Jackie Robinson Jr., the eldest son of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and Rachel Robinson, died on June 17, 1971.
Key Facts:
- Date of Death: June 17, 1971.
- Age at Death: 24 years old.
- Cause of Death: A single-vehicle automobile accident. He was driving a sports car northbound on the Merritt Parkway (Connecticut Route 15) in the North Stamford section of Stamford, Connecticut. The car veered off the road near exit 37 (Long Ridge Road), struck an embankment, and overturned.
- Location: Stamford, Connecticut.
- Family Context: His death occurred just days before his 25th birthday (June 18). His father, Jackie Robinson Sr., who had been battling heart disease and diabetes, was reportedly devastated. The family had been planning a birthday party for Jackie Jr. Jackie Sr.'s own health declined significantly afterwards, and he died just over a year later, on October 24, 1972, at age 53.
- Personal History: Jackie Jr. had faced personal challenges, including serving in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded and developed a drug addiction. He was honorably discharged as a Private First Class in 1968 and had undergone successful treatment for his addiction at the Dayton Village drug treatment program before his death.
- Legacy: The Jackie Robinson Foundation, established by Rachel Robinson in 1973 to honor her husband's memory and legacy, also serves as a tribute to their son. Jackie Jr.'s experiences, including his struggle with addiction after returning from Vietnam, contributed to his mother's later advocacy work in mental health and substance abuse issues.
