for Her Films: ‘That Man from Rio’, ‘The Soft Skin’, and ‘Cul-de-sac’)
Birthdate: March 21, 1942
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Paris, France
Died: June 26, 1967
Actor-model Françoise Dorléac, elder sister of Catherine Deneuve, had first appeared on stage at age 10. Known for her vivacious personality, she made quite a name for herself with movies such as Cul-de-sac and Where the Spies Are, before an unfortunate car accident claimed her life at age 25.
Birthdate: February 18, 1909
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Lake Mills
Died: April 13, 1993
42
Frankie Frisch(Baseball Player)
Birthdate: September 9, 1898
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, United States
Died: March 12, 1973
43
Toše Proeski(Singer-songwriter)
Birthdate: January 25, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Prilep, North Macedonia
Died: October 16, 2007
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
44
Eugene Merle Shoemaker(American Geologist Best Known for Co-Discovering the 'Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9')
Birthdate: April 28, 1928
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: July 18, 1997
Best known for discovering the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet, with his wife, Carolyn, and David H. Levy, Eugene Merle Shoemaker was an American astrogeologist who had also worked with the U.S. Geological Survey. He had been part of NASA’s lunar exploration missions. Following his death, his ashes were transported to the Moon.
45
Seymour Cray(Engineer, Computer scientist)
Birthdate: September 28, 1925
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Chippewa Falls
Died: October 5, 1996
46
Carlos Monzon(Argentine Professional Boxer)
Birthdate: August 7, 1942
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: San Javier, Santa Fe, Argentina
Died: January 8, 1995
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
47
Oscar Taveras(Baseball player)
Birthdate: June 19, 1992
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Died: October 26, 2014
48
Barbados Joe Walcott(Professional Boxer)
Birthdate: March 13, 1873
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Demerara, Guyana
Died: October 4, 1935
Height: 5'1" (155 cm)
49
Joey Marella(Official)
Birthdate: February 28, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Willingboro Township, New Jersey
Died: July 4, 1994
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
50
Jörg Haider(Politician, Businessperson)
Birthdate: January 26, 1950
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bad Goisern
Died: October 11, 2008
Jörg Haider was an Austrian politician best remembered for his work as the Governor of Carinthia. A controversial figure, Haider is known to have visited Saddam Hussein just before the start of the 2003 Iraq War. On 11 October 2008, Jörg Haider died in a car accident, at the age of 58.
