Lyra McKee

Irish journalist and author

Lyra McKee - Irish journalist and author
Born

March 31st, 1990
35 years ago

Died

April 18th, 2019
6 years ago — 29 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Ireland

Links & References

A journalist and author recognized for investigative reporting, particularly focused on issues affecting Northern Ireland. Contributed to various publications, including the Guardian and Atlantic. Wrote ‘Angels with Blue Faces,’ a book that explored the life and death of a young man from Derry, and delved into the legacy of the Troubles. McKee was also an advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Passed away in 2019 during a riot in Derry while reporting.

Authored 'Angels with Blue Faces'

Contributed to the Guardian and Atlantic

Advocated for LGBTQ+ rights

Other People Born on March 31st

Mikael Ishak

Professional footballer, notable striker
Born
March 31st, 1993 32 years ago

Born in 1993, a professional footballer who played predominantly as a striker in various leagues across Europe. Began his youth career with Djurgårdens IF, making his senior debut in 2010. Played for clubs including FC Groningen in the Netherlands and IFK Värnamo in Sweden. Gained prominence during stints with 1. FC Nürnberg and the Swedish national team, making notable appearances in international competitions.

Continue Reading

Pope Benedict XIV

Pope and Theologian
Born
March 31st, 1675 350 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1758 267 years ago — 83 years old

Served as Pope from 1740 until death in 1758. Theological writings included significant works on the relationship between faith and reason. His papacy was marked by efforts in reforming the clergy and promoting peace during European conflicts. Established the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, enhancing the Catholic Church's presence in mission territories. Advocated for the arts and sciences, supporting artists and scholars in their endeavors.

Continue Reading

Rodney Sneijder

Dutch footballer with Utrecht FC
Born
March 31st, 1991 34 years ago

Born in 1991, this footballer played primarily as a midfielder. His career began at FC Utrecht, where he showcased his skills in the Eredivisie. He later joined several clubs across Europe, contributing to various team successes. Remained active in both national and club competitions, consistently demonstrating competitive spirit and technical ability. Played in international matches for the Netherlands, participating in multiple qualification campaigns.

Continue Reading

Coenraad Jacob Temminck

Dutch zoologist and ornithologist
Born
March 31st, 1778 247 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1858 167 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of zoology and ornithology. Established a systematic approach to the classification of birds and authored influential works. Played a key role in the development of natural history in the Netherlands during the 19th century. Served as the first director of the Natural History Museum in Leiden, which became a center for scientific research.

Continue Reading

Volker Schlöndorff

German film director and producer
Born
March 31st, 1939 86 years ago

A prominent film director and producer, contributed significantly to German cinema. Directed the acclaimed film 'The Tin Drum', which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1980. Started a career in the late 1950s, initially working in television and theater before rising to international prominence. Collaborated with many notable actors and filmmakers throughout the years and was a leading figure in the New German Cinema movement.

Continue Reading

René Descartes

French philosopher and mathematician
Born
March 31st, 1596 429 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1650 375 years ago — 53 years old

A French mathematician and philosopher, made significant contributions to mathematics and philosophy. Developed Cartesian coordinate system which laid the groundwork for analytical geometry. Published 'Meditations on First Philosophy', establishing foundational concepts in modern philosophy. Died in Sweden in 1650.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 18th

Juris Alunāns

Latvian philologist and author
Born
May 13th, 1832 193 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1864 161 years ago — 31 years old

Contributed to the field of philology in Latvia. Worked on compiling and editing a collection of Latvian folk songs and contributed significantly to the development of the Latvian language. Published works addressing linguistic issues and promoting the understanding of Latvian literature and culture. Was involved in the establishment of the Latvian cultural identity during the 19th century.

Continue Reading

Meyer Jacobstein

American academic and politician
Born
1880 145 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1963 62 years ago — 83 years old

Served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from 1935 to 1943. Pursued an academic career, contributing to the fields of social science and education. Established a notable presence in legislative committees, especially those dealing with education and labor.

Continue Reading

Óscar Carmona

Portuguese field marshal and politician
Born
November 24th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1951 74 years ago — 81 years old

Served as the 11th President of Portugal from 1926 until 1951. During presidency, enacted policies that supported national stability and economic development. Initially rose to prominence as a military figure during the Portuguese military coup in 1926, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Estado Novo regime. Held the title of marshal in the Portuguese Army and was integral in the consolidation of power during his tenure. Played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Portugal in the early 20th century. Passed away in 1951, leaving behind a legacy associated with authoritarian governance.

Continue Reading

Goran Švob

Croatian philosopher and author
Born
1947 78 years ago
Died
April 18th, 2013 12 years ago — 66 years old

This philosopher focused on various branches of philosophy, including the philosophy of language and the philosophy of science. Authored several works, contributing to the academic discourse within these fields. His writings explored the implications of linguistic structures on thought and understanding. Participated in numerous conferences and seminars, discussing philosophical perspectives and engaging with contemporary issues.

Continue Reading

John Ambrose Fleming

Physicist, Inventor of the Vacuum Tube
Born
November 29th, 1849 175 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1945 80 years ago — 95 years old

Contributions to electrical engineering and physics include the invention of the vacuum tube in 1904, which facilitated the development of radio technology and electronic communication. Developed the Fleming valve, crucial for early electronic amplifiers. Held a professorship at University College London and served as president of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. Engaged in various scientific organizations, contributing to advancements in telephony and radio broadcasting.

Continue Reading

Justus von Liebig

Chemist, developed fertilizers
Born
May 12th, 1803 222 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1873 152 years ago — 69 years old

A German chemist and academic, contributed significantly to organic chemistry and agricultural science. Developed the concept of fertilizer and its importance for plant growth. Founded the first practical laboratory for teaching chemistry in 1824. His work laid the foundation for the agricultural revolution in Europe and helped in the scientific understanding of nutrition.

Continue Reading