What Happened This Year 1975

Born in 1975

Jolidee Matongo

Politician, 97th Mayor of Johannesburg
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2021 3 years ago — 46 years old

Served as the 97th Mayor of Johannesburg from 2021 until death in September 2021. Before becoming mayor, held positions within the African National Congress and local government structures, contributing to various community initiatives and governance reforms. Participated actively in addressing issues such as housing, urban development, and social services during tenure. Worked on enhancing the delivery of basic services to residents in Johannesburg. His term was marked by a commitment to improve living conditions in the city.

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Paul Dana

Racing driver and IndyCar series competitor
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
March 26th, 2006 18 years ago — 31 years old

Competed in the IndyCar Series, participating in multiple events, including the Indianapolis 500. Started racing in the 1990s, showcasing talents in various racing series. Tragically passed away following an accident during a practice session for the 2006 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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Robert Burås

Norwegian singer-songwriter with solo albums
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
July 12th, 2007 17 years ago — 32 years old

A Norwegian singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributed to the music scene primarily in the rock genre. Gained recognition as a member of the band Seconds Before Landing. Released solo albums including 'The Way We Used To Be' and 'Maturity'. His music often combined personal themes with melodic hooks, appealing to a wide audience. Passed away in 2007, leaving a legacy of impactful songwriting.

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Defne Joy Foster

Turkish actress, TV presenter
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2011 14 years ago — 36 years old

Achieved recognition in the Turkish television industry through various roles in popular series. Gained prominence for performances in 'Yabancı Damat' and 'Küçük Kadınlar'. Also worked as a television presenter, showcasing talent and engaging the audience. Her contributions to the entertainment sector marked a significant presence in Turkish pop culture during her career.

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Vittorio Arrigoni

Italian journalist and author
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
April 15th, 2011 13 years ago — 36 years old

Worked as a journalist and author focusing on the Palestinian situation. Engaged in activism, highlighting issues of human rights and social justice in the Gaza Strip. Wrote the book 'Gaza: Stay Human', which addressed ongoing conflicts and the humanitarian crisis in the region. Also provided humanitarian assistance through various initiatives. Was kidnapped and murdered while in the Gaza Strip in 2011.

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Lawrence Phillips

American football player, 1995 NFL Draft
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
January 13th, 2016 9 years ago — 41 years old

Played college football at the University of Nebraska, achieving national prominence by winning two national championships in 1994 and 1995. Declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season and was selected by the St. Louis Rams as the sixth overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft. Played three seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Rams. Contributed to the team's offensive efforts during his tenure. Also played for the Miami Dolphins in 2000, although his career was thwarted by legal issues and off-field problems.

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Aleksey Mozgovoy

Pro-Russian Ukrainian separatist leader
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 2015 9 years ago — 40 years old

Led a battalion during the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, advocating for separatist movements. Commanded the Prizrak Brigade, notable for its involvement in several key engagements in Luhansk Oblast. Engaged in both military and political conversations surrounding the conflict, representing the self-declared Luhansk People's Republic. Under leadership, the brigade gained a reputation for its fierce resistance against Ukrainian forces. Death occurred during an ambush, which was linked to the ongoing violence in the region.

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Jared C. Monti

U.S. Army Sergeant, Medal of Honor recipient
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
June 21st, 2006 18 years ago — 31 years old

Served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the War in Afghanistan. Participated in combat operations in the Waigal Valley of Afghanistan. Demonstrated exceptional bravery during a mission on June 21, 2006, to rescue a fellow soldier under heavy enemy fire, which resulted in his own death. Received the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions that reflected extraordinary courage and selflessness.

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Greg Moore

Race car driver and CART competitor
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1999 25 years ago — 24 years old

A Canadian race car driver, achieved recognition in the CART series during the late 1990s. Started his career in karting and progressed through various racing categories, including the Atlantic Championship. Secured multiple podium finishes in CART, racing for teams such as Players Forsythe Racing. Gained a reputation as a talented and promising driver before a tragic accident during a race led to his untimely death. His legacy continues to influence the motorsport community.

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