New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 40
Here are 3 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 40:
Beatrice Tinsley
Beatrice Tinsley (January 27, 1941 Chester-March 23, 1981) was a New Zealand astronomer and cosmologist.
She was born Beatrice Muriel Hill in Chester, England but moved to New Zealand with her family when she was six years old. Tinsley excelled academically and earned a scholarship to attend the University of Canterbury, where she earned degrees in both mathematics and physics.
Tinsley received a PhD in astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin and quickly made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics. Her research focused primarily on the evolution of galaxies, and she developed several new models to explain how galaxies form and grow over time. She also studied the chemical composition of stars, the properties of interstellar gas, and the relationship between galaxies and black holes.
Despite facing significant barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field, Tinsley became one of the most respected astronomers of her time. She received numerous awards for her work, including the Annie Jump Cannon Award in Astronomy and the Guthrie Medal from the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Tragically, Tinsley died at the age of 40 from cancer, leaving behind a husband and two young children. Her contributions to the field of astrophysics continue to be recognized and celebrated today.
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Pauly Fuemana
Pauly Fuemana (February 8, 1969 Auckland-January 31, 2010 North Shore) was a New Zealand songwriter, musician and singer.
He was best known as the lead vocalist of the music group OMC (Otara Millionaires Club), which he formed in 1993. Their hit single "How Bizarre" became a worldwide sensation in 1996, reaching the top of the charts in several countries including New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
Prior to his music career, Fuemana worked several odd jobs including as a fruit picker and a parking attendant. He was of Samoan descent and grew up in the Otara suburb of Auckland.
Following the success of "How Bizarre," OMC released two albums, but they were not able to replicate the success of their debut single. Fuemana continued to work on music projects and collaborations, but he struggled with illness and personal issues later in his life.
Fuemana passed away at the age of 40 due to complications from a seizure disorder. He is remembered as a talented musician and a pioneer in the New Zealand music industry.
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Stanley Graham
Stanley Graham (November 12, 1900 Kokatahi-October 21, 1941 Hokitika) was a New Zealand farmer.
Stanley Graham became infamous for a shooting spree that took place on November 8, 1941. He had been involved in a long-standing dispute with government agencies over land use and had become increasingly isolated and paranoid. He set up fortified positions on his farm and shot and killed four policemen and a civilian before being killed in a gunfight with more than 80 police officers. The incident, known as the "Kohitere Tragedy," was a national shock and led to changes in how the police were armed and trained. Despite his violent actions, Graham became a controversial figure, with some dubbing him a martyr and others calling him a murderer.
He died as a result of firearm.
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