Whether they’re hereditary, rare, or the result of a tragic accident, these deaths are strange and incredibly unlikely. They include sex, fire, flowers, baseball, lampreys, and man’s oldest foe: gravity.
Diseases such as ischemic heart disease and respiratory infections account for the majority of global deaths each year. But some of these conditions are also partially preventable if you take the right steps.
Bridget Driscoll
In 1896, Bridget Driscoll became the first pedestrian to die in a car accident. She was crossing Dolphin Terrace in Crystal Palace, London, when she was hit by a car.
According to early newspapers, she was unable to hear the horn or the driver’s bell ringing. She was struck down in what the Times called a “horrible tragedy”.
Mary Mansfield
The tragic 1967 death of American actress Jayne Mansfield left a lasting impression on the public. She had achieved stardom during the 1950s and was known for her pin-up role in films such as Kiss Them For Me.
The actress was a provocateur of her time. Her publicity stunts were often criticized by the media and producers. She had a rocky personal life with three marriages that all ended in divorce.
Stanton Walker
A baseball game involving two friends ended in tragedy when one of them stabbed the other with a penknife. The story goes that one of them asked the other to borrow the knife so he could sharpen a pencil.
As the man was passing the knife across, he was struck by a foul ball which pushed the blade into his hand. At that point, the knife plunged directly into his chest and he died in a matter of minutes.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a disease in which cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors. These tumors can block your breathing and cause other health problems.
It can occur in your lungs (primary lung cancer) or somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs (secondary cancer/metastasis). The treatment for cancer that starts in your lungs depends on its type, stage, and how well it responds to treatment.
Heart Disease
Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD), is the number one cause of death worldwide. CVD affects the heart and blood vessels, leading to chest pain, heart attacks, and strokes.
Heart disease can be caused by smoking, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. By eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and exercising regularly, people can reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that causes the air sacs in your lungs to fill with fluid or pus. It’s caused by bacteria or viruses that are contagious.
If you have pneumonia, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. It’s especially important for older adults, children, and people with a weakened immune system.
Stroke
Stroke is one of the most tragic causes of death in the United States. It is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain, which prevents it from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs.
Ischemic strokes are usually treated by restoring circulation to the affected areas. Hemorrhagic strokes are more difficult to treat and can cause permanent damage if they aren’t treated quickly enough.
Suicide
One of the 10 most tragic deaths in the United States is suicide. It is an immeasurable loss to the victims and their families.
Suicide is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive multisectoral public health approach. It is a priority condition for WHO, and member states have committed themselves to reducing the global rate of suicide by one-third by 2030.
