What Happened This Year 1970

Born in 1970

Pemba Doma Sherpa

Nepalese mountaineer and climber
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 2007 17 years ago — 37 years old

Became the first woman to scale Mount Everest on May 22, 2002. Reportedly completed the ascent without supplemental oxygen, showcasing exceptional mountaineering skills and endurance. Participated in multiple expeditions in the Himalayas, contributing to the legacy of female climbers in high-altitude mountaineering. Through various endeavors, inspired many aspiring climbers, particularly women, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental determination in challenging environments.

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Richard Sainct

French motorcycle racer, multiple champion
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
September 29th, 2004 20 years ago — 34 years old

A prominent motorcycle racer from France, Sainct excelled in the world of off-road motorcycle racing. Competing in the Dakar Rally, he achieved significant recognition for his performances. Sainct secured three consecutive victories in the prestigious event from 2000 to 2002, establishing himself as a leading figure in the sport. His riding technique and determination contributed to his status within the motorcycle racing community until his untimely death in 2004 during a race in Tunisia.

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Simon Monjack

Director, producer, screenwriter
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 2010 14 years ago — 40 years old

Worked primarily in the film industry as a director, producer, and screenwriter. Directed the film 'Legacy', which garnered attention in independent cinema. Also produced 'The Devil's Carnival', a musical horror film that developed a cult following. Wrote and directed projects that showcased a blend of genres, contributing to the British film scene. His work often involved collaborations with other creatives in the industry.

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Bappaditya Bandopadhyay

Film director and poet in India
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
November 7th, 2015 9 years ago — 45 years old

Bappaditya Bandopadhyay was an Indian film director and poet who worked primarily in Bengali cinema. His directorial debut came with the film 'Chitra Nandi', which highlighted his unique storytelling style and cinematographic vision. Throughout his career, established a distinct presence in the film industry, crafting narratives that often reflected societal themes. In addition to directing, contributed extensively to Bengali literature, with several published poetry collections that demonstrate a deep understanding of human emotions and societal issues. Gained recognition at various film festivals for innovative works that resonated with audiences.

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Wali-ur-Rehman

Pakistani military commander
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2013 11 years ago — 43 years old

Served as a senior commander of the Pakistani Taliban. Played a crucial role in the organization and was influential in coordinating military operations against the Pakistani government. Led strategies that involved significant attacks on military and civilian targets. Held leadership during a period of increased insurgency in the region until death in a drone strike.

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Igor Kirillov

Russian general with military command
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2024 0 years ago — 54 years old

Served as a prominent general in the Russian armed forces, leading significant military operations. Held key positions within strategic command structures. Participated in various military campaigns and was influential in shaping defense policies. Contributed to military doctrine and leadership training within the forces.

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Saleem Shahzad

Pakistani journalist and author
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2011 13 years ago — 41 years old

Worked as a journalist with a focus on Pakistan’s security and intelligence issues. Contributed to various publications, including the Asia Times Online and the Pakistani newspaper Daily Times. Authored the book 'Inside Al-Qaeda and the Taliban: Beyond Bin Laden and 9/11', providing insights into extremist groups and their operations. Reported on critical events such as the rise of the Taliban and the political dynamics in Pakistan. Shahzad was kidnapped and murdered in 2011, and his death raised significant concerns regarding press freedom in Pakistan.

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Tomoko Kawakami

Voice Actress for anime and video games
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2011 13 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent voice actress, contributed to the anime and video game industry. Gained recognition for roles in leading projects, showcasing versatility in performances. Worked with notable studios and participated in various iconic series and games. Held a substantial fan base, celebrated for unique character portrayals until passing in 2011.

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Mohammed Yusuf

Nigerian militant leader, Boko Haram founder
Born
1970 55 years ago
Died
July 30th, 2009 15 years ago — 39 years old

Founded a militant group in Nigeria that opposes Western education and practices. The group gained notoriety for violent attacks against government forces and civilians. Yusuf articulated a vision for an Islamic state in Nigeria, leveraging issues like poverty and corruption to garner support. He was arrested in 2009, leading to widespread protests by his followers, culminating in violent confrontations with security forces. Yusuf died in custody shortly after his arrest, prompting the group to escalate its campaigns of violence across Nigeria.

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