What Happened This Year 2001

People Who Died in 2001

Hans Trippel

Engineer, developer of Amphicar
Born
July 19th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 93 years old

An engineer who contributed significantly to automotive and marine engineering. Developed the Amphicar, the first amphibious automobile to be mass-produced. This vehicle gained attention for its dual capability on land and water, combining automotive design with boat construction. The Amphicar became a symbol of innovative engineering in the 1960s and remains a distinctive example of multi-use vehicles. The design and engineering challenges faced during its development provided valuable insights into both industries.

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Bert Sutcliffe

New Zealand cricketer and coach
Born
November 17th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 78 years old

Represented New Zealand in international cricket from 1948 to 1966. Played as an opening batsman and completed 42 Test matches. Accumulated over 3,000 runs in Test cricket, with 12 centuries. Served as a coach for the national team in the following decades, contributing to the development of cricket in New Zealand.

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Harold Land

American tenor saxophonist
Born
December 18th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent tenor saxophonist actively recorded and performed in the jazz genre. Emerged in the 1950s and collaborated with various notable jazz musicians. Contributed significantly to the hard bop movement and had a notable association with the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet. Released multiple albums as a bandleader, showcasing distinctive improvisational skills and compositions. Continued to perform until the late 1990s, influencing a generation of musicians.

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Robert Leckie

American soldier and author of war stories
Born
December 18th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 81 years old

Served as a United States Marine during World War II, participating in major battles in the Pacific theater. Wrote extensively about military experiences and history, with notable works including 'Helmet for My Pillow' and 'The Old Breed'. His writings provide firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by soldiers in combat. Contributed to the popular understanding of Marine Corps history and culture through detailed depictions of wartime experiences.

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Salem al-Hazmi

Terrorist and hijacker of Flight 77
Born
February 2nd, 1981 44 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 20 years old

Born in Saudi Arabia in 1981, engaged in the September 11 attacks. Hijacked American Airlines Flight 77, which was crashed into the Pentagon. Coordinated with other hijackers as part of a larger group involved in planned attacks on U.S. soil. Operated under the directive of terrorist organizations with goals to incite fear and promote their ideology.

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Joseph Greenberg

American linguist and typologist
Born
May 28th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of linguistics. Developed a classification system for languages based on their structural features. Published influential works on language universals and typology, establishing the Greenbergian typology framework utilized in linguistic studies. Conducted extensive research on the African languages and proposed hypotheses on their relationships, influencing future research in historical linguistics. Held academic positions at prestigious institutions, shaping the study of language through teaching and mentorship.

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Hans Warren

Dutch poet and author of 'The Thousand and One Nights'
Born
October 20th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1921, this poet and author produced a significant body of literary work that includes poetry, essays, and novels. A prominent figure in Dutch literature, explored themes of sexuality, identity, and the human experience. Published over thirty books and received various literary awards. Contributed to the Dutch literary scene through both creation and criticism.

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Dale Evans

Singer-songwriter and actress
Born
October 31st, 1912 112 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 89 years old

An American singer-songwriter and actress, she gained prominence in the mid-20th century as a prominent figure in Western music and film. Evans starred alongside her husband, Roy Rogers, in numerous films and television shows, most notably 'The Roy Rogers Show.' She also recorded many popular songs, including the iconic 'Happy Trails.' Additionally, Evans authored several books and was an outspoken advocate for disabled individuals, particularly her son who faced challenges due to disabilities.

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Betty Everett

American singer with 'The Shoop Shoop Song'
Born
November 23rd, 1939 85 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1939, this American singer and pianist gained recognition in the 1960s for soulful performances and recordings. The single 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)' became a significant hit, reaching the top of the charts and contributing to the music landscape of the era. Throughout the career, performances included a mix of R&B and pop styles, showcasing a powerful vocal ability. Collaborations with various artists and appearances on television further solidified prominence in the music industry.

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