Lt. Thomas Selfridge is reported to be the first passenger killed in a powered aircraft.
During a demonstration flight piloted by Orville Wright on September 17, 1908, a propeller split, and cascading damage to the rudder put the aircraft in a nose dive. Wright was badly injured, but survived. Selfridge suffered a fractured skull and died later.
When I first read this condensed historical version, I focused on the tragedy of the death.
Then I researched more, and discovered that as a result of Selfridge’s death, early aviators and passengers began to wear helmets designed to help prevent or lessen injuries.
One good thing to come out of the tragedy.
Humans search for why things happen, and any good that resulted from the event.
And then the event and how the “good thing” came about, has a way of fading into history.
And more sadly, the people who suffered the event that caused the “good thing”, are almost always forgotten as the people who knew them pass away as well.
I didn’t want to let Lt. Thomas Selfridge’s life be a footnote. Because before he became the first powered aircraft fatality, he was an American child of a Rear Admiral, and a grandson of another Rear Admiral.
Selfridge graduated from the same U.S. Military Academy class as General Douglas MacArthur. And while stationed at the Presidio in 1906, Selfridge helped search for, and rescue, survivors of the San Francisco earthquake.
And after that, he not only flew in Alexander Graham Bell’s tetrahedral kite, Selfridge learned to pilot a dirigible and designed and piloted early aeroplanes.
So today, I’m honoring the 26-year-old, who’s remembered as the first fatality of a powered aircraft.
And not just for the lesson of protective helmets, but for his real legacy:
— The bravery of a U.S. serviceman
— The compassion to help others
— The creativity to make aircraft flight possible
And the courage to try, regardless of the outcome.
My prayer for all of us is that we use our talents and skills to leave our own legacy of compassion and courage. Because we’re so much more than our last moments.
What helps you live well to create your legacy?
More Than Our Last Moments – What helps you live well? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Great blog, Joni! Thanks for sharing Lt. Selfridge’s legacy with us and for reminding us “we’re so much more than our last moments.” Blessings!
Thank you, Kim. I’m grateful for your support. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Hope your writing is going well.
Such a wonderful and inspiring message, Joni. One of my favorite things is learning about someone little remembered in history, but who served so well and made a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for helping us remember.
Thank you, Katherine. I’m grateful for you and your support. And I appreciate your posts, too.
“Because we are so much more than our last moments.” So true and thank you for sharing the legacy of Lt. Selfridge.
Thanks, Jacquie! I appreciate your friendship and comments.
I always love hearing of courageous people who make a difference. Thank you for sharing Lt. Thomas Selfridge’s story:)
Thank you, Jane. We are all courageous in our own ways, and I’m grateful God gives us courage!
Joni, thank you for this interesting glimpse of history, and the reminder that everyone has a story.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Phyllis. I appreciate your support.
Yeah, not many of us will make the history books – as they say. My hope is to leave a legacy of kindness and breadcrumbs to Christ.
Thank you, Tim, for reading and commenting. Your legacy to me is your friendship, support, kindness, and mindfulness of Christ. Prayers for you and your loved ones.