Curious and Unusual Deaths Season 2 Episode 5 Rich and Famous

In this episode of Curious and Unusual Deaths season 2, titled "Rich and Famous," we explore the fatal consequences of chasing fame and fortune.

The episode begins with the tragic story of John Sedgwick, a wealthy businessman who was killed by a sniper during the American Civil War. Despite being warned by his soldiers that he was in range of enemy gunfire, Sedgwick stubbornly proclaimed, "they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance." Moments later, he was struck down by a bullet and died instantly. Sedgwick's death serves as a cautionary tale about overconfidence and underestimating the dangers of one's surroundings.

Next, we delve into the story of Jessica Savitch, a beloved news anchor who rose to fame in the 1970s. Savitch's meteoric rise to the top was fueled by ambition and a relentless drive to succeed. However, this same ambition led to Savitch's downfall when she began using drugs and alcohol to cope with the pressures of her job. In 1983, Savitch drowned in a tragic car accident when her vehicle plunged into a canal. Investigators later discovered that Savitch was heavily intoxicated at the time of the accident, leading many to speculate that her addiction ultimately cost her life.

The episode then takes a turn to discuss greed and the lengths people will go to acquire wealth. We examine the case of Karen Wetterhahn, a chemistry professor at Dartmouth College who died after accidentally spilling a drop of dimethylmercury on her glove. Wetterhahn had been conducting experiments on the toxic chemical for years and was well aware of its dangers. However, she failed to take the necessary safety precautions and ultimately paid the price with her life. Wetterhahn's death serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of putting money and success above one's own safety.

Moving on, the show examines the tragic story of Mark Ruffalo's brother, Scott, who died mysteriously in 2008. Scott was a successful hairstylist in Beverly Hills and had worked with many high-profile clients over the years. However, his lavish lifestyle and constant partying eventually caught up with him when he was found dead in his apartment. The cause of death was later ruled as a drug overdose, leaving Mark and his family devastated.

Finally, the episode concludes with the story of Vic Morrow, a veteran actor who appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career. Morrow was filming a scene for the movie "Twilight Zone: The Movie" when a helicopter crashed on set, killing him and two child actors. The incident was later attributed to poor safety protocols and a lack of oversight on the part of the filmmakers. Morrow's death serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines and ensuring that all measures are taken to protect crew members and actors on set.

Overall, "Rich and Famous" is a sobering exploration of the dangers of ambition, greed, and the pursuit of fame and fortune. Through a series of poignant and tragic stories, the episode implores viewers to prioritize their safety and well-being above all else and to never lose sight of what truly matters in life.