Dying To Get On Television

**Earl** · 17-01-2008, 21:51

Over the years since the old cathode ray was invented there have been numerous real life on screen deaths. Recently posted on this site was the infamous Budd Dwyer footage which shows the ex-Pennsylvania State Treasurer pull out a .357 Magnum and liberate his brains all over the wall at a press conference. But there have been many more, maybe not all as dramatic but each as shocking.

Samuel K Doe

Samuel Doe was the dictator of Liberia between 1980 and 1990, where his power came to an end after a military coup. Doe was captured by an opposing faction led by Prince Johnson. Johnson filmed himself and his men torturing and killing Doe as he begged for his life. Doe's ears were cut off as the cameras rolled and he eventually bled to death during torture. The footage was later broadcast on Liberian national television.

Owen Hart

Owen Hart was a professional WWF wrestler, during a stunt where he was meant to be lowered into the ring to start a bout against The Godfather a technical fault occurred and he fell crashing to his death.

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Lee Harvey Oswald

The supposed JFK assassin is secondly remembered for being the first live execution on television. He was gunned down by nightclub owner Jack Ruby as he was led handcuffed from the Dallas police head quarters.

Ayrton Senna

At the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix arguably the greatest F1 driver ever came to a violent end when he smashed into a barrier at 192 mph. Part of a suspension arm went through Senna's visor and continued through his face. Although the BBC cut from the scene many viewers around the globe were treated to the bloody aftermath as Senna was removed from the wreckage.

Space Shuttle Challenger

The 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger Mission was meant to be remembered for the first visit into space by a civilian. Christa McAuliffe was a 37 year old teacher with a husband and two children.

The launch began with textbook precision and everything was going well until one minute and 13 seconds into the flight the shuttle simply exploded.

The disaster was watched by schoolchildren all over the world, and the 7 Up jokes began around one minute and 15 seconds after take off.

Tommy Cooper

Unfunny comic and piss-poor magician Tommy Cooper was half way through his act at Live From Her Majesty's when he turned a wonderful puce colour and suffered a massive booze induced heart attack live on stage. The audience were in fits of laughter believing it was a gag. Probably ITV's finest moment.