10 Normal People Whose Deaths Changed the World

10 Normal People Whose Deaths Changed the World

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were looking at people who lived normal lives for the most part, but their deaths would leave a lasting impact on the world.

Mohamed Bouazizi (1984-2011)

For two years, the Arab world found itself at the center of widespread government protests and rebellions known as the Arab Spring. The Tunisian revolution is viewed as one of the more successful movements, ignited by the self-immolation of vendor Mohamed Bouazizi. On December 17, 2010, an officer confiscated a produce cart from Bouazizi, who had no other source of income. It wasnt the first time the authorities had harassed Bouazizi, whod take his grievances to the government. After being turned away, Bouazizi returned, covered in gasoline, and set himself ablaze. By January 4, Bouazizi succumbed to his injuries. His death was a driving force behind the revolt against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who fled the country after over 20 years in power.

Megan Kanka (1986-94)

Were told from a young age never to talk to strangers. Of course, even the person who lives across the street isnt always what they seem. In July 1994, Jesse Timmendequas inquired if young Megan Kanka would like to see his puppy. Kanka entered Timmendequas home and was never seen alive again. It wasnt until after Kankas murder that her parents learned Timmendequas was a predator with two convictions already on his record. Timmendequas pled guilty and received the death penalty, although his sentence was changed to life without parole amid new legislation. To help ensure nothing like this could happen again, Kankas parents championed what became Megans Law, requiring information about registered sex offenders to be available to the public, specifically those living nearby.

Amber Hagerman (1986-96)

In January 1996, Ricky Hagerman returned to his grandfathers home while his sister, Amber, continued to ride her bike in a parking lot. When Ricky and his grandfather went looking for Amber, all they found was her bike. Ambers body was discovered four days later, although the person behind her murder was never captured. Distraught by this news story, a Texas mother named Diana Simone suggested creating an emergency system specifically for locating lost children. By the following year, authorities and broadcasters officially started implementing Americas Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response - or AMBER - alerts. Amber Hagerman is one of several children whose names have been dedicated to such alerts, which include Levi Frady of Levis Call in Georgia and Rachael Runyan of Rachael Alert in Utah.

Emmett Till (1941-55)

A young African-American from Chicago, Emmett Till was visiting family in Mississippi, where he encountered a white female store clerk. Till was later taken in the middle of the night and lynched. Although some of those responsible for Tills murder were brought to trial, it was clear theyd never face punishment. Despite the courts biased ruling, Emmetts mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, showed the world what they did to her son with an open casket. Till-Mobley dedicated the rest of her life to activism. Five years after her death, the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act was signed into law in 2008. It wasnt until 2022 that lynching became a federal hate crime in the form of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act.

Terri Schiavo (1963-2005)

In 1990, Terri Schiavo endured a heart attack that resulted in brain damage. She entered a persistent vegetative state, requiring a feeding tube to survive. After eight years with no signs of significant improvement, her husband and legal guardian, Michael Schiavo, petitioned to have Terris feeding tube extracted. This was met with resistance from Terris parents, who entered a lengthy legal standoff with Michael. The tube was briefly disconnected in 2001, only to be put back in. The tube was removed again in 2005, this time ending Terri Schiavos life. The case captivated the world, with both sides of the argument still intensely divided. Yet, it opened everyones eyes to how any of us could be Terri Schiavo, prompting a substantial increase in living wills.

George Floyd (1973-2020)

Two months into the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities forcibly removed African-American George Floyd from a vehicle under suspicion of paying a clerk with a fake $20 bill. Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyds neck for almost ten minutes, despite his pleas that he couldnt breathe. Floyds dying words were heard across the nation. Although Floyd was far from the first victim of police brutality, his death was recorded for the world to witness. Social unrest was already at a high. Floyds murder was a tipping point, leading to tributes, protests, and riots. Chauvin was ultimately convicted of murder and manslaughter, while the other three officers involved also faced legal consequences. Floyds death has led to numerous policy changes and an ongoing push for police reform.

Elizabeth Short (1924-47)

To those who knew her, Elizabeth Short was a young woman originally from Massachusetts. To history, shell forever be remembered as the Black Dahlia. Short received this moniker after her butchered body was discovered in a Los Angeles vacant lot. She had recently moved to California, where her estranged father lived. Short reportedly had aspirations to be an actress, but only in death would she achieve the role of a lifetime. Even decades later, Shorts unsolved murder remains one of the most infamous stories in Hollywood, inspiring various dramatic works. Her death could be seen as a forerunner to the modern true crime genre, dominating headlines and sparking conspiracy theories long before the internet, podcasts, documentaries, or cable news spotlighted the publics fascination with murder.

Anne Frank (1929-45)

In the background of Anne Franks childhood, Nazi Evil was rising and spreading. Franks life with her loving family was intermittent in 1942, forcing them into hiding for almost two years. The Franks were discovered and arrested in 1944. Only the family patriarch, Otto Frank, emerged from the holocaust alive. In the aftermath of World War II, Otto retrieved one of the few remaining pieces of his youngest daughter, her diary. He published the diary, which not only serves as a tribute to Anne, but the roughly six million Jewish people who were murdered. At a time when many were indifferent or ignorant of the atrocities taking place in Europe, Frank left behind an eye-opening personal account that echoes throughout history.

Henrietta Lacks (1920-51)

In October 1951, cervical cancer claimed the life of Henrietta Lacks, who, like many people of color at the time, had limited health care options. Today, Lacks gravestone describes her as a phenomenal woman, wife and mother who touched the lives of many. For decades, though, Lacks grave was unmarked and her contributions to medicine were largely unrecognized. This included her family, who werent aware that Lacks tumor had been biopsied. Unbeknownst even to Lacks, her cancer cells were used to create an immortalized cell line that came to be known as HeLa. This paved the way for medical breakthroughs that continue to save lives. Yet, Lacks treatment has triggered a wider discussion about discrimination, a lack of consent, and a legacy nearly lost.

Kitty Genovese (1935-64)

911, its a three-digit number thats saved countless lives. Up until the 60s, though, Americans had to either dial a seven-digit number or call an operator to report an emergency. Kitty Genovese became a catalyst for change when she was murdered at the hands of Winston Moseley, who had followed her back to her apartment. After almost thirty minutes of torment, Genovese was discovered by her neighbor, although she died before making it to the hospital. While there were conflicting reports on how many people heard Genovese and alerted the authorities, the slow response to her attacks and subsequent death served as a wake-up call. Four years later, 911 was introduced, soon becoming the new standard for emergencies, and not just in the U.S.

Can you think of any normal people who changed the world in death? Let us know in the comments.