Fame can make a person’s life feel larger than the world, but it cannot protect anyone from sudden tragedy. Over the past century, plane crashes have taken beloved musicians, actors, athletes, leaders, and pioneers far too soon. Each person on this list left behind more than a heartbreaking final flight. Their work, courage, and influence matter, and their stories deserve to be remembered with care, honesty, and respect by generations who continue to admire them.

#1: John F. Kennedy Jr.

John F. Kennedy Jr. was a lawyer, magazine publisher, and the son of President John F. Kennedy. In July 1999, he was recovering from a broken ankle. He planned to fly his wife, Carolyn, and her sister, Lauren, to Massachusetts for a family wedding.

On July 16, their small plane disappeared near Martha’s Vineyard during a dark, hazy flight. Investigators said Kennedy became confused over the ocean and lost control. All three died. The tragedy brought national mourning and added another painful chapter to the Kennedy family’s history.