Ricky Nelson’s death: What caused his plane to crash?
On the fateful night of December 31, 1985, the world lost Ricky Nelson, a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, in a tragic aviation accident.
Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson on May 8, 1940, in Teaneck, NJ, was a multifaceted talent known for his accomplishments as a singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He was one of the early pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll and achieved massive popularity in the late 1950s and 1960s.
Achievements
His career began at an early age. He was the son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and rose to fame starring alongside his family in the popular series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. One of his acting career achievements was being nominated for a Golden Globe for his appearance in the iconic film Rio Bravo (1959).
As a teenager, Nelson expanded his career and became a successfull recording artist with hits like “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man,” “Garden Party,” and his first #1 hit with “Poor Little Fool.” Nelson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, posthumously honoring his enduring legacy.
Nelson accrued significant wealth during his lifetime, with his net worth being estimated at millions of dollars.
Plane crash
Ricky Nelson’s life was tragically cut short on December 31, 1985, due to an aviation accident and incident. He was traveling on a private aircraft when it crashed near DeKalb, Texas. Initial reports suggested that the cause of the crash might have been sparked by a malfunction or possibly a fire onboard the aircraft.
Burial
Nelson’s untimely death brought a wave of grief to his fans and the music industry at large. He was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, a few steps away from his parents.
