20+ Haunting Photos Taken Just Before A Tragedy

1. Diana's Crash

This shows a famously, fatal night. A moment that everybody will always remember - the death of the Princess of Wales, Diana. She has her head turned away but we all recognise her iconic head of hair and the photo before the night of the crash that lead to her untimely death.(Image Source/ TheMirror)We've tragically seen many photos of that night after the crash, with the destroyed car, but there aren't many photos of Diana in the vehicle before it happened. It was said the crash happened because paparazzi were chasing her in their own cars to get that perfect shot...Original content sourced from Femanin.com

2. Uruguayan Flight 571

This is Uruguayan Flight 571. It captures the moments before it crashed in the Andes. There were 27 out of 45 survivors, but they were only rescued 72 days later and so they were forced to survive from cannibalism. Only 16 people made it to the date of rescue.Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 was a chartered flight carrying 45 passengers and crew, including members of a Uruguayan rugby team, their friends, and family. The crash occurred on October 13, 1972, in the Andes Mountains, near the border between Argentina and Chile.

3. Deathly Fall

This famous photo shows a boy named Keith Sapsford. he had run away and hid in the wheel well of a Tokyo Airline plane. He thought he could hide there and survive, but he had not realised that the wheel well would reopen, and he tragically fell to his death.(Image Source/ Allthat'sinteresting)Keith Sapsford's tragic death brought attention to the issue of stowaways and prompted discussions about how to address the risks associated with individuals attempting to hide on aircraft.The incident involving Keith Sapsford remains a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with attempting to stow away.

4. The Challenger

This was the crew boarding for the space shuttle named Challenger. Tragically, the spaceshuttle broke only a mere 73 seconds into the flight. This picture captures the crew minutes before their tragic demise, when they were boarding the shuttle. Haunting.(Image Source/ Bored Panda)The mission, designated STS-51-L, was a special mission that included the first civilian, Christa McAuliffe, who was selected to be the first private citizen in space. The disaster was caused by the failure of an O-ring seal in one of the solid rocket boosters.

5. St. Helens Eruption

This captured the eruption of St. Helens. You can see in the photo the huge ash cloud as it creeps closer. Unfortunately, the man who took this photo died shortly after capturing this image. He was killed by the ash cloud, which he pictures moments before he died.(Image Source/ Bored Panda)The film managed to survive as he protected it with his body. The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, was one of the most significant volcanic events in the contiguous United States. Mount St. Helens is located in Skamania County in the state of Washington, USA, part of the Cascade Range of volcanic mountains.

6. Bomb Explosion

This photo was taken seconds before the Omagh bombing. The photograph even shows the red car, where the bomb was placed. It is a very poignant photo because nobody is aware that seconds later their world would change forever. The man and his child are happily smiling.(Image Source/ Bored Panda)Somehow the two of them thankfully survived. The bombing occurred on August 15, 1998, in the town of Omagh, County Tyrone. The Real Irish Republican Army (Real IRA) was a splinter group that opposed the peace process in Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement, which aimed to bring an end to the conflict known as "The Troubles."

7. Sacrifice

This photo captures the heroic last moments of a school teacher. This was Columbine High School Massacre when the school was stormed by a shooter. He can be seen here guiding 100 students out of the cafeteria to try and save them and get them to safety.(Image Source/ Bored Panda)He managed to save many lives, but he was tragically later shot twice in his chest and murdered by the shooter. The perpetrators of the massacre were two senior students at Columbine High School, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. The attack took place on April 20, 1999.

8. Family Vacation

This photo was taken before Dave Hally and his wife and daughter set off for their dream holiday abroad. He's taken this photo of his wife and daughter to capture their excitement and mark the beginning of their family vacation. This makes it even more heartbreaking...(Image Source/ Bored Panda)... because the family were full of happiness and anticipation and were about to have the holiday of their dreams. They'd actually boarded the Malaysia Flight 17, which was shot down by Russian forces as it flew over Ukraine. Everyone on board died, including all passengers and all the crew.

9. Flight 235

These two photos show the very moments before the aircraft Transasia flight 235 crashed, into the Keelung river in Taiwan. The photo has been captured on the dash cam of a driver's car. The plane had 58 people on board of which only 15 survived.(Image Source/ Bored Panda)This is a particularly horrifying image as the plane is captured literally seconds before crashing, and seconds before lots of people lost their life. The aircraft encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff, and a few minutes into the flight, the pilots reported engine problems. The airplane's right engine (No. 2 engine) experienced flameouts, which means the engine lost power.

10. At the Theater

This couple, Gilles Leclerc And Marianne Labanane were taking a selfie here whilst cheersing their drinks. They were out together for a concert to see The Eagles of Death Metal. Just moments after this photo, four men with guns stormed the concert...(Image Source/ Bored Panda)... and started shooting. Gilles Leclerc did not manage to survive, whilst Marianne Labanane did. The Eagles of Death Metal concert took place on the evening of November 13, 2015, at the Bataclan theater in Paris. On the same night, a series of terrorist attacks occurred in various locations across Paris, including shootings and suicide bombings.

11. Stunt Gone Wrong

This is a photo of Robert Overcracker, a professional stuntman. He wanted to do something huge to raise awareness about the crisis of homelessness. He decided to drive a jet ski over the Niagra falls, and had a parachute ready for the fall. But, the parachute never opened...(Image Source/ Bored Panda)... and he fell to his death. This moment in the photo captures seconds before his tragic demise. The stunt was intended to draw attention to the importance of water safety and the use of life jackets. Overacker hoped to raise awareness about the dangers of not wearing life jackets and to promote their use.

12. Bear Attack

A guy named Darsh Patel took the photo of this bear whilst he was enjoying a hike in New Jersey. Unfortunately, not long after taking this photo he was killed by the bear. It's a disturbing perspective to be looking through the lens of someone deceased...(Image Source/ Bored Panda)...whilst staring right at the cause of that very death. The bear, after seeing Milford, attacked him and killed him. During the attack, one of Patel's friends managed to call 911 for help. Emergency services responded to the scene. Following the incident, authorities initiated an investigation.

13. Free Diving

Nicholas Mevoli wanted to push his free diving to the extremes and wanted to attempt a dive that was 263 metres deep. This was him when he came back out of the water. However, he came out and immediately gave the OK signal, then he found he was unable to speak.(Image Source/ boredpanda)He then passed out and was never able to wake up again. He suffered from what is called a Pulmonary Edema. Efforts were made to revive Mevoli, including administering CPR and transporting him to a nearby medical facility. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful.

14. Paul Walker's Crash

This is the famous Paul Walker before his tragic crash that stole his and the driver's lives. He was entering the car at this moment, just before the race. Of course this is the last time he ever entered a car and so it captures one of the last moments of his life.This was back in 2013, a day that everybody remembers when the well loved Paul Walker lost his life as well as the driver who was called Roger Rodas. Paul Walker's death had a significant impact on the filming of "Furious 7," the seventh installment in the "Fast and Furious" franchise.

15. Jumped Off the Waterfall

This family were on family vacation when they asked someone to take a photo of them. What they didn't realise is that in the background, the girl dressed in the red top was about to jump over the bridge of the Niagara Falls. This photograph was unknowingly her last...... and the last time she was seen alive before she jumped to her death. It looks like the woman wearing black is reaching out an arm towards her - could this be someone she knew trying to stop her, or was the woman just reaching for the railing, not knowing what was about to happen?

16. Airplane Crash

This photo literally captures the moment mid tragedy. This photo was taken in 1978 and it pictures the Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182 which ended up crashing into a small private plane. The Cessna 172 plane that it crashed into and the aircraft both fell from the sky.(Image Source/ boredpanda)This photograph shows the plane falling to the sky before it crashes and tragically kills those on board. The collision was a result of a series of miscommunications and errors between the air traffic controllers at Lindbergh Field and the crew of PSA Flight 182.

17. After the Crash

This was a photo that had been recovered after the crash of Flight 123, Japan Airlines. There were a total of 520 people on board and only 4 people managed to survive the crash. This photo shows the aftermath of the crash. You can see the oxygen masks from the panels above.Looking at the picture and knowing how many lives were lost makes the photo a horrific snapshot of this tragedy. Despite severe damage, the flight crew communicated with air traffic control and attempted to regain control of the aircraft. Rescue efforts were initiated.

18. Into the Wild

This is a picture of Christopher McCandless, he was living in the wild setting a new precedent for a new lifestyle. He has become known for the programme 'Into the Wild'. He had been living in a bus that had been abandoned, he wanted a life removed from society...... where he could live wildly. His body was found decomposed by some Moose Hunters. The cause of his death was officially ruled as starvation. McCandless's story sparked debates and controversies. Some admired his quest for self-discovery, while others criticized what they saw as recklessness.

19. Parkour

This is a photo of Pavel Kashin, he was a young guy who loved Parkour and loved trying new tricks. He was performing infront of people doing a backflip onto the wall while people were taking photos at this very moment. The picture captures him in the middle of his move...... but when he landed the flip he lost his balance and fell to the ground where he died. The building that he was doing the flip on top of was 16 stories high, so he didn't have hope of surviving such a fall. Parkour, as well as extreme selfies, sees people put themselves in dangerous circumstances.

20. Mount Everest Expedition

Here in this photo is George Mallory And Sandy Irvine. They were on an expedition to conquer Everest. This was taken in the morning when the couple were ready with anticipation. Sadly, the pair never made it back again. No one knows whether the two of them made it...... to the top or not, all that is known is that they never returned and this is the last photo of them. Mallory's body was discovered on Mount Everest in 1999 by an expedition. However, the mystery of whether Mallory and Irvine reached the summit before their disappearance remains unsolved.

21. Pyrotechnics

This photograph shows the band called Great White whilst they were performing at Rhode Island’s Station Nightclub. They had pyrotechnics planned that night, as you can see in the background of the photo. However, the pyrotechnics went wrong and ended up killing over 100 people.The pyrotechnics ignited flammable soundproofing foam that was installed around the stage and walls of the venue. The fire spread rapidly throughout the venue due to the highly flammable nature of the soundproofing material. The rapid ignition and spread of the fire created chaos.

22. Titanic

This photo will strike a chord with many. Many people may have even seen this infamous photo before. The well known tragedy of the Titanic. This shows one of the last photos and moments where the Titanic was still afloat. More than 1500 didn't survive that day.This photo is particularly poignant as we know of the tragedy that would occur soon after.The sinking of the Titanic has had a lasting cultural impact, inspiring numerous books, films, and documentaries. The tragedy has become a symbol of human hubris and the consequences of overconfidence.

23. Niagara River

This shows Joseph Avery as he was sailing on the Niagara River and crashed. Two men died straight away as a result of the boat crashing. Somehow, Joseph Avery managed to survive this part and cling on until help arrived. However, a boat came to rescue him...... and it ended up capsizing which then killed him. It just goes to show just how dangerous - and potentially fatal - waters like this can be when you're in them. Even on boat, when you think that might give you a chance, it tragically isn't the case for everyone.

24. R. Budd Dwyer

R. Budd Dwyer at this point in time was the treasurer of Pennsylvania in the years of 1981 to 1987. However, he was then accused of bribery and tax fraud. His trial was televised and millions of people were watching. Dwyer had his reputation smeared by the accusations.He could not handle it. He shot himself during the live trial and it was televised for everyone to witness. He ended up being found not guilty. R. Budd Dwyer's public suicide remains a tragic and controversial event in American history, sparking discussions about mental health.

25. The Concorde Crash

The crash of the Concorde is infamous, the take off of the plane was very much anticipated and it very quickly went horribly wrong. This photo captures the exact moment of the Concorde being on fire. The Concorde launched and one of its engines caught fire...... and it caused the plane to crash into a nearby hotel. The incident caused the loss of 113 lives. The Air France Concorde crash in 2000 marked a significant and tragic event in aviation history. The incident, along with other factors, contributed to the retirement of the Concorde.

26. Bull Fight

This is a picture of Víctor Barrio Hernanz, he was a professional bullfighter from Segovia in Spain. This was taken on July 9, 2016, the day of the Feria del Ángel festival in Teruel. At the start, it seemed to be going his way. But, towards the end, he lost control...(Image Source/ Historyofyesterday)... and the bull threw him to the ground and started to attack him. He lost his life and the whole thing was live streamed for the nation to witness. To make the issue more controversial, the bull responsible for his death was killed after the event, and many have protested against bull fighting in general.

27. A Tragedy

This photo was taken by a freelance photographer. The man in the photo, on the train tracks, was called Ki-Suck Han. Apparently he had been having a fight with another man and it became physical. The other man said he pushed Han in self defence and he ended up falling...(Image Source/ Historyofyesterday)... onto the tracks. Tragically, the train was coming and Han could not get out of the train's way in time and was killed. The tragic incident involving Ki-Suck Han brought attention to issues of public safety in urban spaces and prompted discussions about the responsibility of the media coverage.

28. James Dean

This photo was taken on September 30, 1955. It shows James Dean standing with his Porsche 550 Spyder. He was driving to an auto rally in Salinas, California. But, he sadly crashed and ended up dying from the seriousness of the injuries.

(Image Source/ Historyofyesterday)

He had collided with a student who was driving. The student survived the crash but sadly James Dean did not. The death of James Dean in a car crash marked the premature end of a promising acting career and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

29. Missing Flight

This selfie is a tragic reminder of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 which went missing in 2014. The people on board are presumed to be dead. This selfie is of a son and mother, Gary and Petra Slok. The two of them look so excited to be going on holiday...... and it makes the photograph so much harder to see, knowing that this was hours before they went missing forever. The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 remains one of the most baffling mysteries in aviation history. It has led to extensive discussions about aviation safety.

30. Hot Air Balloon Fire

This photo shows an incident in 2021, in Carterton New Zealand. The hot air balloon crashed into power lines and set alight with all of the people on board. People had taken the ride on a day out and they never knew that tragedy would strike. Once it had caught fire...(Image Source/ Mysteryu.com)... it then crashed and all the 11 people who were on the hot air balloon at the time died. The Carterton hot air balloon tragedy was a devastating event that highlighted the importance of safety regulations and procedures in commercial aviation operations, including hot air balloon rides.

31. Last Moments Of Harambe The Gorilla

The sad case of Harambe the gorilla happened in 2016 after a child accidentally fell into his enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo. Harambe was at no fault for the accident, but in protection of the child Harambe was shot after this photo was taken. Why wasn't a tranquilizer used?Image Source / Bored PandaOfficials said a tranquilizer could have taken too long and risked the child's life. Harambe's death became a cultural touchstone, and the incident raised broader questions about the balance between human safety and the welfare of animals in captivity.

32. The Archduke Ferdinand And His Wife Before They Were Killed

In an event that triggered the First World War, Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated, along with his wife Sophie, by Serb Nationalist Gavrilo Princip. This photo was taken before they were both shot, when they were visiting Sarajevo on an official visit.Image Source / Bored PandaThe assassination in Sarajevo is often regarded as the spark that ignited the powder keg of tensions in Europe, leading to the devastating conflict known as World War I. The war had profound and lasting effects on the political, social, and economic structures of the countries involved.

33. News Reporter Christine Chubbuck Kills Herself Live On Air

Christine Chubbuck was the first person to die by suicide on a live television broadcast. She shot herself in the head during a news broadcast. Before killing herself, she read the latest news story as normal and then drew a revolver before shooting herself in the head.Image Source / RankerChristine Chubbuck's death was a deeply tragic and shocking event, and it left a lasting impact on the media industry. Her story has been revisited in documentaries, articles, and films, prompting discussions about mental health, media ethics, and pressures faced.

34. Robert F. Kennedy Delivers A Speech Before He's Shot Dead

Not to be confused with his brother, JFK, Robert F. Kennedy was running for presidency when he delivered a speech in 1968 to celebrate his victories in the race so far. The mood was a happy and positive one, and Kennedy left the speech to be escorted...Image Source / History of Yesterday... through the kitchen - where he was shot three times, to his death. The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy was a tragic event that had a profound impact on American history and politics. It marked the loss of a charismatic leader who was seen by many as a symbol of hope.

36. Martin Luther King Jr. Is Shot

King Jr. was standing on a balcony outside his room on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel, on April 4th 1968, when a shot rang out. He was assassinated by James Earl Ray, when he was shot through his right cheek and into his spinal column, injuries which resulted in him later dying in hospital.Image Source / NPRIn recognition of his contributions to civil rights and equality, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the third Monday of January each year. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. marked a tragic chapter in American history.

37. The Final Moments Before The Twin Towers Fell

On a day many of us will never forget, two planes flew into the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001. This photo was taken of the second plane, moments before it made impact with the towers. You can see the destruction already caused by the first plane, with the tower on fire to the right.Image Source / Next LuxuryThe destruction of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, was a tragic and pivotal moment in modern history, with far-reaching consequences for both the United States and the world. The memory of the Twin Towers remains deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness.

38. The Final Image Before John Lennon Is Killed

The photographer responsible for these late night final photos of John Lennon didn't even realise what they would become - the singer's final photos. Later that night, Lennon was shot and killed outside his home by Mark Chapman. This is the last photo of John Lennon alive.Image Source / Next LuxuryNot only including Lennon himself, but the man who killed him is seen in the photo while Lennon signs autographs for him. The death of John Lennon remains a significant moment in the history of music and cultural icons. His contributions to music and his messages of peace and love continue.

39. The Last Known Photo Of The Truck Stop Killer's Final Victim

The Truck Stop Killer is an American serial killer and rapist who would keep his victims inside his truck. This chilling image is the last known photo of his final victim, Regina Kay Walters. But not only is it the last photo - the photo was taken by the killer himself.Image Source / Next LuxuryTaken moments before he strangled her to death inside the barn you can see in the photo. Regina Kay Walters' tragic case is a chilling example of the dangers posed by serial killers who use their mobility and anonymity to prey on victims across different locations.

40. Timothy Treadwell And Amie Huguenard: Eaten Alive By A Grizzly Bear

Timothy Treadwell and his girlfriend Amie Huguenard were camping in an Alaskan National Park at the time of their death. They had been living out in nature in order to live alongside the grizzly bears that Treadwell loved. When a plane arrived to pick them up...Image Source / Alaska Magazine... from their campsite as planned, only their remains were found after a bear had mauled them to death. This photo shows the couple together before that fateful day. The circumstances surrounding their deaths highlight the challenges and dangers of living closely with wild animals.

41. Lee Harvey Oswald: The Moment He's Shot

The man responsible for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy was here being escorted by police to a car. Before they could get there, a man named Jack Ruby approached from the crowd and shot him. Here you can see the moment Ruby pulls out the gun...Image Source / IrishCentral... right before Oswald realises and right before he's shot. He died of his wounds. The shooting remains a pivotal and controversial moment in the history surrounding President Kennedy's assassination. Ruby's actions and the circumstances of Oswald's death have been the subject of extensive debate.

42. Nurse Mayinga N'Seka Working Her Last Hours Before Ebola Kills Her

Mayinga N'Seka was a nurse who was working in Zaïre, now Democratic Republic of the Congo, who died after contracting the Ebola virus diseases in 1976 during the epidemic. This photo shows her working during the first outbreak of the virus (she's seen to the left looking at the camera).Image Source / RankerNurse Mayinga N'Seka's tragic experience highlighted the extreme danger healthcare workers face during outbreaks of highly contagious and deadly diseases. Her case also contributed to the initial efforts to comprehend and combat the Ebola virus, which continues to be a significant public health concern.

43. Firing Squad Moments Before Pulling The Trigger

Here you can see the moments before the execution of a revolutionary in 1956, with Cuban soldiers lining up as a firing squad to take the shot. The revolutionary is stood against the wall, blindfolded, waiting in his final moments until the shot rings out.Image Source / RankerIn 1956, Cuba was under the rule of President Fulgencio Batista, who had been in power since a coup in 1952. The political situation in Cuba during this time was characterized by authoritarianism, corruption, and discontent among various segments of the population.

44. Formula One Racer Ayrton Senna Before He Dies In A Crash

Ayrton Senna is here seen stationery in his formula one car, taking a rest and possibly thinking about the race to come. Once setting off in his vehicle, he would go on to crash into a concrete side wall at 145 miles per hour and the catastrophic injuries to his head, including a ruptured artery, killed him.Image Source / RankerSenna's life, career, and the events surrounding his fatal crash have been the subject of documentaries, including "Senna" (2010), which provides an in-depth look at his career and the impact of his untimely death. Ayrton Senna's crash remains one of the darkest moments in Formula One history.

45. Moments Before "The Snake King" Is Fatally Bitten By A Cobra

Ali Khan Samsuddin was a snake charmer known as "The Snake King" due to his living with 400 cobras 12 hours a day. He was also known to work with scorpian. This photo shows Samsuddin with the King Cobra that would kill him - the photo showing moments before the fatal bite would be given.Image Source / RankerAnother cautionary tale of why you should respect very dangerous animals, and even people who believe they can train them or that they're friends with them find out that these wild animals might not have any loyalty to them in the end. At the very least, 'The Snake King' was doing what he loved!

46. The Photo Jodi Arias Took Of Her Boyfriend Before Killing Him

Travis Alexander was murdered by his ex-girlfriend Jodi Arias in his own bathroom. Jodi took this final photo of Travis before she went on to stab him 27 times, slit his neck and shoot him in the head - all in this bathroom. The most haunting thing is you can see the fear in his eyes.Image Source / SwinceArias was eventually sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in April 2015. The Travis Alexander and Jodi Arias case remains one of the most high-profile criminal trials in recent years, notable for its graphic details and the media attention it received.

47. A Happy Road Trip Selfie Before A Head-On Collision

This innocent and happy car selfie was taken by a bride-to-be and her best friend on the way to her bachelorette party. Collette Moreno, the passenger on the left, died after suffering fatal injuries from a car accident when her friend had tried to overtake a truck.Image Source / SwinceThey crashed into an oncoming vehicle. The driver survived, but Collette didn't. A cautionary tale for two reasons: never, ever overtake if you can't see clearly ahead and if it's not safe to do so, and don't be tempted to take photos or videos while driving! Extremely tragic.

48. NYPD Officer Moira Smith Photographed Before She Died Trying To Save More 9/11 Victims

One of the many heroes of the 9/11 disaster, Moira Smith of the NYPD is here pictured helping a badly wounded man out of the wreckage after the attack. She would then go back into the South Tower to try and help more victims out before it collapsed - but she died in the process.Image Source / SwinceAt the time of her death, she left behind her husband and their young daughter, Patricia. Moira Smith's story, along with the stories of other first responders and civilians who showed extraordinary courage on 9/11, continues to be an integral part of the collective memory of that tragic day in American history.

49. The Final Photo Taken Of The US Figure Skating Team

Here are the US figure skating team excitedly boarding the aircraft which would fly them to the world championship in Prague. Sadly, the team never made it, as the aircraft crashed and killed the 73 passengers, and the entire figure skating team passed away that day.Image Source / SwinceThe loss of the U.S. figure skating team was a devastating blow to the sport. The Sabena Flight 548 crash in 1961 was a somber moment in the history of figure skating, marking the loss of athletes and coaches. The memory of those who perished in the crash is honored within the figure skating community.

50. The Dangerous Selfie Taken Moments Before Xenia Ignatyeva Fell To Her Death

17-year-old Xenia Ignatyeva was one of many trying to capture a dangerous selfie. She climbed a 28-foot railroad bridge and slipped, causing her to be hit by 1,500 volts of electricity after she grabbed the live wires to steady herself. She then fell to her death.Image Source / SwinceXenia Ignatyeva's tragic death served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with seeking extreme selfies, especially in dangerous locations. The incident contributed to ongoing discussions about the need for responsible behavior on social media platforms.