What Happened This Year 2017

People Who Died in 2017

Rina Matsuno

Idol singer and performer in Japan
Born
1998 27 years ago
Died
February 8th, 2017 8 years ago — 19 years old

Began a career in music as a member of an idol group, gaining popularity for performances and releases. Participated in various music festivals and events, contributing to the idol culture in Japan. Released multiple singles and albums, collaborating with various artists in the Japanese music industry. Held concerts across the country and engaged with fans through various media appearances. Continued to influence the idol scene until passing in 2017.

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André Salvat

French Army Colonel
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2017 8 years ago — 97 years old

Served as a colonel in the French Army, with notable contributions during significant military engagements. Participated in the Algerian War, where strategic leadership and military operations were crucial. Later held a prominent role in the French military community, contributing to discussions and initiatives regarding military structure and operations. Became an integral figure in the development of military tactics.

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Mike Ilitch

Businessman and Detroit sports owner
Born
July 20th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
February 10th, 2017 8 years ago — 87 years old

Founded Little Caesars Pizza, which became a major national chain. Owned the Detroit Tigers, winning the 1984 World Series. Also owned the Detroit Red Wings, securing four Stanley Cup championships in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008. Active in various community initiatives and supported numerous charitable organizations.

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Fab Melo

Brazilian basketball player and center
Born
1990 35 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2017 8 years ago — 27 years old

A professional basketball player played primarily as a center. Melo played college basketball for the Syracuse Orange, where he helped the team win the NCAA Championship in 2013. After college, he was selected in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. During his professional career, he played in the NBA and had stints in various international leagues, including in Brazil and Europe. Despite facing challenges in maintaining consistent performance in the NBA, he contributed significantly in overseas competitions.

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Trish Doan

Korean-Canadian musician and songwriter
Born
1985 40 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2017 8 years ago — 32 years old

A musician and songwriter, born in South Korea and raised in Canada. Gained prominence as the bassist for the rock band Kittie, which was formed in 1996. Contributed to the band's albums, including 'Spit' and 'Oracle,' which were well-received in the metal and alternative rock communities. Also participated in various musical projects and collaborations throughout her career before her untimely passing in 2017.

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Anna Marguerite McCann

Underwater Archaeologist, female pioneer
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2017 8 years ago — 84 years old

First female American underwater archaeologist, McCann contributed significantly to the field of maritime archaeology. She completed groundbreaking work on shipwrecks and underwater sites along the East Coast of the United States. McCann also became a prominent advocate for the inclusion of women in archaeology and underwater research. She conducted extensive studies and published research that advanced techniques in underwater excavation and preservation. Her efforts led to a greater understanding of the historical significance of submerged cultural resources.

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Al Jarreau

American jazz and R&B singer
Born
March 12th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2017 8 years ago — 76 years old

A celebrated singer, his career spanned several decades, blending jazz, pop, and R&B. He gained prominence in the 1970s with a unique vocal style, utilizing scat singing and wind instruments. His first major album, 'We Got By,' was released in 1975. Throughout his career, multiple Grammy Awards were won, highlighting excellence in jazz, pop, and R&B categories. Jarreau also performed a memorable theme song for the television series 'Moonlighting,' which contributed to his recognition. His ability to adapt to various musical genres while retaining a distinct sound contributed to his legacy as a versatile performer.

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Ren Xinmin

Chinese rocket scientist and engineer
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2017 8 years ago — 102 years old

Significant contributions to China's space program occurred throughout a career as a rocket scientist and engineer. Played a crucial role in several major projects involved in the development of satellite launch vehicles. Led efforts in the design and testing of the Long March rocket series, pivotal for China's space missions. Oversaw advancements in propulsion technology that facilitated the successful launch of various satellites.

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Aileen Hernandez

Union organizer and activist
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
February 13th, 2017 8 years ago — 91 years old

Aileen Hernandez was an American labor organizer and civil rights activist. Hernandez served as the first woman president of the United Farm Workers of America in the 1970s, advocating for better working conditions and fair wages for farm workers. In addition to her work with the UFW, she was involved with the National Organization for Women and fought for equal rights for women. Hernandez was also a founding member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, which aimed to advance the rights of working women. Her efforts spanned several decades and included participation in a variety of labor-related campaigns.

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