What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Bobby Unser

Race car driver and three-time Indy 500 champion
Born
February 20th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 87 years old

An accomplished race car driver, this individual secured three wins at the Indianapolis 500 in 1968, 1975, and 1981. Entering professional racing in the early 1950s, racing skills were honed on various tracks, leading to a successful career in the United States Auto Club (USAC) and the Championship Car series. Competed successfully against various prominent racers of the era, becoming a notable figure in motorsports. In addition to the Indy 500 victories, achieved multiple wins in other prestigious races, earning respect within the racing community. Contributions extended beyond racing as this individual served in roles including commentator and organizer for racing events until retirement.

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Carlos Reutemann

Formula One driver and politician
Born
April 12th, 1942 82 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent race car driver and politician. Competed in Formula One from 1972 to 1982, securing 12 Grand Prix victories. Achieved second place in the World Championship in 1975. Transitioned to politics, serving as a senator and governor of Santa Fe province. Engaged in various initiatives within the political landscape of Argentina.

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Graham McRae

Race car driver; won the 1972 Tasman Series
Born
March 5th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent race car driver from New Zealand, focused on single-seater racing and active during the 1960s and 1970s. Achieved significant success in the Tasman Series, becoming the champion in 1972. Competed in various international motorsport events, including Formula 1 and Can-Am championships. Developed a reputation for skillful racing and technical knowledge, which contributed to the design of competitive race cars. Later participated in the development of racing technology and continued to influence motorsport as an engineer.

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Del Crandall

Baseball player and manager, Braves
Born
March 5th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 91 years old

Played as a professional baseball catcher primarily for the Milwaukee Braves from 1949 to 1963. After retiring as a player, transitioned into a managerial role in Major League Baseball, overseeing teams such as the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants. Crandall contributed to the game not only through his skills as a player but also through his leadership on the field as a manager.

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Paul Westphal

Basketball coach and player for the Suns
Born
November 30th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent basketball player and coach, Westphal played the majority of his career with the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. As a player, he was selected as a five-time All-Star and earned All-NBA First Team honors in 1977. Transitioning to coaching, he led the Suns to the NBA Finals in 1993. His coaching career also included stints with teams such as the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings, demonstrating a strong understanding of the game throughout his career.

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Curley Culp

American football player, NFL Hall of Famer
Born
March 10th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 75 years old

Played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League, contributing significantly to teams during a career spanning from 1968 to 1981. Achieved a prominent role with the Kansas City Chiefs, and later with the Houston Oilers. Earned recognition as a formidable player, noted for effective defensive strategies. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing a legacy within the sport.

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Josephine Medina

Paralympic table tennis player
Born
March 20th, 1970 54 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 51 years old

Competed in multiple Paralympic Games, achieving remarkable success in table tennis. Secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, representing the Philippines. Participated in various international tournaments, earning recognition within the sport. Advocated for sports inclusivity and served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes with disabilities.

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Don Sutton

Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
April 2nd, 1945 79 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 76 years old

Born on April 2, 1945, a prominent career in Major League Baseball spanned from 1966 to 1988. Played primarily as a starting pitcher for teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and the Oakland Athletics. Achieved a significant milestone by recording over 300 career wins and 3,574 strikeouts, ranking among the top pitchers in MLB history. Transitioned to a sportscasting career after retirement, providing analysis for various networks. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998, recognizing contributions to the sport.

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Eduardo Martínez Somalo

Spanish cardinal and church official
Born
March 31st, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 94 years old

Ordained as a priest in 1953, served in various roles within the Catholic Church, including positions in the Vatican. Appointed as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 1998, overseeing the procedures for canonization. Participated in several papal conclaves, contributing to the selection of popes.

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