The power of photography lies not only in its ability to capture a moment in time, but also in its ability to evoke emotion and tell a story. Some photographs, however, capture more than just a moment. They capture a haunting and eerie feeling, a sense of foreboding that seems to hang over the image long after it was taken. In some cases, these photos were taken just moments before tragedy struck, capturing a fleeting glimpse of the calm before the storm.
From the last known photographs of individuals who later went missing, to images taken before natural disasters and devastating accidents, these eerie photos serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of the world around us.
Robin Williams
The last known photo of Robin Williams was taken at a Dairy Queen restaurant in Minnesota, just a few weeks before his death in August 2014.
Williams can be seen posing with two employees, both of whom were thrilled to meet the beloved actor and comedian.
Sharon Tate
The night before she was brutally murdered by members of the Manson Family cult.
Tate and four other people were brutally murdered at her home in the Hollywood Hills. The murders, which were orchestrated by cult leader Charles Manson, shocked the world and left many wondering how such a horrific act of violence could occur.
Ian Curtis
The last known photo of Ian Curtis was taken by his wife, Deborah, just a few days before his tragic death.
Just days after the photo was taken, Curtis took his own life, leaving behind a legacy that would shape the future of alternative music. The photo has since become an iconic image of Curtis and a poignant reminder of the toll that mental illness can take on even the most talented and creative individuals.
Niagara Dare Devils
Robert Douglas "firecracker" Overcracker went over the falls in a Jet Ski raising awareness for the homeless.
He plunged to his death after his rocket-Propelled parachute failed to open. He was pronounced dead at Niagara General Hospital.
Emily Wilding Davison
On June 4, 1913, Emily Davison attended the Epsom Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in England, to protest for women's suffrage.
During the race, she stepped onto the track and attempted to grab the reins of a horse named Anmer, ridden by King George V's jockey, Herbert Jones. The horse collided with Emily, throwing her to the ground and causing her to suffer severe head injuries. She was taken to a hospital and died four days later, on June 8, 1913.
Challenger Crew
The Challenger crew's walk out last photo was taken on the morning of January 28, 1986, just a few hours before the tragic explosion that claimed the lives of all seven crew members.
The photo shows the crew walking out of the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, dressed in their bright orange launch and entry suits. The crew members are smiling and waving to the crowd, seemingly unaware of the tragedy that would unfold later that day.
McQuilken Brothers
Two grinning brothers, whose hair stood on end, unaware they were about to be struck by lightning.
There's a bit of morbid irony behind this photo of Michael and Sean McQuilken. Right after this photo was taken, both boys were struck by lightning. Incredibly, both survived.
Attempted Stowaway
Keith Sapsford was a 14-year-old Australian boy who died in a tragic incident in 1970 at Sydney Airport.
Sadly, Keith fell to his death from the wheel well of the plane shortly after takeoff. His body was later discovered in a suburban backyard in the nearby suburb of Mascot. The tragic incident led to increased security measures at airports around the world to prevent similar stowaway attempts.
Mamba Forever
The last known photo of Kobe Bryant was taken by a fan, 13-year-old Brady Smigiel, at a Newport Beach resort in California on January 25, 2020.
The photo quickly circulated on social media following the news of Kobe's death, and many fans and celebrities shared their condolences and memories of the basketball legend. The photo serves as a reminder of Kobe's legacy and the impact he had on the world of basketball and beyond.
John Lennon
Lennon signing an autograph for Mark David Chapman, the man who would later murder him.
The photo is haunting in hindsight, as it captures a moment of innocence and generosity that was soon to be shattered by an act of senseless violence. It's a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with the people we love.
Televised Suicide
Budd Dwyer was an American politician who served as the Treasurer of Pennsylvania.
The photo shows Budd Dwyer standing at the podium in a crowded room, surrounded by journalists and photographers. He is holding a manila envelope in one hand and appears to be in the middle of making a statement. Little did anyone know, he had a loaded revolver in the envelope and was about to use it to end his own life.
Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182
The last photo of Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182 was taken by a news photographer, Hans Wendt, on the morning of September 25, 1978.
The photo is a haunting reminder of the tragic events that unfolded that day. Flight 182 had collided with a private plane while on approach to San Diego's Lindbergh Field, killing all 135 people aboard the two aircraft as well as 7 people on the ground.
Andrew McAuley
Andrew McAuley was an Australian adventurer who was attempting to become the first person to kayak solo from Australia to New Zealand.
Sadly, he disappeared at sea during his attempt in 2007 and his body was never recovered. As far as I know, the last photo of Andrew McAuley was taken by his support crew on February 9, 2007, just a day before he disappeared.
Lee Harvey Oswald
Lee Harvey Oswald was the man who assassinated President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.
On November 24, 1963, two days after the assassination, Oswald was being transferred from the Dallas City Jail to the Dallas County Jail when he was shot and killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby.
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of the rock band Queen, passed away on November 24, 1991, due to complications from AIDS.
The photo shows Mercury looking thin and frail, over-looking his garden. It's a poignant image that captures the toll that his illness had taken on him.
George Harrison
November 2001, just a few days before his death from lung cancer.
Although Harrison had been battling cancer for some time, the news of his death came as a shock to his fans around the world. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time, both for his work as a member of The Beatles and for his later solo career.
Vicki Weaver
August 21, 1992, just moments before she was fatally shot by federal agents at her family's cabin in Ruby Ridge, Idaho.
The events leading up to Vicki's death began when her husband, Randy Weaver, was charged with selling illegal firearms to an undercover federal agent. When he failed to appear in court, federal agents surrounded the family's cabin, leading to a 10-day standoff that ultimately resulted in the deaths of Vicki, her son Sammy, and a federal agent.
Omayra Sánchez
Omayra Sánchez was a 13-year-old girl who became a symbol of the tragic consequences of the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia in 1985.
For three days, Omayra remained trapped in the mud, pinned down by a collapsed wall and with her legs stuck in the debris. Rescuers tried to save her, but the lack of proper equipment and the difficult conditions made it nearly impossible.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana's car crash occurred on August 31, 1997 in Paris, France.
The cause of the crash was attributed to several factors, including the speed at which the car was traveling, estimated to be over 100 mph, and the fact that Paul was driving while under the influence of alcohol. The crash also occurred while paparazzi photographers were pursuing the car in an attempt to capture photos of the couple.
Last Tank of Gas
James Dean sitting in his Porsche 550 Spyder, with a cigarette dangling from his lips.
Just hours before his fatal car crash. Dean had just finished filming his last movie, "Giant," and was driving to a sports car racing event in Salinas, California when the accident occurred. He was only 24 years old at the time of his death.
Mark Matays
On May 15, 1974, 21-year-old Mark Matays jumped off a 23-story building in Coney Island.
The police spoke with him for over an hour in an attempt to stop him. This photo was captured in the fall.
The Omagh Bombing
At around 3:10 pm that day, a car bomb containing 500 pounds of explosives was detonated in the crowded town center of Omagh.
The explosion caused widespread damage and devastation, killing 29 people and injuring more than 200 others, including many children and teenagers.
Columbine High School
William "Dave" Sanders was a teacher at Columbine High School in Colorado.
He was one of the victims of the Columbine High School massacre that occurred on April 20, 1999. He helped many students to escape from the school, but unfortunately, he was shot while trying to help more.
Harambe
The Western lowland gorilla who lived in the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio.
In May 2016, a three-year-old boy climbed into the gorilla enclosure and was grabbed and dragged by Harambe. Zookeepers made the difficult decision to shoot and kill Harambe in order to rescue the child.
The Boxing Day Tsunami
Also known as the Indian Ocean tsunami, occurred on December 26, 2004, when a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.
This picture depicts the calm before the storm. The resulting tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, killing an estimated 230,000 people across 14 countries, with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India being the hardest-hit nations.
Flight 571
Flight 571, also known as the Andes Flight Disaster, was a chartered Uruguayan Air Force plane carrying 45 passengers that crashed in the Andes on October 13, 1972.
The survivors of the crash were stranded in the mountains for 72 days before they were rescued. During that time, they were forced to resort to extreme measures to survive, including eating the flesh of those who had died in the crash.
Polar Plunge
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
She tried to make friends with the polar bears during feeding time. Apparently, they don't like that.
Murderer Dennis Dilda
Dilda poses with his family minutes before his execution for the murder of a trespasser and police officer.
Dennis Dilda might look like a regular family man in this photo. However, he is just moments away from execution for murdering a man hiding on his property along with the police officer who investigated him.
Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin, also known as the "Crocodile Hunter", was a beloved Australian wildlife conservationist, television personality, and zoo owner.
He died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary titled "Ocean's Deadliest" off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
Jimi Hendrix
This photo was taken on September 17th, 1970, a day before his death.
Despite his short career, Hendrix's innovative and influential style of guitar playing continues to inspire generations of musicians. He is remembered as one of the greatest and most influential guitarists in the history of rock music.
Hitler
Hitler standing outside of his bunker in Berlin, looking tired and defeated.
By this time, Hitler knew that Germany was on the brink of defeat in World War II, and he had retreated to the bunker to avoid capture by the advancing Allied forces. On April 30, 1945, Hitler committed suicide in the bunker along with his wife Eva Braun.
The Final Act
The photo shows Karl walking on a wire between two towers of the Condado Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Just moments after the photo was taken, Karl lost his balance and fell to his death, stunning the crowd and the world. His legacy lives on through The Flying Wallendas, which continue to perform high-wire acts to this day.
Nicholas Mevoli
American free diver who tragically died during a competition in the Bahamas in November 2013.
Mevoli was attempting to dive to a depth of 72 meters (236 feet) on a single breath of air, but encountered difficulties during his ascent and lost consciousness. An investigation into his death found that he had experienced a lung squeeze, which is a condition where the air sacs in the lungs become compressed due to changes in pressure during deep dives.
Heath Ledger
Taken by a paparazzo outside of his New York City apartment building on January 22, 2008, just a few hours before his untimely death.
Ledger walking down the street and carrying a shopping bag, appearing to be lost in thought.
Marilyn Monroe
The last photo of Marilyn Monroe was taken by George Barris, a photographer who had worked with the actress in the past.
Despite her recent setbacks, Marilyn appears to be relaxed and happy in the photo. However, just a few weeks later, on August 5, 1962, she was found dead in her Los Angeles home, the victim of a drug overdose.
NYC Hero, Gary Box
Box was one of the first responders on the scene during the 9/11 attacks.
Never forget their names. Among the responders killed were 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, 55 military personnel, and 8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
Paul Walker
American actor best known for his role in the "Fast and Furious" movie franchise.
The last known photo of Paul Walker was taken on the day of his death, just hours before the fatal crash in his red Porche. He's attending a charity event for his organization, Reach Out Worldwide, which was raising funds for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
2-Pac
Tupac Shakur on September 7, 1996, just hours before he was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The circumstances surrounding Tupac's death remain the subject of much speculation and controversy, with many theories and rumors circulating about who was responsible for the shooting.
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher's final picture in London was taken during her last public appearance in Europe, just a few weeks before her death.
A day before she passed away, Carrie Fisher posed with a fan in London. On the way to Los Angeles, she suffered a heart attack. Four days after being taken to the hospital, she died.
Chernobyl
The reactor taken in 1985, just a year before the disaster.
It is a striking contrast to the images that followed the explosion, which showed the destruction and devastation that resulted from the blast. The Chernobyl disaster was the worst nuclear accident in history, and its impact continues to be felt to this day.
Last Skate
The US Figure Skating Team's last flight was a chartered flight on February 15, 1961, which carried the team to the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
The team, consisting of 18 skaters, coaches, and officials, had just won the US National Championships and was looking forward to competing on the international stage. However, tragedy struck when the plane crashed near Brussels, Belgium, killing all 72 passengers and crew members on board.
Great Bambino
In 1948, Babe received a donation weeks before he died at age 54.
Ruth was visibly ill at the time, having lost a significant amount of weight due to his battle with throat cancer.
The Titanic
This is the last known photo of the Titanic afloat. April 12, 1912.
The Titanic sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean. More than 1,500 people lost their lives in the disaster, and the sinking of the Titanic remains one of the most well-known and tragic maritime disasters in history.
Pavel Kashin
Russian YouTuber who was known for his extreme stunts and dangerous challenges.
On November 10, 2020, Kashin attempted to break a world record for the highest rooftop jump without a parachute. He climbed the 512-foot “City Tower” in the Russian city of Novosibirsk and jumped from the roof, expecting to land safely in a nearby safety net but tragically landed and died on the pavement.
Michael Hutchence
Michael Hutchence was an Australian musician and lead singer of the rock band INXS.
He died on November 22, 1997, at the age of 37, from suicide by hanging in a hotel room in Sydney, Australia. The photo shows Hutchence with his partner, Paula Yates, and their daughter, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily.
MLK Jr.
The last known photograph of Martin Luther King Jr. was taken on April 3, 1968, the day before his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee.
King's assassination the following day was a tragic loss for the Civil Rights Movement and for the country as a whole. The photo has become one of the most iconic images of King, and serves as a poignant reminder of his leadership and vision in the struggle for civil rights and racial justice.
Ukrainian Su-27
On July 27, 2019, a Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 fighter jet crashed during a joint military exercise with the United States Air Force.
The Su-27 was part of the Ukrainian Air Force's 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade, and the joint exercise was aimed at improving interoperability between the Ukrainian and American militaries.
Mark Twain
Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn creator Mark Twain died on April 21, 1910, at the age of 74.
Fate did not disappoint the prolific writer. Mark Twain died of a heart attack. It was only one day after Hailey's Comet made its closest-ever recorded approach to the atmosphere.
Mt. Everest Mystery
George Mallory and Sandy Irvine were two British mountaineers who participated in the British expeditions to Mount Everest in the 1920s.
The pair made their final attempt to reach the summit of Everest in 1924, but disappeared while climbing and were never seen again.
The Last of Lincoln
A photo found in Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's family album is verified to contain an image of Abraham Lincoln.
A photograph of Abraham Lincoln taken in front of the White House found in Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's family album may be the last photo taken of Lincoln before his assassination in 1865, according to a Lincoln photography expert.
Johnny Gosch
Johnny Gosch was a 12-year-old boy who went missing in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 1982 while delivering newspapers.
The photo shows Johnny in his newspaper delivery outfit, holding his papers and smiling at the camera. It has become an iconic image associated with his case. His case has remained unsolved and controversial for decades.
Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, and filmmaker.
At the time the photo was taken, Hughes was living in seclusion and suffering from a variety of health problems, including advanced kidney disease and chronic pain. He had become increasingly reclusive in his later years and was known for his eccentric behavior.
Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla was a renowned inventor and engineer who made significant contributions to the development of modern technology.
Tesla's last photo is a testament to his lifelong dedication to learning and innovation. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of science and technology, and his contributions continue to impact the world to this day.
The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was an Austro-Hungarian archduke and heir to the throne, whose assassination in 1914 in Sarajevo, Bosnia, sparked World War I.
The photo shows Archduke Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, sitting in an open car as they are driven through the streets of Sarajevo. The photo was taken on June 28, 1914, the same day that the couple was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist.
Blue Skies, Black Death
Stephen Hilder was a British Army cadet and a university student who died in a skydiving accident on July 4, 2003.
Unfortunately, Stephen Hilder's parachute failed to open properly, and he fell to his death. An investigation into the accident found that the cords on his parachute had been deliberately cut, leading to speculation that his death may have been a suicide.
Hindenburg Final Flight
The Hindenburg was a German airship that famously caught fire and crashed in New Jersey, USA, in 1937.
Sadly, hours after the photo was taken, disaster struck. The Hindenburg burst into flames and crashed to the ground, killing 36 people and injuring many more. The incident was one of the most infamous disasters in aviation history and marked the end of the era of airship travel.
David Bowie
The last known public photo of David Bowie was taken on September 10, 2015, just a few months before his passing.
While there may be other photos taken of him after this one, his family and loved ones have the right to keep those private. Bowie's impact on music, fashion, and culture will continue to be felt for years to come, and his legacy will always be celebrated.
St. Louis Glider Flight
The St. Louis glider flight was a tragic aviation accident that occurred on May 22, 1955.
Unfortunately, during the flight, the glider encountered severe weather conditions, including strong winds and turbulence. The aircraft was unable to withstand the force of the wind and began to break apart in midair.
Mount St. Helen's Eruption
Robert Landsburg was a photographer who was one of the victims of the Mount St. Helens eruption on May 18, 1980.
Landsburg was hiking along the ridge when he saw the ash cloud approaching. He took several photographs of the cloud as it advanced, then realized that he was in danger and began to retreat. However, the ash and debris caught up with him, and he was killed in the blast.
JFK Assassination
The photograph, known as the Zapruder film, was captured by Abraham Zapruder, a bystander who was filming the president's motorcade as it passed through Dealey Plaza.
The Zapruder film is one of the most studied and analyzed pieces of footage in history, and it has been used to investigate the assassination and its aftermath. It has also been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, with some suggesting that it was doctored or that it shows evidence of multiple shooters.
ARA San Juan
ARA San Juan was an Argentine Navy submarine that disappeared on November 15, 2017, with 44 crew members on board.
The submarine was on a routine mission to the southern Argentine coast when it lost contact and vanished. Despite a massive search effort, the submarine was not located until November 2018, when it was discovered at the bottom of the South Atlantic Ocean, over 400 meters below the surface.
Japan Flight 123
On August 12, 1985, the Boeing 747SR aircraft operating the flight suffered a catastrophic failure of its rear pressure bulkhead, resulting in a loss of control.
The aircraft crashed into a mountain in Gunma Prefecture, killing 520 of the 524 people on board, making it the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history.
Taunted Elephant
Caretaker washing the elephant moments before the tragedy.
He was crushed seconds later after the massive animal sat on him.
Ejected
Test pilot George Aird ejected from his Lightning F1 aircraft.
George Aird ejected from his English Electric Lightning F1 aircraft at a very low altitude in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. September 13, 1962.
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was a pioneering aviator and the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
She disappeared on July 2, 1937, while attempting to fly around the world. While the circumstances of Earhart's disappearance remain a mystery, her legacy as a pioneering aviator and advocate for gender equality continues to inspire generations of women and men around the world.
Flight 19, The Lost Avengers
Flight 19 was a group of five US Navy TBM Avenger torpedo bombers that disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle on December 5, 1945.
The squadron's last radio communications were picked up by a control tower in Florida, where the flight leader reported being lost and disoriented. Despite efforts to locate the missing planes, neither the planes nor their crew were ever found.
Chris Cornell
American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave.
The photo shows him performing with Soundgarden at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, just hours before his death. He died on May 18, 2017, at the age of 52, from suicide by hanging in his hotel room in Detroit.
Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was an American general and politician who served as the 18th President of the United States from 1869 to 1877.
The last photo of Ulysses S. Grant was taken on the porch of his cottage in Mount McGregor, New York, just a few days before his death.
Mayinga N'Seka
Mayinga N'Seka was a nurse from the Democratic Republic of Congo who played a critical role in fighting the first-ever outbreak of the Ebola virus in 1976.
Tragically, N'Seka herself contracted the virus and died on September 8, 1976, just a few weeks after the outbreak began.
Rosa Parks
American civil rights activist who became known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement".
The last known photo of Rosa Parks was taken in 2005, the year of her death, when she was 92 years old. The photo shows her seated in a wheelchair, wearing a blue coat and a black and white scarf, with a gentle smile on her face.
Akhmad Kadyrov
Chechen politician and former mufti who served as the President of the Chechen Republic from 2003 until his assassination in 2004.
Just a few weeks after this photo, on May 14, 2004, Kadyrov was assassinated by a bomb that exploded during a public ceremony in Grozny.
Barbary Lion
The subspecies became extinct in the wild in the early 20th century.
The last Barbary Lions were kept in captivity, with the last one believed to have died in the 1960s. Some zoos claim to have Barbary Lions in captivity, but they are likely descended from hybrids and not purebred Barbary Lions.
Without A Trace
Dorothy Arnold was an American socialite and heiress who disappeared in New York City in 1910.
Dorothy's disappearance remains a mystery to this day. Despite an extensive investigation by the New York City police department and private detectives hired by her family, no trace of her was ever found.
Korean Airlines Flight 007
Korean Airlines Flight 007 was a commercial flight that was shot down by Soviet fighter jets on September 1, 1983, killing all 269 passengers and crew members on board.
The United States accused the Soviet Union of intentionally shooting down the plane, while the Soviet Union claimed that the plane was on a spying mission.
U.S.S. Maine
The USS Maine was a United States Navy battleship that sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba on February 15, 1898, after an explosion that killed 266 sailors.
The cause of the explosion that sank the USS Maine is still a matter of debate, but at the time, it was widely believed to have been caused by a Spanish mine.
Twin Towers
There are many photos that were taken on that day, but the last known photos of the towers show them still standing, with smoke and flames visible near the tops of the buildings.
The tragedy of the 9/11 attacks is still deeply felt today, and the last known photos of the Twin Towers serve as a reminder of the profound loss and devastation that occurred on that day.
Miami Airlines C-46
Miami Airlines Flight 101 was a C-46 aircraft that crashed into the side of a mountain in Peru on December 24, 1971.
All 91 passengers and crew members on board were killed in the crash. The Miami Airlines C-46 crash remains one of the worst aviation accidents in Peruvian history, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in the aviation industry.
Christopher McCandless
Also known as Alexander Supertramp, was an American adventurer who gained notoriety after his tragic death in the Alaskan wilderness in 1992.
In April 1992, McCandless hitchhiked to Alaska and set out into the wilderness to live off the land. He survived for several months but eventually died from starvation in an abandoned bus near Denali National Park.