Sometimes, the best-laid plans don't have the best results. In the case of historical events or celebrities, there tends to be a picture documenting what no one knew would end in tragic accidents, loss or disappearance. In some cases, the risk had been there from the start and one might say that the people involved were dancing with danger for way too long. In other cases, the end came as a surprise, in what otherwise would’ve been a very ordinary day. Take a look at the last pictures taken of these devastating historical events, right before they happened.
Uruguayan Flight 571 before crashing in the Andes - 1972
The amateur Uruguayan rugby team took a charter flight to go to a sports competition in Santiago, Chile. After taking an unfamiliar route due to weather conditions, there was an error of communication between the pilot and the control tower, which caused the plane to crash in the Andes, causing the death of several of its passengers. The survivors were stranded for more than two months in harsh climate conditions with little resources and were forced to resort to cannibalism in order to survive. Some of the passengers that had managed to go out for help finally made contact with the outside world. Only 16 out of 45 survived.
Space Shuttle Challenger crew before fatal explosion - 1986
A job at NASA may be the dream of many, but the level of education needed may be the reason why the phrase “you don’t have to be a rocket scientist” tends to be used in day-to-day speech. Unfortunately, not even the smartest of scientists could account for everything, as was shown after the Space Shuttle exploded only 72 seconds after take-off, resulting in the death of the seven members of the crew. It was later determined that low temperatures on the day of take-off had affected the functioning of a section of the rocket booster.
The maiden (& final) voyage of the RMS Titanic - 1912
Little did Francis Browne know that he would go in history as the man that took the last picture of the Titanic just three days before its unfortunate crash with an iceberg which resulted in damages beyond repair. That incident had claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people and caused the sinking of the Titanic to the bottom of the sea. Browne almost didn’t take this picture, considering that he had been offered a first-class ticket to continue the journey with the Titanic, even though he was only supposed to sail for the first leg of the trip. Fortunately for him, he didn’t embark, which saved him from a horrific fate.
Rosa Parks in her last public appearance - 2005
Even in her final years, Rosa Parks had demonstrated how independent of a woman she was by not relying on elder care in her 90's. She was a strong civil rights movement activist and known for sparking the Montgomery Bus-Boycott after refusing to give her seat to white passengers at the time in which segregation was still firmly in place in the United States. Her actions led to her arrest for going against the orders of the bus driver. This proved to be a very important moment for civil rights’ history, and it was the beginning of many changes that led to the end of segregation throughout the country.
Apollo 1 Crew before tragedy - 1967
The Apollo 1 did not erupt in flames during take-off. In this case, it was during rehearsal testing when, tragically, a fire started in the command cabin, causing the gruesome and painful death of the three crew members, seen in this picture heading towards the testing. Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee are still remembered 50 years later, and although they didn’t make it to the moon, as was the purpose of their mission, this terrible accident was a game-changer for how things got done at the NASA.
Akhmad Kadyrov moments before his assassination - 2004
A professional photographer had captured mufti Akhmad Kadyrov during his visit to Russia and participation in a Victory Day parade in commemoration of World War II when a bomb, presumably detonated by Chechen Islamist rebels, ended his life on May 9, 2004. Russian and Chechen relations were seriously in danger due to this occurrence, especially considering that President Putin had put much effort into settling the guerrilla-type confrontations that kept taking place in the area. Kadyrov occupied his charge for less than a year before he was killed. His son, Ramzan Kadyrov, is the current head of State of the Chechen Republic.
Flight 19 crew before disappearing - 1945
You probably won’t hear of anyone taking a charter flight to the Bermuda Triangle, and that is because many weird occurrences have taken place in this area. This photo is the last one taken of the crew of five TBM Avenger Torpedo. This was the legendary “Lost Squadron,” the crew of five Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bombers that vanished over the Bermuda Triangle on December 5, 1945. On what was supposed to be a regular training exercise, the five planes and their entire crew were lost after their equipment apparently malfunctioned according to communications given by the leader of the group before disappearing. No remains were ever found.
Anton Dostler before being executed - 1945
This historical picture shows Anton Dostler, a Nazi infantry general who was tried during the first trial concerning crimes of war. Although he claimed innocence, Dostler was accused and found guilty of ordering the execution of 15 U.S. Army members under unlawful circumstances. The military court convicted him and ordered his execution as punishment for his crimes, which took place on December 1, 1945. This iconic photograph shows him tied at the stake and marks the end of the war and the beginning of what would be the war crime trials, which continued long after Dostler’s death.
Andrew McAuley before disappearing - 2007
It was known that it would be a risky enterprise, however, kayaker Andrew McAuley had such a stellar record and was so well-known already by his adventurous ways. Hence, many were surprised when he disappeared while attempting to cross the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand. This journey was not for the money; on the contrary, he alluded to having a need for fulfillment. So, after overcoming stormy conditions, it was during the final stretch of his journey, which was supposed to be the calmest one, that Andrew vanished without a trace. More than a decade has passed and still, he is remembered for his tenacity and discipline.
Vicki Weaver before dying in the Ruby Ridge siege - 1992
It is still difficult to believe that the entire Ruby Ridge Siege turned violent when the police officers were discovered, not by a sophisticated alarm system, but by the Weaver’s family dog. After the pet started barking at one of the marshals, the exchange of fire started, causing the marshals to call in the FBI for support. This bizarre picture was the last one taken of Vicki Weaver before she lost her entire family, her pet, and her life, in a siege that started with the purpose of arresting her husband.
U.S.S. Maine sinks after an explosion - 1898
On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine, one of the first American battleships, exploded for reasons unknown. At a time in which relations with Spain were already thin due to their treatment of the Cuban revolution and the subsequent economic losses this posed for the U.S., it was ruled that a mine had been responsible for the explosion. However, though not officially, Spain was assumed as the culprit, which caused the Spanish-American war that the U.S. had won in only three months. In the '70s, naval investigators determined that the explosion was probably an accident caused by a fire inside the ship, with no responsibility placed on the Spaniards.
Japan Air Flight 123 before crashing - 1985
A tragedy that killed more than 500 people was the crash of flight 123 of Japan Airlines. The plane suffered an explosive decompression that caused the partial destruction of the plane. The crew bravely tried to maintain the plane on the air and managed to do so for 30 panic-ridden minutes, however, eventually, they lost control and the plane. The aircraft crashed into a mountain, causing the death of the entire crew and almost all the passengers, except for four women that somehow survived. It was later found that the reason for the crash was a poor maintenance job.
Amelia Earhart with the last plane she would board - 1937
Being a pioneer is not easy and Amelia Earhart could’ve told you that. Here, she's seen smiling, perhaps thrilled about her solo flight. Earhart has been the inspiration for two full movies, and quite understandably so after setting the record as the first woman to cross the Atlantic flying by herself. Always an adventurer, she had set the goal to fly across the globe on her own. Unfortunately, right after she got started in her journey in 1935, she disappeared. Evidence of wreckage had never been found and it was speculated that she and her plane had plunged into the Pacific Ocean.
Lee Harvey Oswald before being shot- 1963
President John F. Kennedy was shot while he was on an open motorcade on November 22, 1963, causing his tragic demise. Only hours after this took place, Lee Harvey Oswald was taken into custody as the man responsible for the assassination. Only two days after his arrest, he too would meet a violent death after club-owner Jack Ruby took justice in his own hands and killed Oswald while he was being transported to a more secure location. Ruby was sentenced to death by a jury of his peers, although many called him a hero for avenging the beloved President.
Korean Airlines Flight 007 before take off for its final flight - 1983
Not all is fair in love and war. The unspeakable tragedy of the Korean Airlines flight 007 still is a cause for shock more than 30 years later. After taking off from NY and with Beijing as its destination, the flight boarded by 269 passengers was shot down by Soviet missiles after the plane’s autopilot system failed and they entered Soviet airspace. According to Soviet military declarations, they attempted to contact the aircraft without any results and so they decided to fulfill their duty in the tense times of the Cold War.
The ARA San Juan before its last trip - 2017
After a year filled with both hope and anxiety, the families of the ARA San Juan finally have news, but not the ones they've been hoping for. In 2017, the submarine set for what no one knew would be its last trip. Apparently, after a battery malfunction, there was an electrical explosion, which caused the death of the 44 crew members. However, the remains were not found until November 2018, one year after its disappearance, a year in which teams from around the world had tried to find the missing vessel.
William McKinley before being shot - 1901
There is a reason why the American presidents are safeguarded by the most sophisticated security systems and the best trained secret service agents. In 1901, President McKinley would be the third president to be assassinated in the history of the Republic. Shortly after winning the brief but successful Spanish-American war, the President was at a World Fair in Buffalo meeting his fellow citizens when Leon Czolgosz shot him twice. A self-proclaimed anarchist, Leon didn’t believe in the Republican system. Although McKinley underwent surgery and appeared to be getting better, he died days later from complications of the procedure.
Otto von Bismarck in his deathbed - 1898
Although here he is shown on his final days, bald and ill, Otto von Bismarck was a force to be reckoned with. He was the chancellor that unified Germany and made it one of the greatest forces before the First and Second World Wars. Although he didn’t hesitate at the moment of starting confrontations with other countries, he was known and admired for his ability for strategic thinking. His wisdom is even used as a reference by modern-day politicians and public leaders as well as an inspiration in times of war.
Thích Quảng Đức seconds before immolation - 1963
It is no surprise that after such an extreme act, Thích Quảng Đức became a symbol of resistance and protest. That is correct, he burned himself alive in the streets of Saigon as a protest against the Vietnamese government for its persecution of Buddhists, after the deaths of nine people, killed by their own government. Some people speculate that this might have been one of the chains of events that led to America entering the Vietnam war. International awareness of what was happening in the area grew when Thích Quảng Đức set fire to himself as captured on camera. The incident reached the news worldwide.
Chris Cornell in his last concert - 2017
Chris Cornell was the lead singer of the band, Soundgarden, and was last seen alive during their last concert together in Detroit. Hours after their sold-out stadium concert in 2017, Chris would die by suicide in his hotel room after hanging himself. According to Chris’ wife, Vicky Cornell, the singer was taking prescription drugs that could have altered his mental and emotional state, leading him to take his own life. In 2018, it was reported that the family filed a suit against Cornell’s physician, accusing him of over-prescription of controlled substances.
Marilyn Monroe a few months before her death - 1962
The beauty of Marilyn Monroe, with her, ever present very blonde hairstyle, was captured by photographer George Barris only two months before her death. This was one of a series of photos taken in a photo shoot that showed a smiling Marilyn, with no one suspecting that her life would end so soon after. Although many conspiracy theories have surrounded her death, it has been accepted that a probable suicide was the most likely cause of her death. It was only in 2017 that these photos were released and put up for auction by the auction house, Paddle8.
Freddie Mercury in his London home - 1991
This is one of the last known photos of Queen's Freddie Mercury before dying due to complications related to AIDS. Taken by his partner, who was with him until the end, it shows him standing strong on the face of a disease for which, only months later, new breakthroughs in its treatment would be released. Mercury was one of the first celebrities to openly admit he had AIDS, even though he did it only days before he died. This helped raise awareness regarding the condition at a time when it was poorly understood.
Steve Irwin minutes before the fatal stingray attack - 2006
Used to dealing with dangerous animals, Steve Irwin was also known as the “crocodile hunter," however, on a normal day of recording amongst the deadliest species of the sea, just minutes before finishing the shoot, a stingray attacked Steve! Irwin, who was known for promoting animal protection, had used his show as a way to portray this creature in a different way. The last images of his life might never be revealed, as cameraman Justin Lyons recorded the entire thing. However, thinking of Irwin's family, he believes that Steve's final moments should remain private.
Paul Walker minutes before fatal car crash - 2013
Known for his role on the Fast and the Furious movie franchise, it could’ve been thought that if Paul Walker was going to be involved in a car accident, it would take place on set. However, this was not the case for Paul and his friend Roger Rodas on November 30, 2013. Beloved by many for his charismatic personality and recurrent role in the franchise, Paul died in a red Porsche driven by his friend while they were going at more than 100mph. His role in the following movie was maintained, portraying him with the help of CGI and his brothers.
David Bowie on his final days - 2016
Always upbeat and with a positive countenance, the iconic David Bowie shows his style here in his last known photo before succumbing to cancer after months of fighting. His death came only days after releasing his last album, Blackstar and two days after his 69th birthday. David didn’t want the world to know about his illness, opting for smiling through the pain and giving his best to his last work. Undoubtedly, David left his indelible mark in music that only a few could compete with. Although known for his extravagant outfits, he appears here with a black suit and a very stylish fedora.
Tupac Shakur minutes before being shot - 1996
The last photo of Tupac Shakur shows him when he was about to go on his final ride. Minutes later, in the company of fellow rapper and Death Row Records head Marian “Suge” Knight, a vehicle drove past them and fired gunshots. Suge was barely injured but Tupac would die of his injuries while in the hospital only a few days later. Many speculations have been made regarding the murder, but it is not known to this day if it had something to do with his feud with Christopher Wallace, known as The Notorious B.I.G., or if it was a gang-related incident.
John Lennon signing an autograph for his killer - 1980
There are not many instances in which a killer and his intended target are both caught on camera, especially if they don’t know each other. Such was the case with John Lennon and Mark David Chapman, who asked Lennon for an autograph only hours before killing him. Allegedly, Chapman had the gun in his pocket but waited until later, when Lennon was getting back to his home, to shoot him. John Lennon, a great musician and founding member of the legendary band The Beatles, died at the age of 40.
Sharon Tate hours before her murder - 1969
Five decades later, the gruesome murder of Sharon Tate keeps being the stuff of horror stories. After her wedding with Roman Polanski, Sharon moved to Benedict Canyon in Los Angeles. It was while Polanski was abroad that Sharon, eight-months pregnant at the time, hosted a party. Little did they know that the Manson Family would decide to crash the party and murder as many people as possible. Even though she reportedly begged for her and her baby’s life, she was murdered and her blood was used to write on the door. She will be portrayed on the big screen by Margot Robbie in the upcoming Tarantino movie.
Jimi Hendrix a day before his fatal overdose - 1970
Jimi Hendrix is, until this day, a legend in the music industry. His performances were filled with energy and excitement so in sync with the era - the '60s and the '70s. Even though he had admitted to various substance uses, he was never admitted to a rehab center nor was it ever known if he sought any type of professional help. Unfortunately, he died when he was only 27 years old of an overdose of sleeping tablets and booze. It was never determined if Jimi’s death was a suicide or not, with contradictory comments from the ones closest to him.
Heath Ledger before fatal overdose - 2008
Actor Heath Ledger was known for his amazing talent and versatility. However, in a world of excesses and with a history of substance dependence, it was the mixing of prescription drugs and booze which caused his untimely demise back in 2008, after finishing the filming for his role as The Joker, which earned him a posthumous Oscar award. Many said that Ledger’s mental state was affected by this final role, and although this might be true, it had been publicly known that former partner Michelle Williams had once begged him before to seek professional help and check into a facility.