What Happened This Year 2018

People Who Died in 2018

Matt Cappotelli

Professional wrestler and trainer
Born
November 12th, 1979 45 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 39 years old

A professional wrestler and trainer, contributed to the wrestling industry through participation in various promotions. Won the fourth season of WWE's Tough Enough. Worked extensively with aspiring wrestlers, providing training and mentorship. Unfortunately, health challenges limited further participation in the sport, but continued to influence up-and-coming talent through coaching.

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Frank Ramsey

Basketball player and coach
Born
July 13th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 87 years old

Played professional basketball primarily for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Contributed to the Celtics' success during the late 1950s and early 1960s, winning multiple championships. Transitioned to coaching after finishing his playing career, leading several college teams and influencing future generations of players.

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Yelena Shushunova

Russian Olympic gold medalist gymnast
Born
April 23rd, 1969 55 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent gymnast, recognized for achievements at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, represented the Soviet Union. Secured the all-around gold medal and contributed to the team's gold in the team competition. Shushunova also excelled in other international competitions, showcasing exceptional technical skills and artistry.

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Richard Pipes

Historian and author on Russian history
Born
July 11th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 95 years old

This Polish-American historian specialized in Russian history and was a prominent academic figure. Contributions included extensive writings on the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union. Pipes served as a professor at Harvard University and authored several influential works that analyzed the motivations behind historical events in Russia. His scholarship examined the Bolshevik regime and the impact of totalitarianism. Engaged in public discourse, Pipes often highlighted the dangers of oppressive regimes.

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Jill Ker Conway

Historian and author, wrote 'The Road from Coorain'
Born
October 9th, 1934 90 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1934, a historian and author focused on women's history and personal narrative. Wrote 'The Road from Coorain', an autobiographical account reflecting on life in Australia and themes of identity. Held several academic positions, including in the United States, and contributed to discussions on history and feminism. Served as the first female president of Smith College in Massachusetts, where significant advancement of women’s education took place under her leadership. Her work emphasized the importance of personal experience in understanding historical events.

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Anne Donovan

Basketball player and coach, Olympic gold medalist
Born
November 1st, 1961 63 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 57 years old

A prominent basketball player and coach, achieved significant success in both roles. Played for Old Dominion University, leading the team to an AIAW national championship in 1980. Represented the United States in international competitions, contributing to the team's success in the 1984 Olympics, where the team won a gold medal. Transitioned to coaching, including notable positions at Seton Hall, East Carolina University, and George Washington University, and served as an assistant for the U.S. women's national team, winning a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

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Dan Gurney

Race car driver and engineer with Eagle
Born
April 13th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 87 years old

A successful race car driver and engineer, contributed significantly to motorsport engineering and performance. Competed in Formula One, NASCAR, and various sports car races. Gurney founded All-American Racers and developed the Gurney Eagle car, a notable achievement in automotive design. Achieved wins in major events including the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans, where a Ford GT40 driven by Gurney and A.J. Foyt secured victory. Gurney introduced the concept of the victory champagne spray during the Le Mans celebration, becoming a lasting tradition in motorsport.

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Whitey Bulger

Organized crime boss in Boston
Born
September 3rd, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 89 years old

Established a significant criminal enterprise in Boston during the late 20th century. Bulger led the Winter Hill Gang, involved in various illegal activities including racketeering, drug trafficking, and extortion. Betrayed by former associates and pursued by law enforcement for years, he evaded capture until his arrest in 2011 in Santa Monica, California. The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list included him for over a decade. Convicted in 2013, he was sentenced to life in prison.

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Mrinal Sen

Indian film director and screenwriter
Born
May 14th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent figure in Indian cinema, this individual directed over 30 films across several languages. Works often depicted social issues and explored themes of human relationships and existential challenges. Received national and international recognition for contributions to the film industry. Notable films include 'Bhuvan Shome', which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film, and 'Kharij'. Also recognized with various honors, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in Indian cinema.

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