April 30

Casey Jones was born in 1864 in Missouri and began his career with the Illinois Central Railroad as a fireman and brakeman. He earned a reputation for punctuality and skill, rising to the position of locomotive engineer. On April 30, 1900, Jones stayed at his controls to slow his train and save a passenger train in Collinsville, Mississippi, ultimately sacrificing his life. His heroic actions inspired the folk ballad 'Casey Jones,' cementing his status as an American railroad legend. Jones's legacy endures in railroad lore and popular culture.

Eva Braun met Adolf Hitler in Munich and became his private companion for over a decade. Born in 1912, she worked as a photographer and assistant in Hitler's offices. Despite her proximity to power, she maintained a secluded life away from politics. In April 1945, she married Hitler in a bunker in Berlin shortly before their joint suicide. Braun's personal diaries and photographs offer a rare glimpse into Hitler's private life. She remains a controversial figure due to her association with the Nazi regime.

Lester Bangs (1949–1982) revolutionized music journalism with his raw, unfiltered writing style. He wrote for magazines like Rolling Stone and Creem, championing artists from Lou Reed to Patti Smith. Bangs celebrated the spirit of rock and punk, influencing later generations of critics and writers. His essays blended memoir, cultural critique, and fierce opinion, creating a new form of music journalism. Despite his early death at 33, his work remains a touchstone for anyone exploring rock history. Bangs’s fearless voice continues to inspire writers to embrace honesty and passion.

Charlotte von Mahlsdorf (1928–2002) was a German philanthropist and LGBTQ pioneer best known for founding the Gründerzeit Museum in Berlin. Born Lothar Berfelde, she transitioned and adopted a feminine identity during the Nazi era, preserving 19th-century antiques in her museum. Her salon became a cultural hub, attracting artists, historians, and collectors who helped safeguard Berlin's architectural heritage. Von Mahlsdorf's bravery in living openly transcended political regimes, including the Nazi and East German governments. Her life story was later celebrated in plays and documentaries, highlighting her role in art preservation and LGBTQ history.

Ian Ross was an Australian journalist and news presenter with a broadcasting career spanning four decades. As a trusted voice in television news, he anchored prime-time bulletins for major networks, delivering headlines with clarity and gravitas. He was remembered for his calm demeanor during breaking news and his commitment to accurate reporting. Over the years, Ross covered national and international events, interviewing politicians and public figures. He received industry awards for his journalistic excellence and mentorship of younger reporters. His influence shaped Australian broadcast journalism, setting high standards for integrity and presentation. Even after retiring, he remained a respected commentator on media and current affairs.

Mino Raiola was a prominent Italian football agent known for representing stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Pogba, and Matthijs de Ligt. Born in 1967 in Nocera Inferiore, Italy, he moved to the Netherlands as a child and began his career in sports management in Amsterdam. Over decades, Raiola negotiated record-breaking transfers and was respected for his fierce advocacy and negotiation skills. He founded Sports Promotions & Management B.V. and later the agency Mino Raiola Sports International. Raiola also supported charitable causes and was involved in youth football development. His aggressive style often sparked debate within the football world, but he remained one of the most influential agents in the sport. He passed away on April 30, 2022, at the age of 54, leaving a lasting impact on player representation.

Jock Zonfrillo was a Scottish-born chef who dedicated his career to exploring and promoting Indigenous Australian ingredients and cooking techniques. After training in Edinburgh, he moved to Australia and worked at acclaimed restaurants before opening the award-winning Orana restaurant in Adelaide. Zonfrillo gained international recognition as a judge on MasterChef Australia, where he showcased native bush foods to a global audience. He founded the Orana Foundation to support Indigenous communities and preserve culinary traditions. Throughout his career, he earned multiple culinary awards, including the Gourmet Traveller Chef of the Year. Known for his passion and storytelling, he connected diners with Australia's rich Indigenous heritage. He died on April 30, 2023, at the age of 47, leaving a legacy of culinary innovation and cultural respect.