Since the earliest days of invention, ambitious minds have dared to push boundaries that most wouldn’t even approach. But sometimes, that leap into the unknown comes at a cost—and for some inventors, it meant paying with their lives.
From pioneering blood transfusions to testing rockets and early flying machines, these creators walked a razor’s edge between brilliance and danger, ultimately falling victim to their own visions.
Here are 17 inventors who took extraordinary risks in the name of progress, leaving behind legacies that are as tragic as they are inspiring.
1. Alexander Bogdanov (1873-1928)
Alexander Bogdanov, a Russian polymath and pioneer in the field of blood transfusion, founded the world’s first Institute of Blood Transfusion in 1926. Tragically, Bogdanov died two years later from an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction after experimenting on himself with blood transfusions.
Bogdanov believed that blood transfusions could rejuvenate the body and even achieve immortality. He conducted numerous experiments on himself, including 11 blood transfusions.
However, during his final transfusion, he used the blood of a student who had malaria and tuberculosis, which led to his death.
2. Max Valier (1895-1930)
Max Valier, an Austrian rocketry pioneer and member of the German Verein für Raumschiffahrt (Society for Space Travel), invented liquid-fueled rocket engines in the 1920s. On May 17, 1930, Valier was killed instantly when an alcohol-fueled engine exploded on his test bench in Berlin.
Valier had been experimenting with various liquid propellants, including gasoline and liquid oxygen, in an attempt to improve rocket engine performance. The explosion that claimed his life was likely caused by a mechanical failure or a miscalculation in the fuel mixture.
3. Sylvester H. Roper (1823-1896)
Sylvester H. Roper, inventor of the Roper steam velocipede (an early motorcycle), died of a heart attack or subsequent crash during a public speed trial in 1896.
It remains unclear whether the crash caused the heart attack or vice versa.
Roper’s steam velocipede was one of the earliest examples of a self-propelled vehicle. He had been working on the design for years and was eager to demonstrate its capabilities.
Witnesses reported that Roper was traveling at a high speed when he suddenly fell from the vehicle.
4. William Nelson (c. 1879-1903)
William Nelson, a General Electric employee, invented a new way to motorize bicycles in the early 1900s. During a test ride of his prototype, Nelson lost control and crashed, resulting in fatal injuries.
Nelson’s design used a small gasoline engine to power the bicycle, making it one of the earliest examples of a motorized bicycle. The exact cause of the crash is unknown, but it is believed that Nelson may have encountered a mechanical issue or lost control due to the vehicle’s instability.
5. Francis Edgar Stanley (1849-1918)
Francis Edgar Stanley, co-founder of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company and inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, died in a car accident while driving one of his own vehicles. Stanley crashed into a woodpile while attempting to avoid farm wagons traveling side by side on the road.
The Stanley Steamer was known for its impressive speed and power, thanks to its steam engine. However, the vehicle’s brakes were notoriously unreliable, which may have contributed to Stanley’s fatal accident.
6. Fred Duesenberg (1876-1932)
Fred Duesenberg, an American automobile designer and manufacturer, died in a high-speed road accident while driving one of his own Duesenberg cars. Duesenberg was known for creating some of the most luxurious and powerful cars of his time.
The accident occurred when Duesenberg was driving on a winding mountain road. He lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. Some speculate that the car’s high speed and weight may have made it difficult to handle on the treacherous road.
7. Thomas Midgley Jr. (1889-1944)
Thomas Midgley Jr., a chemist and inventor, is best known for developing leaded gasoline and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). In a tragic twist of fate, Midgley died from strangulation when he became entangled in a pulley system he had designed to help him move around while suffering from polio.
Midgley’s inventions, while initially hailed as breakthroughs, have since been recognized as having severe negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Leaded gasoline caused widespread lead poisoning, while CFCs contributed to the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer.
8. Henry Smolinski (1933-1973)
Henry Smolinski, an American aerospace engineer, invented the AVE Mizar, a flying car that combined a Ford Pinto with the wings and rear engine of a Cessna Skymaster. During a test flight in 1973, one of the Mizar’s wings detached, causing the vehicle to crash and killing Smolinski and his co-pilot.
Smolinski’s dream of creating a practical flying car was cut short by the tragic accident. The National Transportation Safety Board later determined that the Mizar’s design was flawed and that the wings were not properly secured to the car’s chassis.
9. Horace Lawson Hunley (1823-1863)
Horace Lawson Hunley, a Confederate marine engineer during the American Civil War, developed the first combat submarine, the H.L. Hunley. In 1863, during a test dive, the submarine sank, killing Hunley and his seven-man crew.
The H.L. Hunley was designed to break the Union blockade of Confederate ports. The submarine’s exact fate remained a mystery until it was discovered in 1995, and the remains of the crew were found inside. It is believed that the submarine’s crew died from a lack of oxygen.
10. Aurel Vlaicu (1882-1913)
Aurel Vlaicu, a Romanian engineer and pioneer of early aviation, designed and built his own aircraft, the Vlaicu II. In 1913, during an attempt to fly across the Carpathian Mountains, Vlaicu crashed and died.
Vlaicu’s aircraft was one of the most advanced of its time, featuring a fully-covered fuselage and a streamlined design. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, but it is believed that Vlaicu may have encountered strong winds or mechanical issues during the flight.
11. Valerian Abakovsky (1895-1921)
Valerian Abakovsky, a Soviet engineer, invented the Aerowagon, a high-speed railcar powered by an aircraft engine and propeller. During its maiden voyage in 1921, the Aerowagon derailed, killing Abakovsky and five other passengers.
The Aerowagon was designed to transport officials quickly across the vast expanse of the Soviet Union. However, the vehicle’s high speed and unconventional design made it unstable and prone to accidents.
12. William Bullock (1813-1867)
William Bullock, an American inventor, developed the first rotary printing press. In 1867, while making adjustments to one of his presses, Bullock’s leg became caught in the machinery. He died from complications related to the injury several days later.
Bullock’s printing press revolutionized the printing industry, allowing for much faster and more efficient production of newspapers and books. However, the machines were also dangerous, with exposed gears and moving parts that could easily entangle workers.
13. Karel Soucek (1947-1985)
Karel Soucek, a Canadian stuntman, invented a custom-made barrel in which he planned to ride over Niagara Falls. During a test run in 1985, the barrel became stuck in the falls, and Soucek drowned.
Soucek had successfully completed the stunt once before, in 1984, becoming the first person to survive the drop in a barrel. However, his second attempt proved fatal.
14. Otto Lilienthal (1848-1896)
Otto Lilienthal, a German pioneer of aviation, developed and flew his own gliders. In 1896, during a test flight, Lilienthal’s glider stalled and crashed, causing him to suffer a broken neck. He died the following day.
Lilienthal’s work laid the foundation for future advancements in aviation. His glider designs and experiments with wing shapes influenced later pioneers, such as the Wright brothers.
15. Franz Reichelt (1879-1912)
Franz Reichelt, an Austrian-born French tailor and inventor, designed a wearable parachute suit. In 1912, Reichelt decided to test his invention by jumping from the first deck of the Eiffel Tower. The parachute failed to deploy, and Reichelt plummeted to his death.
Reichelt had previously conducted successful tests using dummies but was convinced his design would work for a human. His tragic death highlighted the importance of thorough testing and safety precautions in the development of new inventions.
16. Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Marie Curie, a brilliant physicist and chemist, made groundbreaking contributions to science by discovering radioactivity and developing techniques for isolating radioactive isotopes.
She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to receive Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields. Tragically, Curie’s work with radioactive materials led to her untimely death from aplastic anemia, a condition believed to have been caused by prolonged radiation exposure.
Despite the dangers, Curie remained dedicated to her research, often carrying test tubes of radioactive isotopes in her pockets and working without proper protective equipment.
Her legacy in both medicine and physics endures, highlighting the profound impact—and risks—that come with scientific discovery.
17. Jimi Heselden (1948-2010)
Jimi Heselden, a British entrepreneur and owner of Segway Inc., tragically died in an accident involving one of his own inventions. Heselden was testing a rugged, off-road model of the Segway on his property when he accidentally drove off a cliff, leading to his untimely death.
Heselden, a former coal miner, had invested in and developed multiple safety innovations, including the “HESCO Bastion” barrier system used in military defense and flood prevention.
Though he wasn’t the original inventor of the Segway, he acquired the company in 2009 and was committed to expanding its potential for practical, everyday use. His death underscores the unpredictable risks even familiar technologies can pose.
These 17 inventors and their tragic stories serve as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices that often accompany innovations.
While their deaths were untimely and unfortunate, their legacies live on through the advancements they made in their respective fields.
Read Next:
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
