Artists & Writers · Modern
Kurt Vonnegut’s Last Words
“He died following a brain injury from a fall.”— Kurt Vonnegut, April 11, 2007
Who Was Kurt Vonnegut?
Kurt Vonnegut was an American writer known for his satirical novels, most notably Slaughterhouse-Five, based on his experience as a prisoner of war during the firebombing of Dresden.
The Final Moments
Vonnegut died at New York–Presbyterian Hospital from brain injuries sustained after a fall at his Manhattan home.
Are These Words Verified?
Contemporary news reports and family statements confirm Vonnegut died from brain injuries after a fall. This is not a quote of last words but an accurate description; he was unconscious after the fall.
Sources
- newspaper New York Times obituary, April 12, 2007
- biography Shields, Charles J. And So It Goes: Kurt Vonnegut: A Life
Legacy
Slaughterhouse-Five is one of the great anti-war novels. So it goes remains one of literature's most resonant phrases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Kurt Vonnegut’s last words?
“He died following a brain injury from a fall.”
How did Kurt Vonnegut die?
Kurt Vonnegut died on April 11, 2007 at the age of 84. Cause of death: Brain injury from a fall.
Were Kurt Vonnegut’s last words documented?
Contemporary news reports and family statements confirm Vonnegut died from brain injuries after a fall. This is not a quote of last words but an accurate description; he was unconscious after the fall.