Tragedy has a way of striking when we least expect it, forever altering the course of history. Such is the case with Jayne Mansfield, an Hollywood icon whose life came to a tragic end in a devastating car crash that occurred in the state of Louisiana.
Arguably, Jayne Mansfield faced a fate more tragic and gruesome than many other celebrity deaths. The fatal accident in 1967 was so horrifying that it sparked rumours of curses and even decapitation that still continue to circulate to this day.
However, the truth behind Jayne Mansfield’s demise is even more unsettling and profoundly sorrowful than the darkest speculations. So without wasting much of your time, brace yourself as we go into details on what happened that fateful tragic night.
Who was Jayne Mansfield?
Jayne Mansfield was a renowned American actress, singer, model, and sex symbol during the 1950s and 1960s while under contract at 20th Century Fox. Born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, she quickly rose to fame with her voluptuous figure and distinctive platinum blonde hair. Mansfield was often compared to another famous blonde bombshell – Marilyn Monroe.
Read Also: How Paul Walker Tragically Died in a Fatal 100-MPH Car Accident
Mansfield began her career as a nightclub entertainer and model in the entertainment industry after studying drama at the Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas. She grabbed the spotlight with her appearances in men’s magazines like Playboy, and quickly transitioned to acting.
Mansfield’s career took off after she signed a contract with Warner Bros. Pictures in the late 1950s. She starred in several successful films such as “The Girl Can’t Help It” (1956), “The Wayward Bus” (1957), “Promises! Promises!” (1963) and “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” (1957). However, it was her daring persona and provocative image that truly captured the public’s attention.
Known for using publicity stunts to maintain her popularity, Mansfield often made headlines for her risqué outfits and scandalous behavior. Despite being dismissed by some as merely a Marilyn Monroe clone or a product of sensationalism, Mansfield possessed undeniable talent as an actress.
In addition to her acting career, Mansfield also pursued a singing career with moderate success. She released several singles and albums throughout the years but never achieved major chart success. She showcased her singing talents in various stage productions, including the Broadway hit “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” and nightclub performances.
Mansfield got married and divorced thrice, her marriages included Paul Mansfield, with whom she had a daughter Jayne Marie, followed by Mickey Hargitay, the father of her three children: Miklós Jr., Zoltan, and Mariska, who later gained fame for her role in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Mansfield’s third marriage was to Matt Cimber but had no children together.
Tragically, Mansfield career was short-lived due to her untimely death in a car accident on June 29th, 1967 near Slidell Louisiana. Alongside her boyfriend at the time, Sam Brody and driver, Ronnie Harrison, she died at the young age of 34. However tragically short-lived her life may have been, Jayne Mansfield remains an iconic figure who left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Details of the Gruesome Death Of Jayne Mansfield on the Fatal Night
On the fateful night of June 29, 1967, just five years after Monroe’s death, the fatal car crash involving Jayne Mansfield occurred just as she was travelling with two other adults, a driver, Ronald B. Harrison and her boyfriend, Samuel S. Brody and three of her children towards New Orleans in a Buick Electra on a dark Louisiana highway.
Jayne had just performed at a nightclub in Biloxi, Mississippi, and she needed to reach New Orleans for a television appearance scheduled for the next day. Mansfield sat in front with the driver and her boyfriend while her children were asleep in the backseat.
At exactly 2:25AM, the 1966 Buick Electra collided with the back of a trailer at high speed. It is said that Jayne’s car went under the trailer, shearing off the roof of the car. This resulted in an impact that instantly claimed the lives of Mansfield, her boyfriend, and the driver.
Fortunately, her children who were asleep in the backseat miraculously survived the crash but sustained only minor injuries. Among the children who survived the car crash on that fateful day was Mariska Hargitay, who would later grow up to become a well-known actress herself.
It is believed that the driver probably didn’t see the trailer on time before it collided with it due to a nearby machine pumping insect repellent in the form of a thick fog.
How Did Jayne Mansfield Died?
Following the car crash involving Jayne Mansfield, her injury was so severe that some people even started spreading rumours that she had been decapitated in the crash.
The false notion of decapitation was fueled by striking police photographs showing the car’s roof torn off and what seemed to be like a blonde-haired head in the shattered windshield.
Contrary to these rumours, a police report refuted the claim of decapitation, clarifying that Mansfield succumbed to severe head trauma. This was further supported by her death certificate, which explicitly cited a “crushed skull with avulsion of cranium and brain” as the immediate cause of death, dispelling any notion of decapitation.
However, the mystery surrounding the object resembling a head in the photographs still lingers to this day. Some speculate it could have been a wig she was wearing or carrying, the possibility of it being the top portion of her real hair and scalp, or perhaps something else entirely.
Jayne Mansfield’s funeral took place on the 3rd of July in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania. A private service was held at the chapel of the Pullis Funeral Home, and she was eventually laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery next to her father.
Conspiracy Theories and Controversies Surrounding Jayne Mansfield Car Crash
In the aftermath of the accident that claimed the life of Jayne Mansfield and those who accompanied her, various conspiracy theories and controversies surrounding the crash began to surface.
Among these theories was that her death was not an accident, but rather a deliberate act orchestrated by someone close to her. This theory is fueled by speculation about potential motives and suspicious circumstances surrounding the crash.
Another controversy revolves around the involvement of Satanism in Mansfield’s death. Some believe that she was targeted as part of a satanic ritual due to her status as a sex symbol and her alleged connections with influential figures in Hollywood.
There are also those who question whether Mansfield’s car was tampered with prior to the accident. They argue that certain details don’t add up, such as how a small collision could result in such devastating consequences.
Read Also: The Details of Princess Diana Car Crash 26 Years Later and Its Aftermath
There are also debates about whether proper safety precautions were taken on that fateful night. Some claim that inadequate seat belts may have contributed to Mansfield’s fatal injuries, while others point out potential negligence on behalf of both drivers involved in the crash.
The Influence of the Jayne Mansfield Car Crash on Road Safety Regulations
The tragic car crash that claimed the life of iconic actress Jayne Mansfield had a profound impact on road safety regulations. This horrific incident served as a wake-up call for authorities, compelling them to advocate for the installation of underride guards, commonly referred to as “Mansfield bars” or “ICC bumpers,” on all tractor-trailers. This vital step was taken to ensure that such accidents would never happen again.
