Lists of unusual deaths

List of unusual deaths throughout history

Lists of unusual deaths document instances where individuals have died in extraordinary or bizarre circumstances. These accounts span from ancient history to modern times and often involve peculiar accidents, strange coincidences, or unique situations that capture public interest.

Ancient and Medieval Unusual Deaths

Death of Aeschylus as depicted in the Florentine Picture Chronicle

Aeschylus

The ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus is said to have died in 455 BC when an eagle dropped a tortoise on his head, mistaking his bald head for a rock suitable for shattering the shell. This unusual death is often cited as an example of the unpredictability of fate.

Frederick Barbarossa

Depiction of Frederick Barbarossa's death

The Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa drowned in 1190 while leading an army to the Third Crusade. He attempted to cross the Saleph River (now Göksu River) in full armor and was swept away by the current, leading to his untimely demise.

Renaissance to 19th Century

Franz Reichelt

Franz Reichelt, the "Flying Tailor"

In 1912, Franz Reichelt, an Austrian-born tailor, died after jumping from the Eiffel Tower while testing a wearable parachute of his own design. His death was captured on film and remains a cautionary tale about the risks of experimental aviation.

20th Century Unusual Deaths

Garry Hoy

In 1993, Garry Hoy, a lawyer in Toronto, Canada, died after falling from the 24th floor of the Toronto-Dominion Centre. He was demonstrating the strength of the building's windows by throwing himself against them, but the window frame gave way, leading to his fatal fall.

Basil Brown

In 1974, Basil Brown, a health food advocate, died from liver damage after consuming 70 million units of vitamin A over ten days, believing it would improve his health. His death highlights the dangers of excessive vitamin consumption.

21st Century Unusual Deaths

Jimi Heselden

In 2010, Jimi Heselden, the owner of Segway Inc., died after accidentally driving a Segway off a cliff near his estate in West Yorkshire, England. This incident drew significant media attention due to the irony of the circumstances.

Related Pages

• List of unusual deaths in antiquity
• List of unusual deaths in the Middle Ages
• List of unusual deaths in the Renaissance
• List of unusual deaths in the 20th century
• List of unusual deaths in the 21st century