The teen idol of the 50s who saved his twin boys in the mysterious plane accident that led to his own death

Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson on May 8, 1940, in Teaneck, New Jersey, became one of America’s first teen pop idols. The son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, he grew up in the spotlight on their legendary sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which ran for sixteen years.

Ricky and his older brother David joined the show as children, making him one of the most televised musicians of his era. By his teens, he was already earning more than most adults, despite his father’s wish that he pursue college.

At seventeen, his performance of “I’m Walking” on the family’s show launched him into music. The single climbed to number four on the Billboard chart, establishing him as a star. From there, he scored hits with “Poor Little Fool,” “Travelin’ Man,” “Fools Rush In,” and “Garden Party.”

In 1963, Ricky married Kristin Harmon, a family friend and Hollywood native. Together they had four children: Sam, twins Matthew and Gunnar, and daughter Tracy. His family remained central to his life even as his career grew.

Through the 1960s, Ricky thrived as rock and roll exploded. He toured widely, though he was burdened by a lifelong fear of flying. He even sought therapy to manage his anxiety about air travel.

Tragically, his fear proved prophetic. In December 1985, Ricky boarded a DC-3 for a Dallas New Year’s Eve show. Just days earlier, he told Matthew and Gunnar not to join him. Gunnar later recalled his father seemed to sense danger.

As the plane neared Texas, smoke filled the cabin and fire broke out, killing Ricky and his fellow passengers. Though rumors blamed drugs, his family explained the aircraft’s faulty gasoline heater was the likely cause.

Ricky’s death was heartbreaking, but his decision spared his sons. Matthew and Gunnar went on to build their own careers, honoring their father’s legacy. His music, and theirs, keeps his memory alive for generations.

Related Posts

Democrats Are Being Crushed By Their Own Media Allies Over ‘Schumer Shutdown’

As Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and their far-left caucus insist on keeping the federal government shuttered, even the usually friendly liberal media is hammering them with brutal…

20 minutes ago Mike Johnson, confirmed as…See more

🚨 Breaking: Mike Johnson Officially Confirmed Just minutes ago, Mike Johnson was officially confirmed, ending weeks of heated debate and speculation. The decision marks a pivotal moment…

Karoline Leavitt Slams Obama Over Kimmel Remarks

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on Fox News’ Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany to address recent comments by former President Barack Obama. Obama had…

People are now coming out as “graysexual”

As conversations around identity continue to evolve, more people are identifying with terms that fall outside rigid binaries, including graysexuality. You may have already come across discussions…

Ex-lieutenant general slams Trump for breaking unwritten rule while speaking to military leaders

Hundreds of generals flew to Virginia to hear President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth — though reactions weren’t exactly glowing. Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling…

Donald Trump Recalls Charlie Kirk’s Last Message in Emotional Tribute

On September 21, 2025, approximately 90,000 mourners gathered at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium to honor Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist whose recent death shocked the nation. U.S….