What Happened This Year 1981

Born in 1981

Rafael Sperafico

Brazilian race car driver
Born
1981 44 years ago
Died
December 9th, 2007 17 years ago — 26 years old

Competed in Formula 3000 and various touring car championships. Achieved notable success in the Brazilian stock car series, securing several victories and establishing a reputation as a competitive driver. Tragically passed away in an accident during a race in 2007, leaving behind a legacy in the motorsport community.

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Cassie Bernall

Victim of Columbine High School massacre
Born
1981 44 years ago
Died
April 20th, 1999 26 years ago — 18 years old

A student at Columbine High School, became one of the victims during the tragic shooting on April 20, 1999. The incident drew national attention and sparked discussions about school safety, gun control, and youth violence. Bernall's story was shared widely, including claims surrounding her final words, which contributed to her recognition posthumously. Her life and the events surrounding her death remain significant in the context of school violence in the United States.

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Austin Eubanks

Addiction recovery advocate and speaker
Born
1981 44 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2019 6 years ago — 38 years old

Survived the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Became an advocate for addiction recovery, drawing from personal experiences with substance abuse following the trauma of the shooting. Engaged in speaking events across the country to share insights on mental health and addiction, aiming to reduce stigma and promote understanding of these issues. Worked with various organizations and initiatives focused on recovery and prevention. Contributed to numerous media outlets, spreading awareness about the impact of trauma and the importance of mental wellness.

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Casey Calvert

Guitarist for American rock band Hawthorne Heights
Born
1981 44 years ago
Died
November 24th, 2007 17 years ago — 26 years old

A guitarist contributed significantly to the post-hardcore band Hawthorne Heights. The band gained widespread recognition in the early 2000s with the album 'If Only You Were Lonely'. This album achieved commercial success and reached the top of the Billboard charts. The band's music featured a blend of melodic rock with emotional lyrics, resonating with a dedicated fanbase. Calvert was with the band during its peak years, and his guitar work was integral to their sound until his untimely death.

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Monty Oum

Animator and director of RWBY
Born
1981 44 years ago
Died
February 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 34 years old

An animator and director focused on creating engaging animated works, particularly in the realm of web series. Best recognized for developing the series RWBY, which garnered a significant following and was praised for its unique art style and storytelling. Initially began as a 3D animator for Rooster Teeth Productions, contributing to projects such as Red vs. Blue. Later transitioned to direct RWBY, which premiered in 2013, showcasing innovative animation techniques and a captivating narrative set in a fantasy world. Contributed significantly to the growth of online animation as a popular entertainment medium.

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