Let’s be honest - Americans aren’t the  most cautious people. Just ask Florida  
Let’s be honest - Americans aren’t the  most cautious people. Just ask Florida  

Man - when he calls you for bail money. But  some risks and bad decisions don’t work out  
Man - when he calls you for bail money. But  some risks and bad decisions don’t work out  

too well. Some end with people going  down in history - in the obituaries.
too well. Some end with people going  down in history - in the obituaries.

Here are some of the dumbest ways Americans  have managed to get themselves killed.
Here are some of the dumbest ways Americans  have managed to get themselves killed.

Robert Dreyer maybe shouldn’t have been driving  anymore. The Florida man had just turned 89  
Robert Dreyer maybe shouldn’t have been driving  anymore. The Florida man had just turned 89  

in 2017, but was reluctant to surrender his  license. Sure enough, while out for a drive,  
in 2017, but was reluctant to surrender his  license. Sure enough, while out for a drive,  

he crashed into a fire hydrant. A routine accident  - except that the crash also managed to break  
he crashed into a fire hydrant. A routine accident  - except that the crash also managed to break  

the water line connected to the hydrant. This  created a massive burst of water pressure - and  
the water line connected to the hydrant. This  created a massive burst of water pressure - and  

when Dreyer stepped out of the vehicle to  check the damage, the old man was pulled  
when Dreyer stepped out of the vehicle to  check the damage, the old man was pulled  

into a massive sinkhole and disappeared  into the ground. Witnesses tried to help,  
into a massive sinkhole and disappeared  into the ground. Witnesses tried to help,  

but were unable to get past the surging water, and  Dreyer drowned in a freak deadly fender-bender.
but were unable to get past the surging water, and  Dreyer drowned in a freak deadly fender-bender.

He wasn’t the only Florida  Man to meet an unexpected end.
He wasn’t the only Florida  Man to meet an unexpected end.

Salvator Disi was trying to service a helicopter  in Hernando County, Florida in 2019. The stubborn  
Salvator Disi was trying to service a helicopter  in Hernando County, Florida in 2019. The stubborn  

aircraft needed to be jump-started, and Disi  needed a boost to reach the parts. He decided  
aircraft needed to be jump-started, and Disi  needed a boost to reach the parts. He decided  

to use a power cart to reach it - a ground support  device used by those loading airplanes and getting  
to use a power cart to reach it - a ground support  device used by those loading airplanes and getting  

them ready for de-planing. His strategy worked and  he was able to get the helicopter working - only  
them ready for de-planing. His strategy worked and  he was able to get the helicopter working - only  

for the rotors to move up and down unexpectedly  just as he reached them, knocking Disi’s head  
for the rotors to move up and down unexpectedly  just as he reached them, knocking Disi’s head  

clean-off and bringing a sudden end to the  61-year-old airport worker’s career - and life.
clean-off and bringing a sudden end to the  61-year-old airport worker’s career - and life.

This next plane-related  death was even more unusual.
This next plane-related  death was even more unusual.

It was a packed football game between the Jets  and Patriots in New York’s Shea Stadium in 1979,  
It was a packed football game between the Jets  and Patriots in New York’s Shea Stadium in 1979,  

and the halftime show had an unexpected  surprise for fans. The Electronic Eagles,  
and the halftime show had an unexpected  surprise for fans. The Electronic Eagles,  

a radio-control plane group, was putting on a show  of pilot-less model planes that could engage in  
a radio-control plane group, was putting on a show  of pilot-less model planes that could engage in  

dogfights. But this day, the planes seemed to be  getting unusually close to fans. People started  
dogfights. But this day, the planes seemed to be  getting unusually close to fans. People started  

getting nervous when one of the planes crashed  into the field, but the show went on - until  
getting nervous when one of the planes crashed  into the field, but the show went on - until  

one man controlling a model plane shaped like a  lawnmower lost control. The model plane spiraled,  
one man controlling a model plane shaped like a  lawnmower lost control. The model plane spiraled,  

crashed into the crowd, and seriously injured  the unfortunate John Bowen, who died four days  
crashed into the crowd, and seriously injured  the unfortunate John Bowen, who died four days  

later. While it was ruled an accident, it cast  a permanent shadow over the Electronic Eagles.
later. While it was ruled an accident, it cast  a permanent shadow over the Electronic Eagles.

But sometimes, a car will  do just as well as a plane.
But sometimes, a car will  do just as well as a plane.

John Hutcherson and Francis Brohm were two friends  who loved to get drunk. After a night of partying,  
John Hutcherson and Francis Brohm were two friends  who loved to get drunk. After a night of partying,  

Brohm was two sheets to the wind, so Hutcherson  drove them home. The only problem was...he was  
Brohm was two sheets to the wind, so Hutcherson  drove them home. The only problem was...he was  

drunk too. During the fatal 2004 ride, Brohm  stuck his head out the window - and promptly  
drunk too. During the fatal 2004 ride, Brohm  stuck his head out the window - and promptly  

hit a telephone wire, decapitating him.  But Hutcherson was too drunk to notice,  
hit a telephone wire, decapitating him.  But Hutcherson was too drunk to notice,  

and continued driving home for twelve miles  before falling asleep and leaving Brohm’s  
and continued driving home for twelve miles  before falling asleep and leaving Brohm’s  

body in the car. It was found the next morning  by a neighbor, and Hutcherson claimed he never  
body in the car. It was found the next morning  by a neighbor, and Hutcherson claimed he never  

noticed. Brohm’s family seemed to believe him -  asking a judge for mercy for the drunk driver.
noticed. Brohm’s family seemed to believe him -  asking a judge for mercy for the drunk driver.

This next unfortunate victim  was killed by lava - in a sense.
This next unfortunate victim  was killed by lava - in a sense.

Who doesn’t love a lava lamp? Those retro  home decorations with those hypnotic blobs  
Who doesn’t love a lava lamp? Those retro  home decorations with those hypnotic blobs  

bouncing up and down still have their  fans, and they’re much safer than actual  
bouncing up and down still have their  fans, and they’re much safer than actual  

lava - if they’re handled properly. They’re  supposed to be heated by a bulb in the base,  
lava - if they’re handled properly. They’re  supposed to be heated by a bulb in the base,  

but Phillip Quinn of Kent, Washington had  an idea for how to speed it up in 2004.  
but Phillip Quinn of Kent, Washington had  an idea for how to speed it up in 2004.  

He decided to put the lamp on the stove to  heat it. It worked - a little too well. The  
He decided to put the lamp on the stove to  heat it. It worked - a little too well. The  

lava lamp overheated, the glass exploded, and  Mr. Quinn took a shard of glass directly to  
lava lamp overheated, the glass exploded, and  Mr. Quinn took a shard of glass directly to  

the heart and died soon afterwards.  Not exactly the eruption of Pompeii.
the heart and died soon afterwards.  Not exactly the eruption of Pompeii.

Sports injuries aren’t the most uncommon cause  of death - but this one was especially painful.
Sports injuries aren’t the most uncommon cause  of death - but this one was especially painful.

Dick Wertheim was a tennis lineman who would  become famous in 1983 when his name became  
Dick Wertheim was a tennis lineman who would  become famous in 1983 when his name became  

unfortunately prophetic. He was working as an  officiant when Swedish tennis phenom Stefan Edberg  
unfortunately prophetic. He was working as an  officiant when Swedish tennis phenom Stefan Edberg  

sent a serve in the wrong direction -  and hit Wertheim directly in the groin.  
sent a serve in the wrong direction -  and hit Wertheim directly in the groin.  

Wertham recoiled in pain, fell backwards out of  his chair, and hit his head on the hard ground.  
Wertham recoiled in pain, fell backwards out of  his chair, and hit his head on the hard ground.  

He was taken to the hospital unconscious and  died five years later. Wertheim wasn’t a healthy  
He was taken to the hospital unconscious and  died five years later. Wertheim wasn’t a healthy  

man and there were extended legal battles  over what killed him, but the International  
man and there were extended legal battles  over what killed him, but the International  

Tennis Foundation made one big change - no  more linesmen sitting down during matches.
Tennis Foundation made one big change - no  more linesmen sitting down during matches.

This next daredevil failed a spot  check in the most shocking way.
This next daredevil failed a spot  check in the most shocking way.

Ivan Lester McGuire was a veteran skydiver, and  he had gone on to his next mission - working with  
Ivan Lester McGuire was a veteran skydiver, and  he had gone on to his next mission - working with  

other parachutists in North Carolina. For part  of a mass dive in 1988, McGuire decided he would  
other parachutists in North Carolina. For part  of a mass dive in 1988, McGuire decided he would  

film the other divers as they descended  to the Earth. Once the others had gone,  
film the other divers as they descended  to the Earth. Once the others had gone,  

he made sure his camera was set for recording,  got into position, and jumped out of the plane.  
he made sure his camera was set for recording,  got into position, and jumped out of the plane.  

He had just forgotten one little detail - to  put on his parachute. Instead of capturing the  
He had just forgotten one little detail - to  put on his parachute. Instead of capturing the  

other divers as they approached the ground,  he managed to capture the fast-approaching  
other divers as they approached the ground,  he managed to capture the fast-approaching  

ground as he free-fell towards a fatal impact -  a shocking end for a man who made over 800 jumps.
ground as he free-fell towards a fatal impact -  a shocking end for a man who made over 800 jumps.

One of the most common ways to die? Getting  on the wrong side of the wrong animal.
One of the most common ways to die? Getting  on the wrong side of the wrong animal.

Jose Luis Ochoa wasn’t exactly a friend to the  animals. He liked to attend illegal cockfights  
Jose Luis Ochoa wasn’t exactly a friend to the  animals. He liked to attend illegal cockfights  

in California, and he had been cited before  for training roosters to fight. But in 2011,  
in California, and he had been cited before  for training roosters to fight. But in 2011,  

he had a way to make the cockfights even more  exciting - strapping blades to the limbs of  
he had a way to make the cockfights even more  exciting - strapping blades to the limbs of  

the birds to make it easier for them to kill  each other. Well, karma got the bird-brained  
the birds to make it easier for them to kill  each other. Well, karma got the bird-brained  

crook - when trying to wrangle one of the  birds, it managed to stab him in the calf  
crook - when trying to wrangle one of the  birds, it managed to stab him in the calf  

and he began bleeding profusely. He waited two  hours to get medical treatment - likely trying  
and he began bleeding profusely. He waited two  hours to get medical treatment - likely trying  

to come up with another explanation for  his injury - and died soon after arriving.
to come up with another explanation for  his injury - and died soon after arriving.

This next death was also caused by cruelty to  animals - but these animals were a lot smaller.
This next death was also caused by cruelty to  animals - but these animals were a lot smaller.

Edward Archbold was determined to live up to  his Florida Man title, and what better way  
Edward Archbold was determined to live up to  his Florida Man title, and what better way  

than to win a cockroach-eating contest? The  challenge, hosted by a lizard store in 2012,  
than to win a cockroach-eating contest? The  challenge, hosted by a lizard store in 2012,  

offered a grand prize of an expensive python -  a deadly animal in its own right. But Archbold  
offered a grand prize of an expensive python -  a deadly animal in its own right. But Archbold  

was done in by much smaller animals. After  eating a large number of roaches and worms,  
was done in by much smaller animals. After  eating a large number of roaches and worms,  

he started choking and vomiting. Unable to  clear his airway, he collapsed and died outside  
he started choking and vomiting. Unable to  clear his airway, he collapsed and died outside  

the store. While his cause of death was never  conclusively determined, most believe the hard,  
the store. While his cause of death was never  conclusively determined, most believe the hard,  

dry shells and legs of the cockroaches could  have easily gotten stuck in his throat.
dry shells and legs of the cockroaches could  have easily gotten stuck in his throat.

But you don’t always have to kill  animals to get killed by them.
But you don’t always have to kill  animals to get killed by them.

Erica Marshall may have been a Florida  woman, but she was a friend to the animals.  
Erica Marshall may have been a Florida  woman, but she was a friend to the animals.  

She was an experienced veterinarian  who specialized in treating horses,  
She was an experienced veterinarian  who specialized in treating horses,  

and was working with a hyperbaric oxygen chamber  commonly used for wound care. But several things  
and was working with a hyperbaric oxygen chamber  commonly used for wound care. But several things  

were overlooked - the horse apparently hadn’t  been sedated before being led into the chamber,  
were overlooked - the horse apparently hadn’t  been sedated before being led into the chamber,  

and its metal shoes hadn’t been taped over. That,  combined with the high oxygen pressure, was a  
and its metal shoes hadn’t been taped over. That,  combined with the high oxygen pressure, was a  

deadly combination. The horse started kicking,  causing sparks - which led to a fire, followed  
deadly combination. The horse started kicking,  causing sparks - which led to a fire, followed  

by a massive explosion that could be heard thirty  miles away and killed both Marshall and the horse.
by a massive explosion that could be heard thirty  miles away and killed both Marshall and the horse.

But one man managed to get killed  not by an animal, but by a plant.
But one man managed to get killed  not by an animal, but by a plant.

It was 1982 and David Grundman was out for some  target practice. The Arizona man was using his  
It was 1982 and David Grundman was out for some  target practice. The Arizona man was using his  

shotgun to shoot some signs, and he then turned  his attention to another target - the massive  
shotgun to shoot some signs, and he then turned  his attention to another target - the massive  

saguaro cacti growing in the desert. These  cacti aren’t the ones you get in a pot at  
saguaro cacti growing in the desert. These  cacti aren’t the ones you get in a pot at  

the garden shop - they can be over twenty feet  high and live to be over a hundred years old.  
the garden shop - they can be over twenty feet  high and live to be over a hundred years old.  

That didn’t stop Grundman from shooting at  one - and before he knew what had happened,  
That didn’t stop Grundman from shooting at  one - and before he knew what had happened,  

a massive spiny limb from the plant landed on  him and crushed him. This death became so famous,  
a massive spiny limb from the plant landed on  him and crushed him. This death became so famous,  

it was immortalized in a song  by the Austin Lounge Lizards.
it was immortalized in a song  by the Austin Lounge Lizards.

This next fatal stunt proved that  more isn’t always a good thing.
This next fatal stunt proved that  more isn’t always a good thing.

It was 1997, and a group of teenagers from Napa  High School were enjoying a senior trip to a  
It was 1997, and a group of teenagers from Napa  High School were enjoying a senior trip to a  

local water park. A group came up with the  idea to see just how many people could fit  
local water park. A group came up with the  idea to see just how many people could fit  

in one water slide at the same time - and the  answer was apparently fewer than they hoped. No  
in one water slide at the same time - and the  answer was apparently fewer than they hoped. No  

one knows exactly how many teenagers crammed  themselves into the slide, but a portion of  
one knows exactly how many teenagers crammed  themselves into the slide, but a portion of  

the slide opened up due to the weight, dropping  the passengers forty feet. The accident injured  
the slide opened up due to the weight, dropping  the passengers forty feet. The accident injured  

thirty-two people - including eighteen-year-old  Quimby Ghilotti, who died of her injuries.
thirty-two people - including eighteen-year-old  Quimby Ghilotti, who died of her injuries.

This next man might have valued  his cell phone a little too much.
This next man might have valued  his cell phone a little too much.

Roger Mirro had lost his phone. The  fifty-six-year-old Chicago man had a  
Roger Mirro had lost his phone. The  fifty-six-year-old Chicago man had a  

suspicion that it might have been thrown out, so  he decided to dig through the apartment building’s  
suspicion that it might have been thrown out, so  he decided to dig through the apartment building’s  

garbage disposal. Unfortunately, he didn’t check  exactly how the trash was handled in the building.  
garbage disposal. Unfortunately, he didn’t check  exactly how the trash was handled in the building.  

The man went missing, and no one knew what had  happened until his wife reported his absence  
The man went missing, and no one knew what had  happened until his wife reported his absence  

later that day. An investigation found him  crushed to death by the industrial strength  
later that day. An investigation found him  crushed to death by the industrial strength  

trash compactors in the garage. While  his death was ruled a tragic accident,  
trash compactors in the garage. While  his death was ruled a tragic accident,  

many residents called for better warning  signs around the trash chute in the future.
many residents called for better warning  signs around the trash chute in the future.

But not even the most famous are  immune to the most ridiculous deaths.
But not even the most famous are  immune to the most ridiculous deaths.

Gouverneur Morris was a Founding Father and  one of the Constitutional Convention’s most  
Gouverneur Morris was a Founding Father and  one of the Constitutional Convention’s most  

ardent opponents of slavery, as well as  a Senator from New York. But in 1816,  
ardent opponents of slavery, as well as  a Senator from New York. But in 1816,  

his wisdom in matters of politics didn’t  extend to wisdom in self-medicating.  
his wisdom in matters of politics didn’t  extend to wisdom in self-medicating.  

He had been plagued by a painful  blockage in his urinary tract,  
He had been plagued by a painful  blockage in his urinary tract,  

and decided to try to clear it out himself -  with a piece of whalebone he used as a catheter.  
and decided to try to clear it out himself -  with a piece of whalebone he used as a catheter.  

Naturally, this only made things worse,  and Morris soon died from internal injuries  
Naturally, this only made things worse,  and Morris soon died from internal injuries  

and infection - which must have led to an  interesting day at the medical examiner’s.
and infection - which must have led to an  interesting day at the medical examiner’s.

This next case took defending  his client a little too far.
This next case took defending  his client a little too far.

Clement Vallandingham had a controversial  life, being an Ohio Congressman who was  
Clement Vallandingham had a controversial  life, being an Ohio Congressman who was  

arrested and expelled from Congress  for his opposition to the Civil War.  
arrested and expelled from Congress  for his opposition to the Civil War.  

He brought that same reckless spirit to  his later career as an attorney. In 1871,  
He brought that same reckless spirit to  his later career as an attorney. In 1871,  

he was defending Thomas McGehean, who was accused  of murder in a barroom brawl. Vallandingham’s  
he was defending Thomas McGehean, who was accused  of murder in a barroom brawl. Vallandingham’s  

argument was that the victim had likely shot  himself while trying to pull out his pistol,  
argument was that the victim had likely shot  himself while trying to pull out his pistol,  

and decided to demonstrate that this could result  in an accidental shooting. It worked - a little  
and decided to demonstrate that this could result  in an accidental shooting. It worked - a little  

too well, as Vallandingham fatally shot  himself in front of the entire courtroom.  
too well, as Vallandingham fatally shot  himself in front of the entire courtroom.  

While he died the next day, his mission was  accomplished - McGehean was acquitted of murder.
While he died the next day, his mission was  accomplished - McGehean was acquitted of murder.

This next man could escape anything  - except a ridiculous death.
This next man could escape anything  - except a ridiculous death.

Harry Houdini was the king of escapes, pulling  off daring feats of survival like escaping  
Harry Houdini was the king of escapes, pulling  off daring feats of survival like escaping  

from water tanks while in straitjackets or being  buried alive. But his undoing was a lesser-known  
from water tanks while in straitjackets or being  buried alive. But his undoing was a lesser-known  

stunt of his. Houdini would frequently dare  onlookers on stage to punch him in the stomach,  
stunt of his. Houdini would frequently dare  onlookers on stage to punch him in the stomach,  

protecting himself with a special suit.  But one day, a man named Jocelyn Gordon  
protecting himself with a special suit.  But one day, a man named Jocelyn Gordon  

Whitehead approached Houdini in his  dressing room to test this ability.  
Whitehead approached Houdini in his  dressing room to test this ability.  

He punched Houdini several times in the stomach  - causing internal damage. Houdini died several  
He punched Houdini several times in the stomach  - causing internal damage. Houdini died several  

days later of a ruptured appendix, which may  have not been caused by the punches, but many  
days later of a ruptured appendix, which may  have not been caused by the punches, but many  

suspect Houdini would have been aware he had  appendicitis if he hadn’t already been in pain.
suspect Houdini would have been aware he had  appendicitis if he hadn’t already been in pain.

Another woman travelled the world - until  she came to a sudden and shocking stop.
Another woman travelled the world - until  she came to a sudden and shocking stop.

Isadora Duncan dazzled the world as a  dancer, and travelled around much of  
Isadora Duncan dazzled the world as a  dancer, and travelled around much of  

Europe far from her San Francisco home in the  early 1900s. She performed up to age fifty,  
Europe far from her San Francisco home in the  early 1900s. She performed up to age fifty,  

when she boarded a luxury French car while  wearing a long silk scarf. This scarf was a  
when she boarded a luxury French car while  wearing a long silk scarf. This scarf was a  

hand-designed gift by a Russian artist, and while  her friends urged her to wear a coat instead,  
hand-designed gift by a Russian artist, and while  her friends urged her to wear a coat instead,  

Duncan wanted to show off the wrap.  While she was riding, the flowing scarf  
Duncan wanted to show off the wrap.  While she was riding, the flowing scarf  

became entangled in the wheels and axle, and  yanked her back harshly. Her neck was broken,  
became entangled in the wheels and axle, and  yanked her back harshly. Her neck was broken,  

and she died instantly - one of the few people to  die in a car accident that didn’t involve a crash.
and she died instantly - one of the few people to  die in a car accident that didn’t involve a crash.

In 1984, an American matinee  idol met a disturbing end.
In 1984, an American matinee  idol met a disturbing end.

Jon-Erik Hexum was a fast-rising action star who  had just won the lead role on the new CBS drama  
Jon-Erik Hexum was a fast-rising action star who  had just won the lead role on the new CBS drama  

Cover Up! Playing a CIA handler, he may have taken  his role as a daredevil hero a little too far.  
Cover Up! Playing a CIA handler, he may have taken  his role as a daredevil hero a little too far.  

While filming a scene with a real handgun,  Hexum was frustrated by a delay in filming.  
While filming a scene with a real handgun,  Hexum was frustrated by a delay in filming.  

He decided to play Russian roulette with the  unloaded gun, which only had one blank round  
He decided to play Russian roulette with the  unloaded gun, which only had one blank round  

in it. But the blank used paper wadding, and  it was shot out from the gun with such force  
in it. But the blank used paper wadding, and  it was shot out from the gun with such force  

when Hexum pulled the trigger that it  shattered part of his skull, causing a fatal  
when Hexum pulled the trigger that it  shattered part of his skull, causing a fatal  

brain hemorrhage - ending his promising career,  and dooming the series as it had barely begun.
brain hemorrhage - ending his promising career,  and dooming the series as it had barely begun.

But some ordinary people died in such  dramatic ways that they became celebrities.
But some ordinary people died in such  dramatic ways that they became celebrities.

Michael Godwin was awaiting execution for murder  when he got a lucky break - his attorney was able  
Michael Godwin was awaiting execution for murder  when he got a lucky break - his attorney was able  

to get his sentence reduced to life in prison.  But the convict was getting a little stir-crazy,  
to get his sentence reduced to life in prison.  But the convict was getting a little stir-crazy,  

and he decided to do a little do-it-yourself  repair. He wanted to watch some television,  
and he decided to do a little do-it-yourself  repair. He wanted to watch some television,  

but his earphones were broken. While  trying to repair them, he bit into a wire  
but his earphones were broken. While  trying to repair them, he bit into a wire  

while sitting on the toilet - and wound up  electrocuting himself as the metal toilet  
while sitting on the toilet - and wound up  electrocuting himself as the metal toilet  

and water hit him with a fatal shock. Looks like  he wound up getting the electric chair after all.
and water hit him with a fatal shock. Looks like  he wound up getting the electric chair after all.

Let’s hope this next case won’t start a trend.
Let’s hope this next case won’t start a trend.

Gender reveal parties are the hottest new trend,  but some people are going well beyond a cake  
Gender reveal parties are the hottest new trend,  but some people are going well beyond a cake  

with a pink or blue center. Pamela Kreimeyer was  attending a celebration in 2019 when her family  
with a pink or blue center. Pamela Kreimeyer was  attending a celebration in 2019 when her family  

members unveiled the centerpiece - an umbrella  filled with gunpowder that would create a shower  
members unveiled the centerpiece - an umbrella  filled with gunpowder that would create a shower  

of sparks in the color of the gender reveal. But  the rookie gender reveal engineers miscalculated,  
of sparks in the color of the gender reveal. But  the rookie gender reveal engineers miscalculated,  

and the umbrella went off like a pipe  bomb instead - hitting the 56-year-old  
and the umbrella went off like a pipe  bomb instead - hitting the 56-year-old  

Kreimeyer in the head with a piece  of metal and killing her instantly.
Kreimeyer in the head with a piece  of metal and killing her instantly.

For more on unusual deaths, check  out “Worst Natural Disasters in  
For more on unusual deaths, check  out “Worst Natural Disasters in  

Human History”, or watch this video instead.
Human History”, or watch this video instead.