1961day.year

Laurence Owen

(1944 - 1961)

American figure skater

American figure skater
American figure skater and 1961 U.S. national champion whose life was tragically cut short.
Laurence Owen was an American figure skater who captured the U.S. national title in 1961 at just 16 years old. Born in Boston in 1944 to skating champion Maribel Vinson Owen, she trained under her mother's guidance and quickly emerged as a leading talent. Her graceful artistry and technical skill made her a favorite on the ice during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Tragically, Laurence and the entire U.S. figure skating team perished in the Sabena Flight 548 crash en route to the World Championships shortly after her national victory. Her untimely death shocked the skating world and left a lasting legacy of promise and potential unfulfilled.
1961 Laurence Owen
2008day.year

Johnny Weaver

(1935 - 2008)

American wrestler and sportscaster

American wrestler and sportscaster
Johnny Weaver (1935–2008) was an American professional wrestler and sportscaster known for his charismatic persona.
Born in 1935, Johnny Weaver became a regional wrestling star with his technical skill and showmanship. After retiring from the ring, he transitioned to sportscasting, covering wrestling events for television. Weaver's commentary style endeared him to fans and helped popularize televised wrestling. He trained numerous wrestlers, passing on his knowledge of the sport. His dual legacy as both performer and broadcaster left an enduring impact on professional wrestling. Weaver is remembered for his passion and dedication to the sport.
2008 Johnny Weaver
2015day.year

Steve Montador

(1979 - 2015)

Canadian ice hockey player

Canadian ice hockey player
Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman known for his physical play and career in the NHL.
Steve Montador was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman celebrated for his toughness and leadership on the ice. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in 1998, he went on to play over 600 NHL games with teams including the Flames, Panthers, Kings, Sabres, and Blackhawks. Montador was admired for his physical style, penalty-killing expertise, and mentoring of younger teammates. He represented Canada internationally, contributing to Team Canada's defensive depth in tournaments. After retiring, he advocated for player safety and concussion awareness following his own head injury struggles. His untimely death in 2015 prompted renewed discussions about the long-term effects of concussions in hockey. Montador's legacy remains as a fierce competitor and advocate for athlete health.
Steve Montador