Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.

Jack Kevorkian

Pathologist and Right-To-Die Activist Jack Kevorkian

Profession: Pathologist and Right-To-Die Activist

Nationality:
United States of America
American

Biography: Better known as 'Dr. Death,' Kevorkian was an American pathologist and public advocate for euthanasia. He claimed to have assisted at least 130 patients, of which he said: "My aim in helping the patient was not to cause death. My aim was to end suffering. It's got to be decriminalized."

He was arrested in 1998 for his involvement in the voluntary euthanasia of a man with Lou Gehrig's disease; for this he was convicted of second-degree murder. Kevorkian was released on parole in 2007 on the condition that he would refrain from involvement or advocacy for euthanasia.

Born: May 26, 1928
Birthplace: Pontiac, Michigan, USA

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: June 3, 2011 (aged 83)
Cause of Death: A thrombosis

Historical Events

  • 1990-06-04 Dr Jack Kevorkian assists an Oregon woman to commit suicide, beginning a national debate over the right to die
  • 1991-02-05 A Michigan court bars Dr Jack Kevorkian from assisting in suicides
  • 1991-10-23 Dr Jack Kevorkian's suicide machine assists 2 women to commit suicide
  • 1999-03-26 A jury in Michigan finds Dr. Jack Kevorkian guilty of second-degree murder for administering a lethal injection to a terminally ill man
  • 2007-06-01 Jack Kevorkian is released from prison after serving eight years of his 10-25 year prison term for the 1998 second-degree murder of Thomas Youk

Famous Physicians