Ricky Nelson’s sudden death shocked fans who had grown up watching him transition from television star to chart-topping teen idol. Nearly four decades later, Ricky Nelson is again at the center of attention as new details emerge about the plane crash that claimed his life. This time, the story comes directly from those closest to him.
In a new book, Nelson’s sons, Matthew and Gunnar, revisit the tragedy with clarity and purpose. Their account sheds light on long-standing rumors and offers a more accurate understanding of what truly happened, according to People. For admirers of Ricky Nelson, the revelations add both heartbreak and long-overdue truth.
Ricky Nelson and the Plane Crash That Shocked Fans
On December 31, 1985, Ricky Nelson died at age 45 when his band’s plane crashed near De Kalb, Texas. The aircraft caught fire mid-flight, killing Nelson and six others on board. Both pilots survived. The loss stunned the entertainment world, especially given Nelson’s enduring fame from The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and hits like “Poor Little Fool.”
In the aftermath, rumors spread that drug use caused the fire. According to Nelson’s sons, those claims were false. The official investigation later concluded that a fuel line leak in the belly of the plane caused a spark, leading to the fire. The report cleared Ricky Nelson of any wrongdoing, though the correction received far less attention than the original speculation.
Ricky Nelson’s Legacy Through His Sons’ Eyes
Matthew and Gunnar Nelson explain that they stayed silent for years due to legal concerns and respect for the other victims’ families. Speaking out earlier, they were told, could have jeopardized settlements for those affected. Even today, Gunnar says people still ask about the rumors, despite the official findings.
The book also reveals a painful detail. The brothers were originally meant to be on the plane with Ricky. He changed his plans shortly before the flight, a decision that saved their lives. Days earlier, they shared a meaningful conversation after their first sold-out show, when their father told them he admired them as peers. That moment, they say, remains one of the greatest gifts he ever gave them. Through their words, Ricky Nelson’s story finally finds clarity and compassion.