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History - March 23, 2012

Q: Eighty-one years ago this month, a plane crashed in a farm field near the tiny town of Bazaar, Kan. All eight people onboard were killed, including Knute Rockne, the legendary football coach of Notre Dame. How old was Knute Rockne when he died?
 

A photograph of the airplane crash that killed Knute Rockne, famous Notre Dame football coach. The crash happened southeast of Bazaar, Chase County, Kan. Date: March 31, 1931 (Photo Courtesy of Kansas Historical Society / kansasmemory.org)




A: 

43-years-old

 

Next weekend marks the 81st anniversary of the Kansas plane crash that killed Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne and seven other people. A number of events will be held next weekend, at the Chase County Historical Museum, to commemorate the crash. They include the unveiling of the 1932 Rockne Family Studebaker. There will also be live music and tours of the Chase County Courthouse and the Rockne plane crash site.

Rockne's death, on March 31, 1931, came at the height of his career. He had led the Fighting Irish to consecutive undefeated seasons his final two seasons and his death made front-page news across the country. The crash site is located near the small town of Bazaar and is marked with a marble-and-limestone monument.

Fun factoid: Knute Rockne was born Knut Larsen Rokne in Voss, Norway.