What Happened This Year 2019

People Who Died in 2019

Chuck Harmon

Baseball player and scout, 1st Black Redleg
Born
April 23rd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 95 years old

Participated as a Major League Baseball outfielder and infielder, beginning career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1954. Played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1956 and concluded professional playing career in the minor leagues. Transitioned to a role as a scout, contributing to player development and talent identification for various teams. Additionally served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His contributions to baseball history include being the first African American player for the Cincinnati Reds, later known as the Reds.

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Karin Balzer

German hurdler Olympic medalist
Born
June 5th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 81 years old

An accomplished hurdler, she specialized in the 80-meter hurdles. Secured a gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, contributing to Germany's prominence in athletics during that era. Also achieved success at the European Championships, further establishing a reputation in the sport. Balzer set national records, reflecting significant athletic prowess throughout her career.

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David Hurst

German actor in film and television
Born
May 8th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 93 years old

An actor with a prominent career in film and television, often recognized for work during the mid-20th century. Significant appearances included roles in films such as 'The Counterfeiters' and 'The Damned,' along with a number of television series. Established a reputation within the German entertainment industry, contributing to various productions that highlighted dramatic storytelling.

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Vladimir Bukovsky

Russian author and political activist
Born
December 30th, 1942 82 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 77 years old

An author and activist, dedicated to fighting against totalitarianism and advocating for human rights in the Soviet Union. Spent years in psychiatric hospitals and prisons due to opposition to the regime. Emigrated to the West in 1976, continuing to critique Soviet policies. Wrote several works highlighting the repressive nature of the Soviet system and advocating for democracy. Engaged with the international community, raising awareness about political prisoners and suppression in the USSR.

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Nikolai Kardashev

Astrophysicist and scale creator
Born
April 25th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 87 years old

Contributions to astrophysics focused on the classification of civilizations based on their energy consumption led to the creation of the Kardashev Scale. This scale categorizes civilizations into Type I, II, and III based on their ability to harness energy from their home planet, star, and galaxy, respectively. Worked at the Institute of Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Engaged in studies related to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the structure of the universe. Published extensively on cosmology and a variety of scientific subjects, influencing both academic circles and the popular understanding of advanced civilizations.

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Yvette Williams

New Zealand long jumper and Olympian
Born
April 25th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent athlete achieved significant success in track and field, particularly in long jump, shot put, and discus throw. Competed in the 1950 British Empire Games, winning gold in long jump. Represented New Zealand at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, securing a gold medal in long jump, marking the first Olympic gold for the country in this event. Had a successful career in various athletic disciplines, contributing to the growth of women's athletics in New Zealand.

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Yukiya Amano

Japanese diplomat and IAEA Director General
Born
May 9th, 1947 77 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 72 years old

Served as the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency from 2009 until 2019. Previously, held various diplomatic roles within the Japanese government, contributing to international nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan and contributed to the formulation of national policies on nuclear energy and security. During leadership at the IAEA, emphasized transparency and cooperation among member states, navigating complex international issues concerning nuclear safety and security.

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Karim Olowu

Nigerian sprinter and long jumper
Born
July 7th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 95 years old

Competed as a sprinter and long jumper representing Nigeria. Participated in the 1948 London Olympics, competing in the long jump event. Achieved significant acclaim in national competitions and contributed to the development of athletics in Nigeria during the post-colonial period.

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Ron Fairly

Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
July 12th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 81 years old

Played Major League Baseball from 1958 to 1978, primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Montreal Expos. In his career, achieved a batting average of .266 with over 1,200 hits. Transitioned to broadcasting after retirement, serving as a sportscaster for various networks. Contributed to coverage of multiple World Series and All-Star games, earning recognition within the sport.

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