Some celebrity deaths are more memorable than the others — sometimes because of the legacy they leave behind, while some others for the circumstances they die in. Ryan Dunn was one such star whose death struck his fans unexpectedly in 2011.
While the circumstances of his death were not entirely clear initially, an in-depth investigation later revealed the harsh details about his demise. The ‘Jackass‘ star died early at the age of 44. Here’s everything you need to know about his death.
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How Did Ryan Dunn Die?
Ryan Dunn was declared dead after an accident on a Monday morning in June 2011. His Porsche was found crushed on a Philadelphia highway as he lay dead inside it along with another man in the passenger seat. The actor’s sudden death came as a huge shock for the industry as well as his fans worldwide.
Naturally, it gained a lot of media traction at the time. The circumstances of his death were a matter of curiosity for many, as it could have possibly been an accident someone else caused. However as the investigation proceeded further, his death turned out to be a case of drunk driving.
According to the initial reports from TMZ, police revealed that Dunn was driving at a staggering speed of 130 miles per hour when he crashed his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 in the early hours of Monday morning. The high-speed collision led to a crash, killing Dunn and the person accompanying him.
Michael Carroll, the chief of the West Goshen Township (Pa.) Police Department, told the reporters at the time that their team estimated Dunn’s speed with the help of a specialized team that reconstructed the accident. He said Dunn’s Porsche careened into a guardrail before veering off the road and crashing into the woods.
The police officials deemed the accident as one of the most severe accidents they had witnessed in the area. The official speaking during the press conference also clarified how the extent of the devastation was beyond anything he had seen. He specified that he had never seen a car so obliterated in an automobile accident, even before it caught fire.
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Dunn Was Heavily Intoxicated Before His Death, Reports Claim
As the investigation into Dunn’s death continued for a while, some reports suggested the actor was drunk beyond the legal limit while he was driving. With a blood alcohol level of 196, the actor had reportedly chugged down 11 drinks in a 4-hour time span. The actor had consequently broken several rules before he died.
Meanwhile, actor Roger Ebert also posted a tweet linking Dunn’s death to drunk driving. His remark, “Friends don’t let Jackasses drink and drive,” incited backlash from fans and followers. However, Ebert later clarified that he was regretful of any perceived cruelty in his statement.
Nevertheless, the entertainment industry as well as his fans worldwide mourned his loss. Thousands of heartfelt tributes poured in from those close to him within the entertainment industry, as well as from his admirers worldwide. Johnny Knoxville, Dunn’s co-star in ‘Jackass‘, took to X to express his grief. He described Dunn as his brother in a fitting tribute. He also offered condolences to Ryan’s family and partner, Angie.
Van Toffler, the president of MTV Networks music/films group, also mourned the loss. He appreciated Dunn for his impact as a beloved member of the MTV family. Toffler also reminisced about Dunn’s infectious laughter and zest for life.
While tributes continued to pour in for a while, Dunn’s legacy as a daring and beloved entertainer lives on.
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