New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 28
Here are 3 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 28:
Bert Hawthorne
Bert Hawthorne (December 17, 1943 County Armagh-April 14, 1972) was a New Zealand race car driver.
Hawthorne was known for his impressive driving skills and fearless approach on the track. He began his racing career in the early 1960s, competing in local events in New Zealand before moving onto international races. In 1968, he won the New Zealand Grand Prix, catapulting him to fame in the motor racing world.
Throughout his career, Hawthorne competed in numerous races across the world, including in Europe and Australia. He was considered a leading driver within the New Zealand racing community and was admired for his passion and dedication to the sport. In 1972, tragically, he was killed in a racing accident at the age of 28.
Despite his short career, Hawthorne's legacy in New Zealand motor racing continues to be celebrated today, and he is remembered as one of the country's most talented and dedicated drivers.
Hawthorne's success on the racing track was not limited to cars - he also competed in motorbike racing and was a skilled driver in that arena as well. He won the New Zealand 350cc Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1965 and 1966.
Apart from his victories, Hawthorne is also remembered for his outgoing and charismatic personality. He was known to charm his fans and fellow racers alike. Beyond his racing career, Hawthorne was also a skilled businessman, and he owned a car dealership in New Zealand.
After his death, the Hawthorne Memorial Trophy was established in his honor in 1973. The trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the New Zealand International Grand Prix race. In 2019, Hawthorne was posthumously inducted into the New Zealand Motorsport Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport and his lasting impact on New Zealand motor racing.
Read more about Bert Hawthorne on Wikipedia »
Bruce Townshend
Bruce Townshend (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1987) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for his work as a broadcaster and journalist, having begun his career as a sports commentator before transitioning to news reporting. Townshend rose to national prominence as a host on the popular New Zealand television program "Town and Around," which ran for over a decade. He was also a prolific writer, having authored several books about New Zealand's history and culture. In addition to his media career, Townshend was actively involved in politics, serving as a member of parliament for the National Party from 1969 to 1972. Despite his success in various fields, Townshend faced controversy over his personal life, including allegations of extramarital affairs and alcoholism. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 71.
Throughout his career, Townshend was recognized for his contributions to journalism and broadcasting in New Zealand. He received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the New Zealand Broadcasting Hall of Fame. In 1985, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to broadcasting. Outside of his professional work, Townshend was also an avid gardener and a lover of classical music. He was survived by his wife and three children. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of New Zealand broadcasting and a respected journalist and author.
Read more about Bruce Townshend on Wikipedia »
Bill Carson
Bill Carson (July 16, 1916 Gisborne-October 8, 1944 Egypt) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a soldier who served in World War II as part of the New Zealand Army. Carson enrolled in the New Zealand Army in 1940 and was initially posted to the Pacific Islands. In 1942, he was transferred to the North Africa campaign and served in the 28 (Maori) Battalion. During the war, he was promoted to the rank of captain and commanded the B Company of the 28 Battalion. Carson was killed in action in Egypt in 1944 at the age of 28. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Order, the second-highest military honour in the British Commonwealth, for his bravery and leadership during the Battle of Tebaga Gap in Tunisia. In his memory, a street in Gisborne was named after him.
Carson was known for his exceptional leadership qualities and bravery on the battlefield. He was greatly respected by his fellow soldiers and was known to lead from the front lines. During the Battle of Tebaga Gap, Carson's battalion came under heavy fire, and he continued to lead and encourage his troops despite being wounded. He refused to leave the battlefield even after being asked to do so, and continued to fight until his death. Carson was considered a hero in New Zealand for his bravery, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of New Zealanders. In addition to the street named after him in Gisborne, there is also a memorial dedicated to him in Tunisia.
Read more about Bill Carson on Wikipedia »