Scientists & Inventors · 20th Century
Orville Wright’s Last Words
“Unknown — he died of a heart attack.”— Orville Wright, January 30, 1948
Who Was Orville Wright?
Orville Wright, with his brother Wilbur, achieved the first powered heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903, launching the age of aviation.
The Final Moments
Orville died of a heart attack in Dayton, Ohio. He had lived to see aviation evolve from his 12-second first flight to supersonic jet aircraft and had been troubled by the use of aircraft in warfare.
Are These Words Verified?
Orville Wright died suddenly of a heart attack at his home. Contemporary accounts and family records confirm no last words were spoken or recorded.
Sources
- newspaper Contemporary newspaper reports
- archive Wright Brothers Papers, Library of Congress
Legacy
The Wright Brothers' achievement at Kitty Hawk is one of the most important events in human history, opening the age of flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Orville Wright’s last words?
“Unknown — he died of a heart attack.”
How did Orville Wright die?
Orville Wright died on January 30, 1948 at the age of 76. Cause of death: Heart attack.
Were Orville Wright’s last words documented?
Orville Wright died suddenly of a heart attack at his home. Contemporary accounts and family records confirm no last words were spoken or recorded.
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