October 24

Born in Fribourg, Switzerland in 1936. He began his career on motorcycles before transitioning to sports cars and Formula One. Driving for Lotus and Cooper, he achieved multiple Grand Prix podiums and victories. He also won endurance races at Le Mans and the Nürburgring with Porsche. Known for his fearless style and skill, he earned the nickname Seppi. Tragically, he was killed in a crash at the 1971 Mexican Grand Prix, at the age of 35.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1943. He played college football at Wichita State and joined the Detroit Lions before moving to the Philadelphia Eagles. On October 24, 1971, he collapsed during a game and suffered a fatal heart attack, marking the only in-game death in NFL history. He recorded 100 receptions over his career and was known for his dedication and character. His death prompted the league to enhance its medical protocols and player safety measures.

Born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919. After excelling in multiple sports at UCLA, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1947, he became the first African American in modern Major League Baseball, debuting with the Brooklyn Dodgers. A six-time All-Star and 1949 National League MVP, he led the Dodgers to a World Series title in 1955. After retiring, he was a successful businessman, civil rights advocate, and sportscaster. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, he passed away in 1972, leaving a profound legacy on and off the field.

Richie Evans (1941–1985) won a record nine NASCAR National Modified championships. Nicknamed 'The Rapid Roman,' he dominated short-track racing throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. Evans was celebrated for his smooth driving style, mechanical skill, and relentless competitiveness. He earned induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame posthumously in recognition of his impact on the sport. Tragically, he died in a crash during a race at Martinsville Speedway.

Heinz Kubsch (1930–1993) played as a goalkeeper for Fortuna Düsseldorf and earned 12 caps for the West Germany national team. He was selected as a squad member for the team that famously won the 1954 FIFA World Cup. Known for his reflexes and calm presence under pressure, Kubsch also contributed to his club’s success in domestic competitions. After retiring, he remained involved in football through coaching and community work. His legacy endures as part of West Germany’s historic triumph in Switzerland. Kubsch passed away in 1993, remembered fondly by fans and teammates.

Born in 1969 in Bello, Colombia, Hernán Gaviria rose through the ranks of local clubs before becoming a key midfielder for Atlético Nacional. He gained international recognition during the early 1990s, earning caps for the Colombian national team and competing in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Renowned for his speed, vision, and powerful long-range shots, Gaviria scored several memorable goals. He played in South America’s top leagues, displaying consistent performance and leadership on the field. His promising career was tragically cut short in 2002 following a fatal road accident.

Born in 1980, Ricky Hendrick was a rising star in NASCAR racing and heir to the Hendrick Motorsports legacy. He won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year award in 2000 and captured the NASCAR Busch East Series championship in 2002. As a team owner and businessman, he played a key role in expanding his family's motorsports empire. Tragically, he died in a plane crash near Martinsville, Virginia, in 2004 at the age of 24, shocking the racing community. His passion for speed and leadership in the garage continue to inspire young drivers.

Born in 1941 in Pärnu, Estonia, Maaja Ranniku dominated Estonian women's chess during the 1960s and 1970s. She won the national championship four times and earned the Woman International Master title in 1976. Ranniku represented her country in multiple Chess Olympiads, competing against top players. Her strategic style and competitive spirit influenced a generation of Baltic chess enthusiasts. She remained active in teaching and promoting chess until her passing in 2004.

Jeff Blatnick was an American wrestler who overcame Hodgkin's lymphoma to achieve Olympic gold in the super heavyweight Greco-Roman event at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. After his athletic success, he became a respected sports commentator and official in the world of mixed martial arts. He served as a longtime commentator and regulatory liaison for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, helping to legitimize and shape early MMA competitions. Blatnick's advocacy for athlete safety and sports integrity earned him widespread respect. His life story continues to inspire athletes facing adversity.

Margaret Osborne duPont was one of the most decorated American tennis players of the mid-20th century. She captured 37 Grand Slam titles across singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles competitions between the 1940s and 1950s. Osborne duPont spent 1947 as the world's top-ranked woman and was known for her graceful style and strategic mastery on the court. She partnered with Louise Brough to dominate women's doubles, winning thirteen titles together. Off the court, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in recognition of her remarkable career. Her achievements paved the way for future generations in women's tennis.

Lew Mayne was an American football center and coach whose career spanned both collegiate and professional ranks. He played at the University of Texas before joining the NFL's Washington Redskins in the 1940s. After retiring as a player, Mayne turned to coaching, leading the football program at Arlington State College (now the University of Texas at Arlington). Known for his disciplined approach and leadership skills, he guided young athletes both on and off the field. Mayne's contributions to the sport were recognized in regional halls of fame. His dedication to football helped shape programs and inspired future generations of players.

Born in Vaal, South Africa in 1980, Mulaudzi rose to prominence in the early 2000s with his tactical speed and finishing kick. He claimed silver in the 800m at the 2004 Athens Olympics and later took gold at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. His personal best of 1:42.86 ranked among the fastest times globally at the time. He won multiple medals at African Championships and was named South African Sportsman of the Year. Off the track, he was admired for his dedication to youth athletics and community development. His sudden death in 2014 at age 34 was a shock to the athletics world and left a lasting legacy in South African sport.