Musicians & Composers · 20th Century
John Lennon’s Last Words
“I'm shot!”— John Lennon, December 8, 1980
Who Was John Lennon?
John Lennon was a founding member of The Beatles, the most successful band in history. His solo work including Imagine made him one of the most beloved musicians of the 20th century.
The Final Moments
Lennon was shot four times outside his New York City apartment building, the Dakota, by Mark David Chapman after returning from a recording session. Police found Chapman calmly reading Catcher in the Rye.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple police officers and witnesses at the Dakota reported Lennon saying 'I'm shot' or 'I've been shot' immediately after Chapman's attack. The consistency across official reports and witness testimony makes this highly credible.
Sources
- archive NYPD police reports, December 8, 1980
- firsthand Officer James Moran testimony
- newspaper Contemporary news reports
Legacy
Lennon's murder shocked the world and his peace anthem Imagine has become one of the most recognized songs ever written.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were John Lennon’s last words?
“I'm shot!”
How did John Lennon die?
John Lennon died on December 8, 1980 at the age of 40. Cause of death: Assassination (gunshot).
Were John Lennon’s last words documented?
Multiple police officers and witnesses at the Dakota reported Lennon saying 'I'm shot' or 'I've been shot' immediately after Chapman's attack. The consistency across official reports and witness testimony makes this highly credible.