Casey Jones

American engineer and railroad pilot

Casey Jones - American engineer and railroad pilot
Born

March 14th, 1864
161 years ago

Died

April 30th, 1900
125 years ago — 36 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

An engineer for the Illinois Central Railroad, gained recognition for a fatal train accident. Worked tirelessly to ensure safe operations and train schedules. On April 30, 1900, while driving the passenger train No. 382, made a heroic attempt to save passengers during a collision with a freight train near Vaughn, Mississippi. The incident highlighted the dangers of rail travel and led to changes in railroad safety practices.

engineered safe train operations

died in a train accident

Other People Born on March 14th

John Gleeson

Australian cricketer and bowler
Born
March 14th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 78 years old

An accomplished cricketer competed for Australia as a fast bowler during the 1960s. Made significant contributions to the national team with a distinctive bowling style. Played in 29 Test matches, achieving 105 wickets at an average of 32.40. Participated in the 1965 Ashes series against England, contributing to Australia's victories. Additionally excelled in domestic cricket, representing Victoria.

Continue Reading

Haru Kuroki

Japanese actress in film and television
Born
March 14th, 1990 35 years ago

Born in Japan, this actress gained recognition for performances in film and television. Debuted in the 2012 film 'The Little House', which was critically acclaimed and competed for international awards. Gained prominence in 2015 with the film 'Rage', which showcased versatility and depth in acting. Continued to work in various roles across different genres, contributing significantly to contemporary Japanese cinema and drama.

Continue Reading

Patrick Traverse

Ice hockey player; NHL defenseman
Born
March 14th, 1974 51 years ago

Played professional ice hockey, primarily as a defenseman in the National Hockey League. Drafted in 1992 by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round. Played for teams including the Montreal Canadiens and the Atlanta Thrashers. Contributed to team dynamics and defensive strategies during his career, which spanned from 1993 to 2005. Also played in various international tournaments representing Canada.

Continue Reading

Ferdinand Hodler

Swiss painter of Symbolism and realism
Born
March 14th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
1918 107 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent Swiss painter emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Worked primarily in the styles of Symbolism and realism. Developed a distinctive technique characterized by bold colors and expressive forms. Major themes included the human condition and Swiss landscapes. Contributed significantly to the development of modern art in Switzerland with a focus on emotional depth. Participated in various exhibitions across Europe and received recognition for the unique qualities of his work. His paintings often explored themes of love, death, and the passage of time, reflecting both personal experiences and broader cultural narratives.

Continue Reading

Frank Borman

American astronaut, Apollo 8 commander
Born
March 14th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
November 7th, 2023 1 years ago — 95 years old

Completed military service as a bomber pilot before joining NASA as an astronaut in 1962. Commanded the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, which became the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon. The mission provided critical data for future Apollo missions and showcased Earth from lunar orbit. Retired from NASA in 1970 and served as CEO of several companies in the aerospace industry.

Continue Reading

Marvin Bagley III

Professional basketball player with NBA experience
Born
March 14th, 1999 26 years ago

Played college basketball at Duke University, earning First-Team All-American honors. Selected by the Sacramento Kings as the second overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Played for the Kings and later the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. Known for a strong scoring ability and rebounding skills during performances on the court.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 30th

Lester Bangs

Music journalist and rock critic
Born
December 14th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1982 43 years ago — 33 years old

A prominent figure in music journalism during the 1970s, known for engaging and often controversial writings on rock music. Contributed to notable publications such as Rolling Stone, Creem, and The Village Voice. Authored several books and essays, encapsulating the ethos of rock 'n' roll culture. Bangs often blended humor and criticism, championing artists while critiquing the industry. His influential style paved the way for future music critics and left a lasting legacy in the field.

Continue Reading

Thomas Audley

English Lawyer, Lord Chancellor
Born
1488 537 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1544 481 years ago — 56 years old

Held the title of 1st Baron Audley of Walden and served as Lord Chancellor of England. Played a significant role in the legal system during the reign of Henry VIII. Participated in the dissolution of the monasteries and supported the King's marriage to Anne Boleyn. Contributed to the establishment of the Act of Supremacy, which recognized the King as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

Continue Reading

Nizar Qabbani

Syrian poet and diplomat celebrated for love
Born
March 21st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1998 27 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent Syrian poet, publisher, and diplomat, contributed significantly to Arabic literature. Published many volumes of poetry exploring themes of love, feminism, and social issues. Established the publishing house Qabbani & Sons, promoting literary works in the Arab world. Served as a diplomat in several countries, including Turkey and the UK, where exposure to different cultures influenced literary style. Regarded as a leading figure in modern Arabic poetry, both in terms of style and thematic exploration, with works being translated into various languages.

Continue Reading

Peter Mayhew

Actor best known as Chewbacca
Born
May 19th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2019 6 years ago — 74 years old

An actor and former hospital orderly, gained fame for portraying Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise, starting with the original film in 1977. Mayhew reprised the role in several sequels and spin-offs, including The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Revenge of the Sith. The character became iconic in popular culture, recognized for its distinct personality and presence alongside Han Solo. Mayhew was known for his towering height, standing at 7 feet 3 inches, which contributed to the character's imposing yet friendly demeanor. Outside of his acting career, Mayhew engaged in charitable work, particularly with children’s hospitals.

Continue Reading

Belchior

Brazilian singer and composer of música popular
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2017 8 years ago — 71 years old

This Brazilian artist gained prominence in the 1970s with a distinctive combination of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) and traditional Brazilian styles. Achieved acclaim for lyrical depth and socio-political themes in music. Gained widespread recognition for the song 'Apenas um Rapaz Lato Sensacional', which became an anthem of the generation. Released multiple influential albums, notably 'Alucinação', which further cemented a reputation as a standout singer-songwriter in Brazilian music.

Continue Reading

Paul Auster

American novelist and essayist
Born
February 3rd, 1947 78 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2024 1 years ago — 77 years old

An American novelist, essayist, and poet, this writer has contributed significantly to contemporary literature. Known for exploring themes of identity, existentialism, and urban life, the author's work often blends mystery and metafiction. Notable works include the novels 'The New York Trilogy' and 'Moon Palace,' both of which exhibit a unique narrative style and philosophical depth. Besides fiction, the author has penned several essays that reflect on the nature of storytelling and the challenges of life.

Continue Reading