Thurman Munson — Shocking Sports Deaths

The Yankee great was on the verge of hanging up his cleats, but he was also dabbling with taking on some wings of his own. He took flying lessons and bought a plance to allow himself to fly home on off-days to visit his family.

His fatal flight took place on August 2, 1979, when his aircraft sank too low before increasing engine power upon takeoff, resulting in the jet hitting a tree and bursting into flames. The other people on board the small plane survived, but Munson didn't make it out alive. He officially died from asphyxiation.