American musicians died at 31
Here are 4 famous musicians from United States of America died at 31:
John Kennedy Toole
John Kennedy Toole (December 17, 1937 New Orleans-March 26, 1969 Biloxi) was an American author, writer, novelist, professor, journalist and soldier.
Toole is best known for his posthumously published novel, "A Confederacy of Dunces," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981. The novel was championed by author Walker Percy and Toole's mother, Thelma, who worked tirelessly to get the book published after her son's death. Toole struggled with mental illness throughout his life and his experiences in the military, academia, and the publishing industry all contributed to his struggles. However, his legacy endures and his work continues to be celebrated and studied by scholars and readers alike.
Toole's upbringing in New Orleans heavily influenced his writing, and the city's unique culture and language are prominent themes in "A Confederacy of Dunces." After receiving a Master's degree in English from Columbia University, Toole spent time in Puerto Rico teaching English and writing for various newspapers. He later taught at a number of colleges and universities, including Hunter College, the University of Southwestern Louisiana, and Tulane University. Throughout his life, Toole suffered from depression and was ultimately hospitalized for treatment. Despite his tragic end, his contributions to American literature are widely acknowledged and continue to be celebrated. In addition to "A Confederacy of Dunces", Toole's shorter works have also been published posthumously.
Toole's tragic death at the age of 31 cut short a promising career in writing and academia. However, his impact on American literature cannot be overstated. "A Confederacy of Dunces" is considered a classic of Southern literature and is often cited as one of the funniest novels ever written. Its complex protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly, has become a beloved and enduring character in American fiction. In addition to his writing and teaching, Toole also served in the United States Army, where he trained as a linguist and worked as a propaganda writer for Radio Free Europe. Despite his struggles with mental illness, Toole was remembered by those who knew him as a brilliant and charismatic individual. His tragic death has led many to reflect on the struggles faced by artists and intellectuals, and the importance of supporting those struggling with mental illness.
Toole's writing career started at an early age, and he was known for his wit and humor even as a child. He was a voracious reader and had a passion for literature, which he would later pursue in his academic and professional life. After completing his Master's degree, Toole briefly worked as an English professor at Hunter College in New York City. He resigned from the position after only a few months and returned to New Orleans, where he struggled to find his place in the academic community. Toole's attempts to publish his work were also met with rejection, and he eventually fell into a deep depression. He was hospitalized several times and underwent electroshock therapy in an attempt to treat his mental illness.
Toole's mother, Thelma, was a significant influence on his literary career. She continued to champion his work after his death, advocating for its publication and pursuing legal action against those who she believed had plagiarized her son's writing. It was largely due to her efforts that "A Confederacy of Dunces" was finally published, and the novel was an instant success. The book's popularity led to Toole being posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981, an honor that recognized the tremendous talent that had been lost too soon.
Toole's work continues to be studied and celebrated, and "A Confederacy of Dunces" remains a classic of Southern literature. The humor, satire, and unique characters in the novel have influenced countless writers, and Toole's legacy as a brilliant and complex literary figure endures.
He died in suicide.
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Roger B. Chaffee
Roger B. Chaffee (February 15, 1935 Grand Rapids-January 27, 1967 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station) otherwise known as Roger Chaffee was an American astronaut. His children are called Stephen Chaffee and Sheryl Lyn Chaffee.
Roger B. Chaffee was one of the original NASA astronauts selected for the Apollo program. He earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University and also served as a Naval Officer. Chaffee completed his basic astronaut training and worked on various aspects of the Apollo program, including developing procedures and equipment for future moon landings. Unfortunately, Chaffee's promising career was cut short when he perished in a cabin fire while conducting a pre-launch test of the Apollo 1 spacecraft with fellow astronauts Gus Grissom and Ed White. The tragedy led to a two-year hiatus in the space program and a renewed emphasis on safety. Chaffee's legacy lives on through his contributions to space exploration and his service to his country.
Roger B. Chaffee's interest in aviation and space exploration began at a young age. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol in his teenage years and won a scholarship to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Summer Science Program in 1952. Chaffee went on to attend Purdue University in Indiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1957.
After completing his education, Chaffee served as a Naval Officer, working as a flight instructor and participating in various research projects. He applied to become an astronaut in 1963, and was selected as one of the "New Nine" - the second group of astronauts chosen by NASA.
Chaffee's first mission was planned to be the Apollo 1 test mission, which would have been the first manned flight of the Apollo program. Tragically, the mission was never launched due to a fire that broke out in the cabin during a pre-flight test. Chaffee and his fellow astronauts, Gus Grissom and Ed White, were unable to evacuate the spacecraft and died from smoke inhalation.
The investigation into the fire revealed numerous safety issues with the Apollo spacecraft and led to a complete redesign before manned missions resumed in 1968. In honor of Chaffee's sacrifice, NASA posthumously awarded him the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Following his death, Chaffee's family established the Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports students pursuing degrees in engineering, mathematics, or science. Additionally, the Chaffee Planetarium at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Michigan was named in his honor.
Chaffee was married to Martha Horn Chaffee, and the couple had two children together. In his free time, Chaffee enjoyed playing golf and softball, and he was an active member of his community, volunteering with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and the YMCA. Chaffee's death was a tragic loss for NASA, his family and friends, and the entire country, but his contributions to the space program will always be remembered. The Apollo 1 tragedy served as a powerful reminder of the risks and challenges of space exploration, and it also spurred NASA to recommit itself to safety and excellence in its work. Through his dedication, intelligence, and bravery, Roger B. Chaffee helped pave the way for future generations of astronauts and inspired countless individuals to dream big and reach for the stars.
Chaffee was also a talented athlete and played on the Purdue University football team while he was completing his degree in aeronautical engineering. In addition to his role as an astronaut, Chaffee served as a technical assistant to the director of the Gemini Program, which was an important precursor to the Apollo missions. He was known for his attention to detail and his tireless work ethic, and his colleagues spoke highly of his professionalism and dedication to the space program.
Chaffee's death was a devastating blow to NASA and the American space program, but it also served as a powerful reminder of the risks and challenges inherent in space exploration. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of engineers, astronauts, and scientists who are working to push the boundaries of space exploration and expand our understanding of the universe.
He died caused by smoke inhalation.
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Joyce Kilmer
Joyce Kilmer (December 6, 1886 New Brunswick-July 30, 1918 Seringes-et-Nesles) was an American writer.
Kilmer is best known for his poem "Trees", which he wrote in 1913 while living in Mahwah, New Jersey. He also wrote several other well-known poems and essays during his short career. Kilmer was extremely devoted to his Catholic faith and was an active member of the Catholic Church. He served as a sergeant in the 165th U.S. Infantry Regiment during World War I and was killed in action at the age of 31. Despite his early death, Kilmer's work continues to be celebrated for its lyrical style and religious themes.
Joyce Kilmer was born Alfred Joyce Kilmer and was the fourth child of a wealthy family. He attended Rutgers College in New Brunswick and later transferred to Columbia University, where he earned a degree in journalism. Kilmer worked as a journalist for several years and also taught Latin at Morristown High School in New Jersey.
In addition to his poetry and essays, Kilmer also wrote plays and was an editor for The Churchman, a religious magazine. He was married to Aline Murray, and together they had five children. One of their sons, Kenton Kilmer, became a well-known actor.
Kilmer's poetry was heavily influenced by his Catholic faith and his love of nature. He often wrote about the beauty of the natural world and the spiritual themes he found within it. Kilmer's poem "Trees" remains one of his most famous works and has been set to music and adapted for numerous productions.
Despite his relatively short career, Kilmer's impact on American poetry has been significant. He is remembered as a talented writer and devout Catholic who sought to find beauty and meaning in the world around him.
In addition to his career as a poet and journalist, Joyce Kilmer was also a notable lecturer and public speaker. He often spoke on topics such as literature, art, and religion, and was known for his engaging and passionate presentations. Kilmer was also involved in the Catholic Poetry Society of America, and served as its chairman for a time.
During his time in the military, Kilmer continued to write poetry and correspond with his family and friends. His death in World War I was a great loss to the literary world and to his loved ones. In addition to his poetry, Kilmer's personal letters and journals offer insight into his life and work.
Today, Joyce Kilmer's legacy is honored through various memorials and organizations, including the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in North Carolina, which was named after him in 1936. His poem "Trees" continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world.
Aside from his work in literature, Joyce Kilmer was also known for his political involvement. He was a member of the Socialist Party of America and ran for a seat in the New Jersey State Assembly in 1910. Although he was not elected, his campaign and political views were influential in the socialist movement at the time. Kilmer's interest in socialism waned later in life as he became more devoutly religious, but his brief flirtation with political activism illustrated his passion for social justice and equality. Kilmer's commitment to his beliefs and his willingness to stand up for them continue to be admired today.
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Tom Burnett
Tom Burnett (May 29, 1970 Bloomington-September 11, 2001 Stonycreek Township) also known as Thomas Edward Burnett Jr., Thomas E. Burnett Jr. . or Tommy was an American citizen soldier and air force officer. His children are called Madison Burnett, Anna Clare Burnett and Halley Burnett.
Tom Burnett was one of the passengers onboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, which was hijacked by terrorists as part of the 9/11 attacks. Along with a group of other passengers, he bravely fought back against the hijackers and played a key role in the decision to storm the cockpit, ultimately leading to the plane crashing into a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania instead of its intended target in Washington D.C.
Burnett's heroic actions on that day have been widely celebrated and he has been honored with numerous posthumous awards, including the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2002 ESPY Awards. He has also been recognized with the Tom Burnett Jr. Memorial Highway in California and the Tom Burnett Jr. Award for Ethics at Saint John's University in Minnesota.
Prior to his tragic death, Burnett served in the U.S. Navy and then the U.S. Air Force as a reservist. He was also a successful businessman and entrepreneur, having founded a number of companies in the healthcare and technology industries.
In addition to his military and business accomplishments, Tom Burnett was known for his strong leadership qualities and dedication to his community. He was actively involved in youth sports and served on the boards of several local organizations. Burnett also had a deep love for his family, and treasured the time he spent with his wife and three children. Following his death, his family established the Tom Burnett Family Foundation, which works to support various charitable causes and promote ethical behavior and leadership. Burnett's legacy continues to inspire people around the world and serve as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness exhibited by ordinary people in times of crisis.
Tom Burnett was born in Bloomington, Minnesota, and grew up in the nearby town of Bloomington. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a degree in economics. After college, Burnett enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and served for six years as an intelligence officer.
In 1995, Burnett left the Navy and founded several successful companies, including Thoratec Corporation, a medical device company, and Line48, a software development firm. He also served as a board member for various companies and organizations, including the Bay Area Family YMCA.
Burnett's experiences in the military and business worlds informed his strong sense of leadership and dedication to service. He was known for his commitment to his community and his willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.
On September 11, 2001, Burnett was traveling from Newark, New Jersey to San Francisco, California for a business meeting. When his flight was hijacked by terrorists, he and a group of fellow passengers took action to try to regain control of the aircraft. In the face of incredible danger, Burnett and his fellow passengers exhibited incredible courage and bravery.
Today, Burnett is remembered as a hero and an inspiration to many. His legacy lives on through the work of the Tom Burnett Family Foundation, which supports a wide range of charitable causes and promotes the values of ethics and leadership in communities across the country.
Tom Burnett's actions on September 11, 2001 have been described as one of the most significant events of the day as they prevented further loss of life and destruction. He and the other passengers on Flight 93 were initially unaware of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but as they learned of them, they quickly realized the intentions of the hijackers. Burnett made several phone calls to his wife, Deena, during the flight and told her about the situation. In their final conversation, he told her that he and the other passengers were going to try to take back the plane.
Burnett's bravery and leadership during the hijacking have been honored with several memorials and awards. In addition to the Tom Burnett Jr. Memorial Highway and the Tom Burnett Jr. Award for Ethics, he has also been recognized with the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. The memorial includes a Wall of Names that lists the names of all 40 passengers and crew members who perished on the flight.
Tom Burnett's life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. His selflessness and courage in the face of danger serve as a reminder of the power of ordinary people to make a difference in extraordinary circumstances. His family and friends will forever cherish his memory and the impact he made on their lives.
He died caused by aviation accident or incident.
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