7 Shocking Deaths Caught on Live TV

We can see practically anything we want on the Internet, including gore and shock photos, snuff videos, and XXX-porn. When we turn on the TV, it's more of a safe space, free from the horrid nature the ‘net is known for. TV programs limit the type of scenes they’ll show and the really hardcore stuff that makes it to cable TV has nothing on the ‘net. The following deaths that occurred on live TV shocked the nation.

Christine Chubbuck

Christine Chubbuck, a Florida news anchor, is the first person to ever commit suicide live on the air. After a segment concerning a recent shooting, Chubbuck said, “In keeping with Channel 40’s policy of bringing you the latest in “Blood and Guts,” and in living color -you are going to see another first- attempted suicide.” Chubbck then shot herself with a .38 revolver. Chubbuck died from the shot to the back of her right ear. Producers quickly pulled the segment but not before thousands of people witnessed the tragedy.

Jodon F. Romero

Jodon F. Romero had stolen a car and during a live airing of Studio B on Fox, led Arizona Highway Patrolmen on a high speed chase. Suddenly, while the film still rolled, Romero swerved onto a dirt road, exited his vehicle, ran toward the bushes and stopped. He then placed a .45 handgun to his temple and pulled the trigger. Romero died instantly.

Budd Dwyer

Budd Dwyer, a Pennsylvania State Treasurer, committed suicide during a live press conference in 1987 concerning his recent conviction on bribery charges. Facing a possible sentence of 55-years behind bars, Dwyer reached into a brown paper bag, removed a .357 Magnum revolver and warned those present in the room… “Please, please leave the room if this will affect you.” He then shot himself in the head. The footage was broadcast on live television.

Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

One of the most memorable events in American history, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster killed all seven passengers on board as it took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida on January 28, 1986. The space shuttle disintegrated in the air as children excitedly watched from classrooms to see the first teacher to ever go into outer space, Christa McAuffee, on the Challenger mission.

Shannon Stone

On July 7, 2011, Shannon Stone and his son went to a Rangers game at Arlington Stadium. As a foul ball thrown by Josh Hamilton came toward the area where Stone was standing, he reached over the railing to grab the ball. He reached too far, falling 20-foot off the railing onto concrete. The announcers assumed that Stone would be okay, but that’s anything but what happened. The 39-year-old man fell on his head, and though he got up and walked back to the sands looking for his son, he went into cardiac arrest and died on the way to the hospital.

Ayrton Senna

Formula One race car driver Ayrton Senna, a three-time champion, fatally crashed his vehicle during the San Marino Grand Prix on May 1, 1994 while the cameras rolled and spectators filled the seats to watch the races. The crash occurred when he hit a concrete barrier. Senna died instantly. Senna’s death came the day after another driver, Roland Ratzenberger, died after crashing his vehicle during a Formula One race.

Allison Parker & Adam Ward

A Roanoke, Virginia, reporter, Allison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, were broadcasting live from Smith Mountain Lake interviewing Vicki Gardner when Bryce Williams, a disgruntled employee who had recently been fired from the station the pair worked at, WDBJ, approached them. He held his cellphone in one hand and a firearm in the other hand. He filmed himself aiming the gun at both people and firing his weapon. You can hear eight gunshots and Ward’s camera falling to the ground. Gardner was shot but survived her injuries.