April 15

Deaths - Other

1912day.year

Victims of the Titanic disaster: Thomas Andrews

(1872 - 1912)

Irish shipbuilder John Jacob Astor IV, American colonel, businessman, and author Archibald Butt, American general and journalist Jacques Futrelle, American journalist and author Benjamin Guggenheim, American businessman Henry B. Harris, American producer and manager Wallace Hartley, English violinist and bandleader Charles Melville Hays, American businessman James Paul Moody, English Sixth Officer William McMaster Murdoch, Scottish First Officer Jack Phillips, English telegraphist Edward Smith, English Captain William Thomas Stead, English journalist Ida Straus, German-American businesswoman Isidor Straus, German-American businessman and politician John B. Thayer, American business and sportsman Henry Tingle Wilde, English chief officer

Irish shipbuilder John Jacob Astor IV American colonel businessman and author Archibald Butt American general and journalist Jacques Futrelle American journalist and author Benjamin Guggenheim American businessman Henry B. Harris American producer and manager Wallace Hartley English violinist and bandleader Charles Melville Hays American businessman James Paul Moody English Sixth Officer William McMaster Murdoch Scottish First Officer Jack Phillips English telegraphist Edward Smith English Captain William Thomas Stead English journalist Ida Straus German-American businesswoman Isidor Straus German-American businessman and politician John B. Thayer American business and sportsman Henry Tingle Wilde English chief officer
Multiple notable individuals lost their lives in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912.
On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic, resulting in over 1,500 deaths. Among the victims were shipbuilder and designer Thomas Andrews, financier John Jacob Astor IV, military aide Archibald Butt, journalist Jacques Futrelle, and many others including Captain Edward Smith and violinist Wallace Hartley. This disaster highlighted the era's overconfidence in maritime safety and led to significant improvements in ship design and emergency procedures. The stories of those who perished, from business magnates to humble crew members, have captivated the public imagination for over a century. Memorials and exhibitions continue to honor their memory and the lessons learned from this tragic event.
1912 Titanic disaster Thomas Andrews John Jacob Astor IV Archibald Butt Jacques Futrelle Benjamin Guggenheim Henry B. Harris Wallace Hartley Charles Melville Hays James Paul Moody William McMaster Murdoch Jack Phillips Edward Smith William Thomas Stead Ida Straus Isidor Straus John B. Thayer Henry Tingle Wilde
1925day.year

Fritz Haarmann

(1879 - 1925)

German serial killer

German serial killer
Infamous German serial killer known as the 'Butcher of Hanover' who was executed in 1925.
Born in 1879 in Hanover, Fritz Haarmann became one of Germany's most notorious criminals, responsible for the murders of at least 24 young men between 1918 and 1924. He lured victims to his apartment, where he killed and dismembered them, often disposing of their remains in the River Leine. His crimes shocked the nation and sparked a massive manhunt, leading to his arrest in 1924. At trial, he pled guilty to 27 counts of murder and was sentenced to death. He was executed by guillotine in 1925, and his case prompted changes in police procedures and public awareness of serial crimes. Haarmann's chilling legacy remains a dark chapter in criminal history.
1925 Fritz Haarmann
1999day.year

Harvey Postlethwaite

(1944 - 1999)

English engineer

English engineer
British Formula One engineer celebrated for his innovative car designs with teams like Ferrari and Jordan.
Harvey Postlethwaite was born in 1944 in Stoke-on-Trent, England, and studied mechanical engineering at the University of London. He began his motorsport career at Lola Cars and later became technical director at Ensign, Wolf, and Hesketh Formula One teams. In 1987, he joined Ferrari, where he led the design of the successful 641 chassis that challenged for the World Championship. Postlethwaite's designs were known for their aerodynamic efficiency and engineering precision. In the mid-1990s, he moved to Tyrrell and then to Jordan Grand Prix, where he helped secure the team's first Grand Prix victory in 1993. His contributions had a lasting impact on the sport's technical development. Known for his hands-on approach and inventive spirit, he was highly respected by colleagues and drivers. Postlethwaite passed away suddenly in 1999 while working on a car at BMW's test track in Stuttgart.
1999 Harvey Postlethwaite
2002day.year

Byron White

(1917 - 2002)

American football player, lawyer, and jurist, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

American football player lawyer and jurist Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
American football star turned Supreme Court justice, known for his versatile career in sports and law.
Charles Byron White was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1917 and excelled in football as a college All-American. He played professionally for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions before earning a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, White returned to the United States to attend Yale Law School. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy appointed him as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. White served on the Court until 1993, authoring key opinions on civil rights and criminal law. His balanced judicial philosophy reflected his diverse experiences on the field and on the bench. White remained active in community affairs and legal education after retirement. He died in 2002, leaving a legacy of athletic and judicial achievement.
Byron White Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
2010day.year

Jack Herer

(1939 - 2010)

American author and activist

American author and activist
American author and activist best known for his advocacy of hemp legalization and his influential book "The Emperor Wears No Clothes".
Jack Herer was born in 1939 in Buffalo, New York, and became a leading voice in the movement to legalize cannabis and hemp. He authored "The Emperor Wears No Clothes," a groundbreaking book that documented the economic, environmental, and historical benefits of hemp. Herer founded the Hemp & Cannabis Foundation (THCF) in 1999 to promote medical marijuana access and industrial hemp use. His tireless speaking tours and grassroots campaigns inspired a new generation of activists and contributed to shifting public perceptions of cannabis. Until his death in 2010, Herer remained a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and personal freedoms.
2010 Jack Herer
2011day.year

Vittorio Arrigoni

(1975 - 2011)

Italian journalist, author, and activist

Italian journalist author and activist
Italian journalist and activist who dedicated his life to human rights and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Vittorio Arrigoni was born in 1975 in Milan and became a prominent voice in the international solidarity movement for Palestine. He moved to the Gaza Strip in 2008, living among activists and reporting on the impact of conflict on civilian populations. Arrigoni wrote books and articles documenting everyday life in Gaza, drawing attention to humanitarian issues and advocating nonviolent resistance. In 2011, he was tragically abducted and killed, an event that sparked global outrage and highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones. His commitment to justice and peace continues to inspire activists around the world.
2011 Vittorio Arrigoni
2017day.year

Emma Morano

(1899 - 2017)

Italian supercentenarian, last person verified born in the 1800s

Italian supercentenarian last person verified born in the 1800s
Emma Morano was an Italian supercentenarian who, at her death, was the last verified living person born in the 1800s.
Born in 1899 in Piedmont, Italy, Emma Morano lived through three centuries and survived two world wars. She attributed her longevity to a simple diet that included raw eggs and daily solitude. After becoming a widow in 1937, she lived alone until her final years, maintaining her independence well past her 110th birthday. Morano became a public icon in Italy, receiving visits from presidents and celebrities who celebrated her birthday milestones. Known for her sharp wit and straightforward advice on life, she inspired many with her resilience. She died in 2017 at the age of 117 years and 137 days. Morano's extraordinary lifespan made her a symbol of human resilience and longevity.
Emma Morano supercentenarian
2022day.year

Bilquis Edhi

(1947 - 2022)

Pakistani philanthropist and wife of Abdul Sattar Edhi

Pakistani philanthropist and wife of Abdul Sattar Edhi
Pakistani philanthropist who co-led the Edhi Foundation alongside her husband.
Born in 1947, Bilquis Edhi served as co-chairperson of the Edhi Foundation, one of Pakistan’s largest welfare organizations. She began her work in nursing and played a key role in establishing maternal care and orphan support programs. Under her leadership, the foundation expanded its ambulance service, blind care, and adoption services. Her partnership with Abdul Sattar Edhi turned the foundation into a symbol of hope for millions. Known for her compassion and dedication, she continued philanthropic activities throughout her life. Her efforts earned her national recognition as a leading humanitarian in Pakistan.
2022 Bilquis Edhi Abdul Sattar Edhi

Thomas Andrews

(1873 - )

Irish shipbuilder

Irish shipbuilder
Irish shipbuilder best known as the chief designer of the RMS Titanic.
Born in 1873 in Comber, County Down, Andrews trained as an engineer at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. He rose to become Head of the Drafting Department and led the design team for the Olympic-class ships. As chief designer of the Titanic, he oversaw every aspect of her construction and safety features. On the ship’s maiden voyage, Andrews tirelessly worked to assist passengers and crew after the collision with an iceberg. He is remembered for his bravery, reportedly helping others into lifeboats before he perished when the ship sank. His legacy endures in maritime engineering and heroic accounts of the Titanic disaster.
Thomas Andrews

James Paul Moody

(1887 - )

English Sixth Officer

English Sixth Officer
James Paul Moody was the Sixth Officer on the Titanic remembered for his courage during the sinking.
Born in Wandsworth, London, in 1887, Moody pursued a career in the Merchant Navy. He served as Sixth Officer aboard the RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage. When the iceberg struck, he coordinated lifeboat launches and maintained order. He continued to assist passengers until the final moments on deck. Moody’s heroism and leadership under pressure are honored in maritime history.
James Paul Moody

William McMaster Murdoch

(1873 - )

Scottish First Officer

Scottish First Officer
William McMaster Murdoch was the Titanic’s First Officer known for his dedication to duty during the disaster.
Born in Dalbeattie, Scotland, in 1873, Murdoch joined the Merchant Navy at an early age. He held the role of First Officer when the Titanic struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Murdoch helped load lifeboats and directed passengers to safety amid freezing conditions. His navigation decisions and calm under pressure have been both studied and debated. Murdoch’s service remains a testament to maritime duty and sacrifice.
William McMaster Murdoch

Jack Phillips

(1887 - )

English telegraphist

English telegraphist
Jack Phillips was the Titanic’s senior wireless operator who tirelessly sent SOS signals during the sinking.
Born in Farncombe, Surrey, in 1887, Phillips trained in Marconi wireless telegraphy. As Senior Marconi Operator on the Titanic, he was crucial in transmitting distress messages. He continued sending calls for help long after the collision, despite exhaustion and cold. His dedication ensured that other ships received the Titanic’s coordinates. Phillips’s sacrifice highlights the vital role of communication in maritime emergencies.
Jack Phillips