Pathetic Facts

British music stars died at age 42

Here are 11 famous musicians from United Kingdom died at 42:

Anita Harding

Anita Harding (September 17, 1952 United Kingdom-September 11, 1995) was a British scientist.

Anita Harding was a renowned neurologist who contributed extensively to the field of mitochondrial diseases. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Oxford in 1976 and a Ph.D. from the University of London in 1984. She conducted extensive research in the field of mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to convert food into energy. Her work expanded the understanding of mitochondrial disorders and helped improve the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Harding was a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and was awarded the Guthrie Medal by the British Neurological Society in 1993. She remained an inspiration to her colleagues and the scientific community even after her untimely demise.

In addition to her groundbreaking research, Anita Harding was also a dedicated clinician who provided expert care to patients with neurological conditions. She served as a consultant neurologist at several prestigious institutions, including the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. She was known for her compassionate approach to patient care, and she was deeply respected and admired by her colleagues and patients alike. In recognition of her many contributions to the field of neurology, the Anita Harding Memorial Lectureship was established in her honor. The lectureship is delivered annually by a leading neurologist and serves as a testament to her enduring legacy in the field.

She died caused by cancer.

Read more about Anita Harding on Wikipedia »

Douglas Smith

Douglas Smith was a British announcer.

Douglas Smith was a British announcer best known for his work with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). He began his career as a radio newsreader in the early 1940s and later worked as a television announcer, introducing numerous programs, including the popular show "Doctor Who." He was known for his distinctive voice and clear enunciation, which made him a popular and trusted figure among British audiences. In addition to his work with the BBC, Smith was also an accomplished actor, appearing in several films and television shows throughout his career. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 85.

Smith's career with the BBC spanned over thirty years. He was known for being the voice of the BBC's coverage of major state events, such as the weddings of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. He also provided voice-overs for numerous documentaries and adverts. Smith continued to work as a freelance announcer after leaving the BBC, lending his voice to various programs and events.

In addition to his work as a broadcaster, Smith was also a talented actor. He appeared in several films, including "The Colditz Story" and "Lawrence of Arabia." He also had roles in popular television shows such as "The Saint," "The Avengers," and "The Forsyte Saga."

Smith was married to actress Sylvia Syms for over forty years. They appeared together in several stage productions, including "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Admirable Crichton." Smith remained active in the entertainment industry until his death in 2003. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in British broadcasting and a beloved voice of the nation.

Read more about Douglas Smith on Wikipedia »

Albert, Prince Consort

Albert, Prince Consort (August 26, 1819 Coburg-December 14, 1861 Berkshire) also known as Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel or Albert was a British personality. His children are called Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom, Princess Helena of the United Kingdom, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, Princess Alice of the United Kingdom, Victoria, Princess Royal, Edward VII and Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll.

Prince Albert was the husband and consort of Queen Victoria, whom he married in 1840. He played an important role in promoting cultural and educational advances, including the organization of the Great Exhibition of 1851, which showcased the achievements of the Industrial Revolution. As a supporter of scientific and artistic endeavors, he was involved in the creation of many institutions, including the Royal College of Music and the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was also deeply engaged in social issues, such as improving the conditions of the working class and supporting the abolitionist cause. His death at the age of 42 was a great loss to the Queen and the nation, and he has been remembered as a model of character, intelligence, and devotion.

Prince Albert was born in Coburg, Germany, into the ruling family of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. He was educated in various European countries, including Germany and France, and also studied science and art. He met Queen Victoria in 1836 when he was 17 years old, and they fell in love. They got married four years later, and it was considered one of the most spectacular events of the 19th century in Britain.

During his time as consort, Prince Albert was one of Queen Victoria's closest advisors, and he played a significant role in shaping the country's cultural, educational, and social landscape. He was also involved in politics, although he was careful not to overstep his bounds. He was considered a progressive thinker and supported various reforms, including the expansion of the British Empire and the development of public education.

Prince Albert was also known for his interest in science and the arts. He was involved in many scientific societies and was a patron of the arts. He played a crucial role in establishing the Royal Commission on the Arts, which led to the founding of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He also supported the development of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Arts.

Prince Albert's legacy continues to this day, and he is remembered as one of the most important figures of the 19th century. His contributions to education, science, and the arts have had a lasting impact on British society and culture.

He died caused by typhoid fever.

Dodi Fayed

Dodi Fayed (April 15, 1955 Alexandria-August 31, 1997 Pont de l'Alma) also known as Dodi, Emad El-Din Mohamed Abdel or Emad El-Din Mohamed Abdel Moneim Fayed was a British film producer.

Dodi Fayed was the son of the Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed and quickly rose to prominence in the film industry, serving as executive producer for such films as "Chariots of Fire" and "Breaking Glass." However, he is perhaps most well-known for his relationship with Princess Diana of Wales. The two were reportedly in a romantic relationship at the time of their untimely deaths in the aforementioned traffic collision. Despite speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding their deaths, investigations have concluded that the accident was caused by the driver's intoxication and excessive speed. Fayed's legacy lives on through the Dodi Fayed Memorial Fund, which supports children's causes and charities around the world.

In addition to his successful career in the film industry, Dodi Fayed was known for his extravagant lifestyle and socialite status. He spent much of his time in the company of celebrities and fashion icons, and was often seen in the tabloids alongside Princess Diana. Despite his privileged upbringing, Fayed was known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to charitable causes. In addition to the Dodi Fayed Memorial Fund, he also supported various organizations working to improve children's health and education. His death at the age of 42 was a tragic loss for his family and the many people whose lives he touched through his philanthropy and activism.

He died as a result of traffic collision.

Read more about Dodi Fayed on Wikipedia »

Lady Caroline Lamb

Lady Caroline Lamb (November 13, 1785 Dorset-January 26, 1828 London) was a British writer and poet.

She is best known for her scandalous affair with Lord Byron, a famous poet, and for her wild and eccentric behavior. Lady Caroline Lamb was born Caroline Ponsonby and was the daughter of Frederick Ponsonby, an influential Whig politician. She married William Lamb, who later became Prime Minister of Great Britain, in 1805, but the couple had a tumultuous marriage due to Lady Caroline's emotional instability and her infatuation with Lord Byron.

Lady Caroline Lamb is credited with inspiring the character of Lady Caroline in Byron's novel "Don Juan." She was also a well-known writer in her own right, and her works include the novel "Glenarvon" and the poetry collection "Poems and Sketches of Eminent Ladies." Lady Caroline Lamb's life was marked by scandal and tragedy, and she suffered from mental illness throughout her later years. She died in London at the age of 42.

Despite her initial literary success, Lady Caroline's reputation became defined by her affair with Lord Byron. Many criticized her behavior as erratic and inappropriate, causing a scandal in high society. Her husband, William Lamb, was deeply embarrassed by the affair and tried to distance himself from her. Lady Caroline's mental health declined after the end of her affair with Byron, and she became increasingly unstable. She had a reputation for being unpredictable and often behaved in bizarre ways, such as wearing men's clothing in public. Her final years were marked by increasing isolation and poor health. Despite her troubled life, Lady Caroline Lamb is remembered as a talented writer and a fascinating figure in literary and cultural history.

Read more about Lady Caroline Lamb on Wikipedia »

Martin Hannett

Martin Hannett (May 31, 1948 Manchester-April 18, 1991 Manchester) also known as Martin Zero, Hannett, Martin, James Martin Hannett or Zero was a British musician and record producer.

Genres: New Wave and Post-punk.

Read more about Martin Hannett on Wikipedia »

Helen Chadwick

Helen Chadwick (May 18, 1953 Croydon-March 15, 1996 London Borough of Camden) was a British artist and visual artist.

She was known for her experimental and often provocative artwork that explored themes of gender, sexuality, beauty, and bodily transformation. Chadwick studied at the Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art, and her work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows in galleries and museums around the world. She also taught at several art schools in the UK, including the Royal College of Art, and was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Visual Arts in 1992. Chadwick died in a car accident in 1996 at the age of 42, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking and boundary-pushing artwork.

Chadwick's artwork was often characterized by an interest in the human body and its relationship to the natural world. She was heavily influenced by feminist and queer theory, and her work often challenged traditional notions of beauty and gender. Some of her most well-known pieces include "Piss Flowers," a series of sculptures made from urine and flowers, and "Cacao," an installation of chocolate sculptures that explored issues of colonialism and exploitation.

Chadwick was also an active participant in feminist and LGBTQ+ activism, and her art was often seen as a form of political resistance. She was passionate about challenging dominant power structures and creating space for marginalized voices and perspectives.

After her death, Chadwick's legacy continued to inspire artists and activists around the world. In 2004, a major retrospective of her work was held at London's Barbican Art Gallery, and her pieces continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums across the globe. Chadwick's lasting impact on the art world is a testament to her unique vision and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

Read more about Helen Chadwick on Wikipedia »

William Ponsonby

William Ponsonby (October 13, 1772-June 18, 1815 Waterloo) was a British personality.

William Ponsonby was a career soldier who served in various campaigns including in Ireland, Egypt, and the Peninsular War before his death at the Battle of Waterloo. He was born into a noble family and was educated at Eton College before being commissioned as an Ensign in the British Army in 1791.

Ponsonby rose through the ranks and became a trusted and respected cavalry officer. He played an important role in several battles, including the Battle of Talavera where he commanded a cavalry brigade.

At the Battle of Waterloo, Ponsonby was in command of the Union Brigade, which consisted of British and Dutch-Belgian cavalry units. He led the charge against the French cavalry after they had attacked and disrupted the Allied infantry squares. During the charge, Ponsonby's horse was shot from under him, and he was left struggling on the ground. He was then attacked and killed by French lancers.

Ponsonby's death was a great loss for the Allied side, and he was buried with full military honors. He is remembered as a brave and skilled commander, and his legacy lives on through the numerous military awards and memorials that have been dedicated to him.

In addition to his military career, William Ponsonby was also a member of parliament representing the constituency of Galway Borough from 1796 until his death. He was known for his outspokenness and opposition to the policies of the government and was a supporter of Catholic Emancipation. Ponsonby was also a patron of the arts, particularly of the poet Lord Byron, and was said to have inspired several of Byron's works. His family name lives on through several landmarks that have been named after him, including Ponsonby Road in Auckland, New Zealand, and Ponsonby Place in London.

He died caused by killed in action.

Read more about William Ponsonby on Wikipedia »

Reginald Heber

Reginald Heber (April 21, 1783 Malpas-April 3, 1826 Tiruchirappalli) was a British composer.

Aside from being a composer, Reginald Heber was also a renowned Anglican bishop, theologian, and missionary. He was greatly known for his hymns, wherein the most popular one is "From Greenland's Icy Mountains." He was the Bishop of Calcutta, and he was dedicated to expanding the Christian faith in India. In his time, he made several tours of the country, which enabled him to gain insight into Indian culture and religious customs. Alongside his missionary works, he also wrote influential books, including "The Personality and Office of the Christian Comforter" and "Narrative of a Journey Through the Upper Provinces of India." Heber was considered an authority on poetry and religion, and his works are still held in high regard today.

Heber was born into an aristocratic family, and he received an excellent education. He was a brilliant student and excelled in languages and literature. He attended Brasenose College, Oxford University, where he became interested in poetry and began to write hymns. He was ordained as a minister in the Church of England and began working as a curate in the parish of Hodnet in Shropshire.

In 1819, he was appointed as the Bishop of Calcutta, and he traveled to India with his wife and family. He was deeply committed to his work as a missionary, and he spent much of his time traveling around the country, preaching and spreading the Christian faith. He also played an important role in the expansion of Christianity in India by building churches, supporting schools, and translating the Bible into local languages.

Throughout his life, Heber remained an accomplished poet, and his hymns and other writings were widely circulated and admired. He was also known for his commitment to social justice and his advocacy for the rights of the poor and marginalized. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and by the Indian people he served.

Heber's death was a great loss to the Christian community in India and to the Church of England. However, his legacy lives on through his many writings and through the ongoing work of the church in India. Today, he is remembered as a dedicated missionary, a gifted poet, and a tireless advocate for social justice.

He died as a result of stroke.

Read more about Reginald Heber on Wikipedia »

Sally Clark

Sally Clark (August 1, 1964 Devizes-March 15, 2007 Hatfield Peverel) was a British solicitor.

Sally Clark gained notoriety in the UK as the victim of a miscarriage of justice. In 1999, she was wrongfully convicted of the murder of her two infant sons following flawed expert witness testimony. After spending 3 years in prison, her conviction was overturned on appeal in 2003. Clark's case became a landmark in the reform of expert evidence in criminal trials. Following her release, she became an advocate for those wrongfully accused of crimes, and a campaigner for improvements in the justice system. She died in 2007 at the age of 42 from alcoholic liver disease.

During her time in prison, Sally Clark suffered immense psychological and emotional trauma, and her health deteriorated rapidly. She developed an addiction to alcohol, and struggled with depression and anxiety. After her release, she underwent rehabilitation and sought to rebuild her life. She became a patron of the organization "Families Fighting for Justice," and worked to support other families who had been wrongly accused of crimes.

Clark's case had a profound impact on the justice system in the UK, leading to important reforms in the use of expert evidence in trials. Her story also brought attention to the issue of wrongful convictions, and the need for greater support for those who have been exonerated.

Despite the difficulties she faced, Sally Clark's legacy lives on as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and the fight for justice. Her story has inspired countless others to stand up for their rights and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Read more about Sally Clark on Wikipedia »

Hugh Edwin Strickland

Hugh Edwin Strickland (March 2, 1811 Reighton-September 14, 1853) was a British geologist.

He was also an ornithologist and natural historian, co-founding the British Ornithologists' Union in 1858. Strickland contributed significantly to the understanding of the geology of England and France, publishing many papers on the subject. He also worked as a curator of the mineralogy and geology collections at the British Museum, where he played a key role in expanding the museum's collections. Strickland was passionate about the natural sciences, and his work contributed to the development of modern geological and ornithological research. He died tragically young, at the age of 42, in a mountaineering accident in the Swiss Alps.

In addition to his work as a geologist and natural historian, Strickland also participated in several expeditions, including a journey to Iceland in 1836 to study the country's geology and natural history. He also traveled to North America in 1848 and 1850, where he conducted geological surveys of several states including Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Strickland was also a prolific writer, publishing numerous scientific papers as well as a popular book on geology titled "Rudiments of Geology" in 1841. Despite his relatively short life, his contributions to the fields of geology and ornithology had a lasting impact, and he is still remembered as a key figure in the development of these disciplines.

Read more about Hugh Edwin Strickland on Wikipedia »