When did he die remains a precise historical question with emotional weight for families, researchers, and communities that remember the person involved. Understanding the exact date, circumstances, and record sources helps clarify the timeline and correct misinformation.
This guide organizes key details, comparisons, and common questions so readers can quickly locate reliable information and avoid confusion with similarly named individuals.
| Full Name | Date of Death | Primary Role | Location of Death | Documented Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy | November 22, 1963 | 35th President of the United States | Dallas, Texas, USA | Warren Commission Report |
| Muammar Gaddafi | October 20, 2011 | Former Leader of Libya | Sirte, Libya | News reports and forensic analysis |
| Alan Turing | June 7, 1954 | Mathematician, Computer Scientist | Wilmslow, England, UK | Coroner’s inquest and biographies |
| David Bowie | January 10, 2016 | Musician and Actor | New York City, New York, USA | Official death certificate and statements |
| Ruth Bader Ginsburg | September 18, 2020 | Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court | Washington, D.C., USA | Supreme Court announcement and obituaries |
Historical Records and Verification
Historical records play a critical role in confirming when he died and separating verified facts from speculation. Researchers rely on death certificates, official reports, news archives, and peer-reviewed studies to build a consistent timeline.
Cross referencing multiple sources reduces errors caused by misdated entries, translation issues, or conflicting eyewitness accounts. In high-profile cases, governments and institutions often release summary documents to address public questions.
Geographic Context of Death
The location where he died can affect how investigations are conducted and how information is shared across borders. Different jurisdictions have distinct legal processes for certifying and registering deaths, especially for public figures.
International coverage may highlight political implications, travel routes, or diplomatic consequences that shape public perception beyond the simple date itself.
Medical and Official Cause Analysis
Medical reports provide details beyond when he died, including immediate cause, contributing conditions, and whether the death was natural, accidental, or homicidal. Autopsies, toxicology screens, and review of medical history help establish a clear picture.
Official bodies such as coroner offices, medical examiners, and national security committees often summarize findings for public release while protecting sensitive investigative details.
Cultural and Media Influence
Media coverage can amplify the significance of a death and influence how widely the date is remembered. Documentaries, commemorations, and annual reflections reinforce the timeline in public memory, especially for figures involved in major political or cultural shifts.
Social platforms can spread both accurate reporting and unverified claims, making authoritative sources essential for anyone asking when he died with precision.
Key Takeaways and Reliable Verification
- Verify the date of death using official records, not just news headlines or social posts.
- Cross reference multiple authoritative sources to resolve conflicting information.
- Understand geographic and jurisdictional differences in how death records are maintained.
- Recognize the impact of media coverage on public perception of timelines.
- Use certified documentation for legal, financial, or genealogical decisions.
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I confirm the exact date of death for a specific person named John Smith?
Check certified public records, official obituaries in reputable news organizations, and government databases such as national vital statistics offices or professional licensing boards that maintain verified status information.
What should I do if different sources list different dates for the same individual?
Compare the credibility of each source, prioritize official documents like death certificates or court records, and look for consensus among historians, biographers, or subject matter experts to resolve discrepancies.
Can incorrect reports about a death affect legal or inheritance matters?
Yes, premature or inaccurate reports can complicate probate, insurance claims, and property transfers, which is why families often rely on official documentation and legal counsel to correct records and protect rights.
Why does the exact timing of death matter beyond historical interest?
It influences eligibility for benefits, determines the validity of documents signed near the end of life, shapes academic research, and affects cultural memory, memorialization practices, and family closure processes.