Ricky Nelson, the beloved teen idol of the 1950s and 60s, was not only a music legend but also a devoted father. His life was tragically cut short in a mysterious plane accident, but a last-minute decision ensured that his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, were spared from the same fate. This article explores the fateful events leading up to the accident and how Ricky’s intuition may have saved his boys’ lives.
Born Eric Hilliard Nelson on May 8, 1940, in Teaneck, New Jersey, Ricky Nelson was destined for stardom. His parents, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, were the stars of the long-running television sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which made Ricky and his older brother, David, household names from a young age. The show’s success provided Ricky with a platform that he would later use to launch a music career.
Ricky’s passion for music became evident in his teenage years. At 17, he made his musical debut on his family’s show with the song “I’m Walkin’,” which quickly climbed the Billboard charts. This marked the beginning of a prolific music career that would see Ricky produce numerous hits, including “Garden Party,” “Travelin’ Man,” and “Poor Little Fool.” By the early 1960s, Ricky Nelson had firmly established himself as a rock ‘n’ roll icon.
In 1961, Ricky began dating Kristin Harmon, a young actress from a similarly prominent Hollywood family. Their relationship blossomed, and the couple married in April 1963. They had four children: Sam Hilliard Nelson, twins Matthew Gray Nelson and Gunnar Eric Nelson, and a daughter, Tracy Kristine Nelson.
Despite his hectic career, Ricky was a dedicated father. His twins, Matthew and Gunnar, inherited his musical talents and would later form their own band, Nelson, in honor of their father. The Nelson family was close-knit, and Ricky’s children were always a top priority for him, even as he balanced the demands of fame and fatherhood.
Ricky Nelson’s career required extensive travel, often by plane, which became a growing source of anxiety for him. Despite his love for performing and his need to tour, Ricky was known to have a deep fear of flying. He even sought therapy to help manage this fear, allowing him to continue his career and fulfill his commitments to his fans.
In late 1985, Ricky was scheduled to perform at a New Year’s Eve show in Dallas, Texas. His twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, were originally set to join him on the flight from Alabama to Texas. However, just days before the trip, Ricky experienced a strong premonition that led him to change his plans. He called his sons and told them not to accompany him on the flight—a decision that would ultimately save their lives.
On December 31, 1985, Ricky Nelson boarded a DC-3 aircraft in Guntersville, Alabama, along with his fiancée, Helen Blair, and members of his band. As the plane neared its destination, the cabin filled with smoke, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing in De Kalb, Texas. Unfortunately, the fire claimed the lives of Ricky and all seven passengers on board.
The cause of the fire remains a mystery to this day. Various theories have emerged, including speculation that the fire was caused by drug use on the plane, a claim that Ricky’s brother David vehemently denied. According to Ricky’s manager, Greg McDonald, Ricky and Helen were asleep in the cabin when the fire broke out, casting doubt on the drug use theory.
Ricky’s daughter, Tracy Nelson, later suggested that the fire might have been caused by a mechanical issue with the plane’s gasoline heater. The DC-3, known as the “Flying Bus” due to its slow speed, had a history of heater problems, which could have easily sparked the deadly blaze. Despite ongoing investigations, the exact cause of the fire has never been definitively determined.
While the details of the plane accident remain unclear, Ricky Nelson’s last-minute decision to leave his sons behind undoubtedly saved their lives. Matthew and Gunnar, who were just 18 at the time, went on to pursue successful music careers in their father’s memory. Their band, Nelson, became a tribute to the man who had not only given them life but had also saved it.
In interviews, the twins have often spoken about the profound impact their father had on their lives. Matthew once said, “It’s an ongoing labor of love, an open letter to our dad, who was our best friend.” The brothers have dedicated their lives to preserving Ricky’s legacy, not only through their music but also by sharing the story of how their father’s intuition protected them from tragedy.
Ricky Nelson’s life was marked by extraordinary success and heartbreaking tragedy. As a teen idol and rock ‘n’ roll star, he captured the hearts of millions and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. However, his greatest legacy may lie in the love and devotion he showed to his family, culminating in the life-saving decision he made in his final days.
Ricky’s premonition and the mysterious plane accident that claimed his life serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the power of a father’s love. While the world lost a talented musician on that fateful day, Ricky’s twin sons were spared, allowing them to carry on his legacy and keep his memory alive for future generations.
