"No. Somebody's calling medical and we can't get a doc—"[6]
— Betty Ong, a flight attendant aboard American Airlines Flight 11 (11 September 2001), on a phone call, in response to Operations Specialist Nydia Gonzalez asking if she had tried calling anyone else for help treating the stab victims on the plane.
"I see water. I see buildings. I see buildings! We are flying low. We are flying very, very low. We are flying way too low. Oh, my God we are flying way too low. Oh, my God!"[7][8][9]
— Todd Beamer, American passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 (11 September 2001), signaling the start of the revolt against the flight's hijackers, resulting in the plane crashing in the ensuing struggle for the controls, killing all 44 aboard
"Jack, pick up sweetie, can you hear me? Okay. I just want to tell you, there's a little problem with the plane. I'm fine. I'm totally fine. I just want to tell you how much I love you."[14]
"We're looking in... We're overlooking the Financial Center. Three of us... Two broken windows... Oh, God! Oh!"[15][16]
— Kevin Cosgrove, a businessman employed at the South Tower of the World Trade Center (11 September 2001), over the phone to a 911 dispatcher, who he called from the 105th floor. His last words were uttered when the South Tower collapsed, taking him along with it.
"Carol, I am so sorry for this. I feel I just can't go on. I have always tried to do the right thing but where there was once great pride now it's gone. I love you and the children so much. I just can't be any good to you or myself. The pain is overwhelming. Please try to forgive me. Cliff—J. Clifford Baxter."[10][20]
"I found it very enjoyable. It had the depth of a puddle of water."[22]
(Ik vond het ontzettend gezellig. Het had de diepgang van een plas water.)
— Pim Fortuyn, Dutch politician (6 May 2002). Fortuyn was asked about the quality of an interview he was attending with Ruud de Wild. Shortly following the interview, Fortuyn was assassinated by gunshot.
— John Entwistle, English musician and bassist for The Who (27 June 2002), stated to groupie Alycen Rowse before going to sleep in bed with her
"My fellow citizens, do cigarettes taste good? They are poisonous. I used to smoke two packs a day. Ha… I really regret it now. If only I had quit a year ago. My fellow citizens, cigarettes destroy families and health. My fellow citizens, you must quit smoking."
("국민 여러분, 담배 맛있습니까? 그거 독약입니다. 저도 하루에 두 갑씩 피웠습니다. 하… 지금은 정말 후회합니다. 1년 전에만 끊었어도 말입니다. 국민 여러분, 담배는 가정과 건강을 파괴합니다. 국민 여러분, 담배 끊어야 합니다. ")
— Lee Ju-il, Korean politician and comedian(27 June 2002), died from lung cancer caused by smoking.
"Yes, I would just like to say I'm sailing with the rock, and I'll be back, like Independence Day, with Jesus. June 6, like the movie. Big mother ship and all, I'll be back, I'll be back."[24][25]
— Aileen Wuornos, American prostitute and serial killer (9 October 2002), prior to execution by lethal injection
— Richard Harris, Irish actor and singer (25 October 2002), while being wheeled out of the Savoy Hotel
"I die with the conviction, held since 1968 and Catonsville, that nuclear weapons are the scourge of the earth; to mine for them, manufacture them, deploy them, use them, is a curse against God, the human family, and the earth itself."[10][27]
— Philip Berrigan, American peace activist and former Roman Catholic priest (6 December 2002); final statement dictated to his wife, Elizabeth McAlister
"I told u I was hardcore [...] u are so fucking stupid"
— Brandon Vedas (also known by his nickname ripper on IRC), American computer enthusiast, recreational drug user and member of the Shroomery.org community (12 January 2003), who died of a multiple drug overdose while discussing what he was doing via IRC chat and webcam. "I told u I was hardcore" was one of the last things Vedas typed, a phrase often quoted sarcastically on Internet message boards and discussion sites.[28]
— Fred Rogers, American television host, writer, producer, and minister (27 February 2003), question he’d given to his wife Joanne in reference to the Last Judgment of the Bible.
"Channel 5 is all shit, isn't it? Christ, the crap they put on there. It's a waste of space."[34]
— Adam Faith, English singer and actor (8 March 2003)
"Depression! Many thanks to all my friends. Many thanks to Professor Felice Lieh-Mak (Cheung's last psychiatrist). This year has been so tough. I can't stand it anymore. Many thanks to Tong Tong (nickname for Cheung's boyfriend Daffy Tong). Many thanks to my family. Many thanks to Sister Fei. In my life I have done nothing bad. Why does it have to be like this?"
— Leslie Cheung, Hong Kong singer and actor (1 April 2003), on his suicide note, before jumping from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong.
— Johnny Cash, American singer-songwriter (12 September 2003), responding to his physical therapist after being unable to complete any of his therapy for the day due to his extremely poor health. Later that day he was rushed to the hospital where he died after his health suddenly plummeted.
"I'd like to thank the Academy for my lifetime achievement award that I will eventually get."[41]
— Donald O'Connor, American actor, dancer and singer (27 September 2003), spoken to his family at his bedside
"Jeb. Just remember, whatever happens, happens."[42][43]
— Ricardo Alfonso Cerna, Guatemalan criminal (19 December 2003), to a police officer who gave him a bottle of water, seconds before committing suicide with his .45-caliber handgun, which he had concealed within his clothing
"Yeah. The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man - convicted of a crime I did not commit. I have been persecuted for 12 years for something I did not do. From God's dust I came and to dust I will return - so the earth shall become my throne. I gotta go, road dog. I love you Gabby. (Turning towards his ex-wife and the crowd) I hope you rot in hell, bitch. I hope you fucking rot in hell. You bitches. I hope you all fucking rot, cunts. (Lethal injection starts) That is it."[45][46][47][c]
— Cameron Todd Willingham, American convicted murderer (17 February 2004), as his final statement prior to his execution by lethal injection. Willingham spent his last moments cursing his ex-wife and the crowd that came to witness his execution. The warden of the prison got so offended that he started out the execution to shut him up and Willingham flipped him the middle finger in response.
"Now I'll show you how an Italian dies!"[48][49][50]
("Vi faccio vedere come muore un Italiano!")
— Fabrizio Quattrocchi, Italian security officer (14 April 2004), to Islamist militant kidnappers in Iraq forcing him to dig his own grave while wearing a hood. Quattrocchi tried to pull the hood off and shouted his last words, and was then shot in the neck.
"What are you shooting at?! I'm Pat Tillman! I'm Pat fucking TILLMAN!"[51][52]
"My name is Nick Berg, my father's name is Michael, my mother's name is Suzanne. I have a brother and sister, David and Sara. I live in West Chester, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia."[10][53]
— Nick Berg, American radio tower repairman (7 May 2004), on video before beheading by Islamist militants
— Jonathan Aurthur, American wetlands advocate and author (c. 22 November 2004); his suicide note, found in his car after he jumped to his death in Angeles National Forest
— Dave Shaw, Australian commercial aviator and technical diver (8 January 2005), referring to his dive mask at beginning of fatal dive to recover body of Deon Dreyer
— Dorothy Stang, American-Brazilian nun and activist (12 February 2005), moments before she was shot to death
"Football Season Is Over. No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always bitchy. No Fun – for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your old age.[58] Relax – This won't hurt."[11][58]
— Hunter S. Thompson, American journalist and author (20 February 2005), in his suicide note, written four days before his death
— Jeff Weise, American animator, student, and perpetrator of the Red Lake High School shooting (21 March 2005), yelled at police before he killed himself with a shotgun
— George Best, Northern Irish football player (25 November 2005), dying of complications from alcoholism
"I did not kill Virginia Tucker. I know within my heart, and it hurts to acknowledge, that it was a son of mine and a Spanish friend and another man from Jackson."[64]
— John B. Nixon, American convicted murderer (14 December 2005), right before being executed
"My last words will be 'Hoka Hey, it's a good day to die.' Thank you very much. I love you all. Goodbye."[10][65]
— Clarence Ray Allen, American criminal (17 January 2006); statement written prior to execution by lethal injection
"Atlanta, this is seven niner x-ray, I'd like to deviate south weather."[66][67]
"Looks like he's gonna try and take another vehicle here, we'll see if they block him in there. Looks like they've got him blocked in there but he did get -"[80]
"Katie, Katie, look, it'll be fine, you know, I just need to get some sleep."[84]
— Heath Ledger, Australian actor (22 January 2008), on the phone to his sister before accidentally taking a lethal combination of prescription medications
— Johnny Miller, American aviation pioneer (23 June 2008), to his nephew while dying at the age of 102. Miller made his final flight at the age of 101.
— Captain Kyle Mosley (23 March 2009), pilot of FedEx Express Flight 80; final transmission before the aircraft crashed upon landing.
"I am in debt to so many people. I have caused too great a burden to be placed upon them. I can't begin to fathom the countless agonies down the road. The rest of my life would only be a burden for others.Lll I am unable to do anything because of poor health. I can't read, I can't write. Do not be too sad. Isn't life and death all a part of nature? Do not be sorry. Do not feel resentment toward anyone. It is fate. Cremate me. And leave only a small tombstone near home. I've thought on this for a long time."[86]
("너무 많은 사람들에게 신세를 졌다. 나로 말미암아 여러 사람이 받은 고통이 너무 크다. 앞으로 받을 고통도 헤아릴 수가 없다. 여생도 남에게 짐이 될 일 밖에 없다. 건강이 좋지 않아서 아무것도 할 수가 없다. 책을 읽을 수도 글을 쓸 수도 없다.너무 슬퍼하지 마라. 삶과 죽음이 모두 자연의 한 조각 아니겠는가? 미안해하지 마라. 누구도 원망하지 마라. 운명이다. 화장해라. 그리고 집 가까운 곳에 아주 작은 비석 하나만 남겨라. 오래된 생각이다..")
"Mom, I hope you have a good day at work and I love you very much. Love, Jennifer."[98]
— Jennifer Daugherty, American mentally handicapped woman who was tortured to death (11 February 2010), note written to her mother
"Thank you all for the outpouring of support during my latest bout with cancer. It's true that my cancer is serious, but all cancer is serious. If there is such a thing as a good time for this to happen, then this is it. Physically and mentally, I am in great shape. I am a vegetarian; I exercise and have been clean and sober for 25 years. This combined with the very best medical treatments available I am looking forward to the future. All I ask is for everyone to please remain positive, keep your prayers and warm thoughts coming and together we can remain strong. You all have a special place in my heart and I can't wait to meet you all and thank you in person. Love, Doug Fieger."[citation needed]
— Doug Fieger, American musician (14 February 2010) writing his last message on The Knack's website
"You are the Ultimate Warrior fans and the spirit of Ultimate Warrior will run forever."[122]
— The Ultimate Warrior, American professional wrestler (7 April 2014), in his last public appearance.
"You've forced me to suffer all my life and now I'll force you all suffer. I've waited a long time for this. I'll give you exactly what you deserve. All of you. All you girls who rejected me and looked down upon me and you know, treated me like scum while you gave yourselves to other men. And all of you men, for living a better life than me, all of you sexually active men, I hate you. I hate all of you. I can't wait to give you exactly what you deserve. Utter annihilation."[123]
— Elliot Rodger, American mass shooter (23 May 2014), final statement in video titled "Elliot Rodger's Retribution", recorded the day before carrying out the 2014 Isla Vista killings.[e]
"I can't undo what I've done. If I could, I would. I ask for your forgiveness if you can find it in your heart."[126]
"I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe."[127]
— Eric Garner, American former horticulturist (17 July 2014), after being put in a chokehold by an arresting NYPD officer
"@ChavesRGB Here I am. A hug, with love from your friend: Chespirito."[131]
("@ChavesRGB Aquí estoy. Un abrazo, con cariño de tu amigo: Chespirito.")
— Chespirito (Roberto Gómez Bolaños), Mexican comedian, screenwriter, actor, and director (28 November 2014), final tweet, responding to a Brazilian fan club account
— Mango, Italian singer-songwriter and musician (8 December 2014), raising an arm to the audience before collapsing from a heart attack during a performance
"I extend my condolences to the Dinkheller family, especially Kyle's parents and his wife and his two children."[133]
"My body is on fire. No one should go through this... They poked me five times. It feels like acid."[134]
— Charles Frederick Warner, American child rapist and murderer (15 January 2015), during execution by lethal injection. A grand jury report would later reveal that the state of Oklahoma had obtained the wrong drugs for his execution.[135]
"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP"[109]
— Leonard Nimoy, American actor, filmmaker and photographer (27 February 2015), final tweet
"I have fought the good fight, I held my faith. I am not going to say goodbye, I will simply say, until we meet again. I love you very, very much."[137]
— Lester Bower, right before being executed (3 June 2015)
"...and I love you Sally. And I love you Susan. You let my kids know I went out singing Amazing Grace. And tell the Gissendaner family I am so sorry. That amazing man lost his life because of me and if I could take it back, if this would change it, I would have done it a long time ago. But it's not. And I just hope they can find peace. And I hope they find some happiness. God bless you."[138]
— Kelly Gissendaner, American murder convict (30 September 2015), final statement prior to execution.
"They are outside. This is the end, commander. Thank you, tell my family and my country I love them. Tell them I was brave and fought until I could no longer. Please, take care of my family, avenge my death. Goodbye commander, tell my family I love them!"[144]
("Они снаружи. Это конец, командир. Спасибо, скажите моей семье и моей стране, что я люблю их. Скажите им, что я был смелым и сражался, пока не смог больше. Пожалуйста, позаботьтесь о моей семье, отомстите за мою смерть. Прощай, командир, передай моей семье, что я их люблю!")
"This is wrong what's happening. This is not a capital case; it never was a capital case; I had never intended to do anything. A lot of injustice is happening in all this. I'm sorry things didn't work out. May God forgive us all."[citation needed]
— Adam Kelly Ward, right before being executed (22 March 2016)
— Gene Wilder, American actor, comedian, writer and filmmaker (29 August 2016), before dying from complications of Alzheimer's disease, telling his wife, Karen Wilder, at three times
"I miss her so much,[18] I want to be with Carrie."[18][151]
"I humbly extend my sincerest of apologies to the families I senselessly wronged and deprived of their loved ones. The families of Dominique Hurd, Jerrell Jenkins, Cecil Boren, Michael Greenwood. I was more than wrong. The crimes I perpetrated against you all was senseless, extremely hurtful and inexcusable. I humbly beg you your forgiveness, and pray you find the peace, healing, and closure, you all deserve. … I'm not the person I was, I've been transformed. Some things can't be undone, I seek forgiveness."[152]
— Hugh Hefner, American magazine publisher and founder of Playboy; said to his wife Crystal while being administered antibiotics to treat a soon-fatal E. coli infection (27 September 2017)
"Death is so boring. So slow. One only waits for it."[156]
"It's good to be king. Wait, maybe. I think maybe I'm just like a little bizarre little person who walks back and forth. Whatever, you know, but..."[166]
— Terry A. Davis, American programmer (11 August 2018), in his last video, "Terry Davis: Rises to Throne"
— George H. W. Bush, president of the United States (30 November 2018), speaking to his son George
"Hello, my brothers, how are you? Boy, I'm tired. I was here in Nantes taking care of things, things, things, things, things, things, and it never stops, it never stops, it never stops. Anyway guys, I'm up in this plane that feels like it's falling to pieces, and I'm going to Cardiff. [It's] crazy, we start tomorrow. Training in the afternoon, guys, in my new team... Let's see what happens. So, how's it going with you guys, all good? If in an hour and a half you have no news from me, I don't know if they are going to send someone to look for me because they cannot find me, but you will know... Man, I'm scared!"[170][171]
("Hola hermanitos, ¿cómo andan loquitos locos? Hermano, estoy muerto. Estuve acá en Nantes haciendo cosas, cosas, cosas, cosas y cosas, y no terminás más y no terminás más y no terminás más y no terminás más. Así que nada, muchachos, estoy acá arriba del avión que parece que se está por caer a pedazos. Me estoy yendo para Cardiff, loco, que mañana sí ya arrancamos. A la tarde arrancamos a entrenar, muchachos, en mi nuevo equipo. A ver qué pasa. Así que, ¿cómo andan ustedes hermanitos, todo bien? Si en una hora y media no tienen novedades mías, no sé si van a mandar a alguien a buscarme porque no me encontrarán, pero ya saben... Papá, ¡qué miedo que tengo!")
— Emiliano Sala, Argentine footballer (21 January 2019), last WhatsApp message sent to friends before his death in a plane crash
— Wowaka, Japanese musician (1 April 2019), final tweet, four days before dying of heart failure
"As no document mentions me and no indication or evidence reaches me, they only have SPECULATION or invent intermediaries. I never sold myself and it's proven."[174]
("Como en ningún documento se me menciona y ningún indicio ni evidencia me alcanza sólo les queda la ESPECULACIÓN o inventar intermediarios. Jamás me vendí y está probado.")
— Alan García, Peruvian statesman (17 April 2019), final tweet, one day before committing suicide
"I mean, hey, two wrongs don't make a right, but I mean, you know."[175]
— Etika, American YouTuber, streamer, and model (c. 19 June 2019), in his last video, "I'm sorry"
— Shad Gaspard, American professional wrestler (17 May 2020), minutes before drowning in Venice Beach
"Nearly 100 frank opinions every day. I couldn't deny they hurt me. "Die", "you are disgusting", "you should disappear" I believed these things about myself more than they did. Thank you, Mother, for the gift of life. My whole life I wanted to be loved. Thank you to everyone who supported me. I love you all. I'm sorry for being weak."[182]
— Hana Kimura, Japanese professional wrestler (23 May 2020), last tweet before committing suicide[f]
"I, Ennio Morricone, am dead. So I announce it to all the friends who have always been close to me and also to those who are a little far away and I greet them with great affection. Impossible to name them all. But a special memory is for Peppuccio and Roberta, fraternal friends very present in the last years of our life. There is only one reason that drives me to greet everyone like this and to have a funeral in private; I don't want to disturb. I warmly greet Ines, Laura, Sara, Enzo and Norbert, for having shared a large part of my life with me and my family. I want to remember my sisters Adriana, Maria, Franca and their loved ones with love and let them know how much I loved them. A full, intense and profound greeting to my children Marco, Alessandra, Andrea, Giovanni, my daughter-in-law Monica, and to my grandchildren Francesca, Valentina, Francesco and Luca. I hope they understand how much I loved them. Last but not least, Maria. I renew to you the extraordinary love that has held us together and that I am sorry to abandon. The most painful farewell to you"[188]
("Io, Ennio Morricone, sono morto. Lo annuncio così a tutti gli amici che mi sono stati sempre vicino e anche a quelli un po' lontani che saluto con grande affetto. Impossibile nominarli tutti. Ma un ricordo particolare è per Peppuccio e Roberta, amici fraterni molto presenti in questi ultimi anni della nostra vita. C'è una sola ragione che mi spinge a salutare tutti così e ad avere un funerale in forma privata; non voglio disturbare. Saluto con tanto affetto Ines, Laura, Sara, Enzo e Norbert, per aver condiviso con me e la mia famiglia gran parte della mia vita. Voglio ricordare con amore le mie sorelle Adriana, Maria, Franca e i loro cari e far sapere loro quanto gli ho voluto bene. Un saluto pieno, intenso e profondo ai miei figli Marco, Alessandra, Andrea, Giovanni, mia nuora Monica, e ai miei nipoti Francesca, Valentina, Francesco e Luca. Spero che comprendano quanto li ho amati. Per ultima, ma non per importanza, Maria. A lei rinnovo l'amore straordinario che ci ha tenuto insieme e che mi dispiace abbandonare. A Lei il più doloroso addio")
— Ennio Morricone, Italian composer and conductor (6 July 2020), writing his final obituary before dying in hospital
— Naya Rivera, American actress, singer and model (8 July 2020). Shortly after jumping into Lake Piru to go swimming with her four year old son, she told him to get back onto their boat. She helped him back onto the boat; moments later she yelled "Help", with her arm in the air. However, she disappeared into the water.
"I didn't do it. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I'm not a murderer. You're killing an innocent man"[190]
— Lezmond Mitchell, right before being executed (26 August 2020)
"It broke me, man, but we need to do that for them. People deserve abundant life, special moments. They've been through hell battling disease. If we were able to ease their suffering and bring joy for a moment, and hopefully moments (as) he goes through the bags, then we made a difference in his life."[194]
— Chadwick Boseman, American actor (28 August 2020), his final text to a producer about sending a personalized message to a fan through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.[194]
"Hey guys, I guess that's it."
— Ronnie McNutt, American US States Army Reserve veteran (31 August 2020), right before committing suicide by shooting himself with a bolt action rifle
"My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."[195]
— Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court (18 September 2020), dictated to her granddaughter. Despite Ginsburg's wishes, Amy Coney Barrett was nominated to the Supreme Court on September 26 by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate on October 26, while early and mail-in voting was under way for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
"I ask you to blame the Russian Federation for my death."[197][198]
("В моей смерти прошу винить Российскую Федерацию.")
— Irina Slavina, Russian journalist (2 October 2020), last post on Facebook prior to committing suicide by self-immolation
"I invite everyone to Islam. Thank you for giving me the opportunity for forgiveness. Thank everyone who's here, my family, my loved ones. Take care of yourselves. Tell my kids I love them."[199]
"I hope that I can be with Applejack in the afterlife, my life has no meaning without her. If there's no afterlife and she isn't real then my life never mattered anyway."[210]
— Brandon Hole, American mass shooter (15 April 2021), last post on Facebook, less than an hour before carrying out the Indianapolis FedEx shooting which killed 9 people including himself.[g]
"Dear Team, well my time has come. I am eager to rejoin Joan and Eleanor. Before I Go I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me. Never has a public servant had a better group of people working at their side! Together we have accomplished so much and I know you will keep up the good fight. Joe in the White House certainly helps. I always knew it would be okay if I arrived some place and was greeted by one of you! My best to all of you!"[212]
"I would like to thank all of the supporting people who helped me over the years. To mad Maddie, my twin Sonja, Angie, and all the homies. AKA money and Peruvian queen including crazy Dominican. I was so glad to leave this world a better, more positive place. It's not an easy life with all the negativities. Love all my friends and all the friendships that I have made. They are like the sky. It is all part of life, like a big full plate of food for the soul. I hope I left everyone a plate of food full of happy memories, happiness and no sadness. I'm done, warden."[213][214][215]
— Quintin Jones, right before being executed (19 May 2021)
— Betty White, American actress (31 December 2021)
"I wanted the Irby family to know one thing. I do have remorse for what I did. I pray to God that they get the closure for me killing their father and Ms. Irby's husband... To all of my friends that stuck with me through all of these years, I am not going to say 'goodbye,' just saying 'so long.' I am ready to go to Heaven, warden."[221]
— Carl Wayne Buntion, American murderer (21 April 2022), executed by lethal injection
"You are being as thorough as possible as you try to kill me. How twisted is this? You worship death don’t you. Let's do this shit."[222]
— Clarence Dixon, American murderer (11 May 2022), executed by lethal injection
"Thank you, precious father, for coming today and shepherding me into faith. I want to thank my beautiful wife who has loved me with everything she has."[223]
— Frank Jarvis Atwood, American murderer (8 June 2022), executed by lethal injection
"Hello everyone, Technoblade here. If you're watching this, I am dead. So let's sit down and have one final chat. My real name is Alex. I had one of my siblings call me Dave one time in a deleted video from 2016 and it was one of the most successful pranks we've ever done. Thousands of creepy online dudes trying to get overly personal going, "Oh hey Dave, how's it going?" Sorry for selling out so much in the past year, but thanks to everyone that bought hoodies, plushies and channel memberships. My siblings are going to college! Well if they want to, I don't wanna put any dead brother peer pressure on them. But that's all from me. Thank you all for supporting my content over the years. If I had another hundred lives, I think I would choose to be Technoblade again every single time, as those were the happiest years of my life. I hope you guys enjoyed my content and that I made some of you laugh. And I hope you all go on to live long, prosperous and happy lives, because I love you guys. Technoblade out."[224]
— Technoblade, American YouTuber and internet personality (30 June 2022), written as part of his final message on his father's laptop, eight hours before his death from stage IV metastaticsarcoma. The message was read out by his father in a video titled "so long nerds".
"Instead of thinking about why he (Kei Satō) cannot do it..."[225]
("彼はできない理由を考えるのではなく...")
— Shinzo Abe, former prime minister of Japan and politician (8 July 2022), delivering a speech in Nara before being assassinated.
— Olivia Newton-John, British-Australian singer and actress (8 August 2022), speaking to her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi; Lattanzi has implied that Newton-John lost her ability to speak some time before her death.
"Dear friends, I'm sorry to no longer be with you after 70 years together. But nature also has its own rhythms. They were very stimulating years for me that led me to learn about the world and human nature. Above all, I was lucky enough to meet people who helped me realize what every man would like to discover. Thanks to science and a method that allows us to address problems in a rational but at the same time humane way. Despite a long illness, I managed to complete all my programs and projects (even a small satisfaction; a jazz album on the piano...). But also, sixteen episodes dedicated to schools on environmental and energy problems. It was an extraordinary adventure, experienced intensely and made possible thanks to the collaboration of a large group of authors, collaborators, technicians and scientists. In turn, I tried to tell what I learned. Dear all, I think I have done my part. Try to do yours too for this difficult country of ours. A big hug"[227]
("Cari amici, mi spiace non essere più con voi dopo 70 anni assieme. Ma anche la natura ha i suoi ritmi. Sono stati anni per me molto stimolanti che mi hanno portato a conoscere il mondo e la natura umana. Soprattutto ho avuto la fortuna di conoscere gente che mi ha aiutato a realizzare quello che ogni uomo vorrebbe scoprire. Grazie alla scienza e a un metodo che permette di affrontare i problemi in modo razionale ma al tempo stesso umano. Malgrado una lunga malattia sono riuscito a portare a termine tutte le mie trasmissioni e i miei progetti (persino una piccola soddisfazione: un disco di jazz al pianoforte…). Ma anche, sedici puntate dedicate alla scuola sui problemi dell’ambiente e dell’energia. È stata un’avventura straordinaria, vissuta intensamente e resa possibile grazie alla collaborazione di un grande gruppo di autori, collaboratori, tecnici e scienziati. A mia volta, ho cercato di raccontare quello che ho imparato. Carissimi tutti, penso di aver fatto la mia parte. Cercate di fare anche voi la vostra per questo nostro difficile Paese. Un grande abbraccio")
— Piero Angela, Italian science communicator (13 August 2022), writing his final statement
"If possible, please plasticize or vitrify my brain and leave it on a shelf somewhere with a plaque or durable sticky note that says, 'scan me.'"[228]
— Peter Eckersley, Australian computer scientist, computer security researcher, Wikipedian and activist. (2 September 2022), written as a last message to his friends shortly before his death. His last wishes were honored and his brain was preserved by the cryonics organization Alcor Life Extension Foundation soon after his death.[229]
— Richard Belzer, American actor (19 February 2023), last words according to Bill Scheft
"I know I hurt people when I was young. I really messed up. But I know Ron DeSantis has done a lot worse. He's taken a lot from a lot of people. I speak for all men, women and children. He's put his foot on our necks. Ron DeSantis and other people like him can suck our dicks."[237]
— Donald Dillbeck, American murderer (23 February 2023), executed by lethal injection
"Justice is not about the crime... It's not about the criminal. It's about the law."[238]
— Louis Gaskin, American murderer (12 April 2023), executed by lethal injection
"I have seen the visions of the crow, my energy and particles will transform ad infinitum [eternally], I will live on. I am Tula. 13."[239]
— Duane Owen, American murderer (16 June 2023), final statement written prior to execution by lethal injection
— Tony Bennett, American singer (21 July 2023), to his son Danny Bennett
"Please accept my apology for not going public with what I've been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you."[243]
— Paul Reubens,[244][245] American actor and comedian who created and portrayed Pee-wee Herman (30 July 2023), statement he wrote before he died from cancer
— Angus Cloud, American actor, who was known for playing Fezco in the television series Euphoria (31 July 2023), he said this to his mother just before his death, which was caused by multiple drug intoxication.
"This ended up being a fun life. I am now going to a more free world. Goodbye."[247]
("この人生は楽しい人生だったわさ私はこれから多分もっと自由な世界にいってきます...アバヨ.")
— Nami Sano, Japanese manga artist (5 August 2023), in her final letter she wrote before dying of cancer
"Thank you for growing up well."
("잘 자라줘서 고맙다.")
— Yoon Ki-jung, Korean Professor Emeritus of Applied Statistics at Yonsei University and father of President Yoon Suk Yeol. (15 August 2023).
— Jimmy Buffett, American singer-songwriter (1 September 2023), speaking his final words to his sister Lucy
"Twenty-seven years ago, I was an alcoholic and a drug addict. I did things that have hurt a lot of people—not only the victims and their families and friends, but my own family and friends as well. I have woken up every single day since then filled with remorse and a wish to make my time here on earth mean something more than the worst thing I ever did. When I got to death row, I substituted drugs and alcohol for happiness and positive relationships. I am so grateful to the guys on the row who took the time to teach me how to read and write. They changed my life forever because their love and support allowed me to have pen pals and friends all over the world. John, Susan, Maria, Anna, and David—I treasure you and the unconditional love you have shared with me all these years. The ability to read and write also led me to my beloved wife and soulmate, Ann-Kristin. I will love her for eternity. I make no excuses. I lay no blame. But how I wish that I could have a second chance, to live out my days in prison and continue to do all I can to make a difference in this world. To all my brothers on death row, please continue to help each other. Give each other hope and peace. Keep sharing the love and acceptance that you all showed a hillbilly from Kentucky. To all the lawyers, counselors, social workers, and volunteers who are working so hard to fix the juvenile justice and child welfare system in this country, I hope my story will inspire you to make a difference in a child’s life. You have the power to save another child from my fate. Your work is so important, and I love you. To all the drug and alcohol treatment counselors and family and friends of people who, like me, suffer from addiction, Never give up! I hope you understand how much you are appreciated and loved. Someone like you could have changed my life twenty-seven years ago when I was screaming out for help. To Brother Dale and Susan, God bless you, and thank you for being such a blessing to me. To Linda, Dawn, Stacy, Jessica, Amanda, and Diana, thank you for everything you have done for me all these years. You fought for me until my last breath, and I love you. And finally, to Governor Desantis and the Clemency Board, I love you. I forgive you. I pray for you."[249]
— Michael Duane Zack III, American convicted murderer (3 October 2023), executed by lethal injection
"Unfortunately, they [the Israeli Air Force] have sent a warning notice to the Hiji building just now that it will be bombed. The area has been evacuated entirely. Women, men, the elderly, kids, have all completely fled the area."[250][h]
— Saeed al-Taweel, editor-in-chief of Al-Khamsa News (10 October 2023), quoted by Al Jazeera shortly before being killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City alongside fellow journalists Mohammed Subh and Hisham Alnwajha.
"I'm sorry for all the wrongs I have done. And for those who have called for my death, who are about to murder me, I forgive you."[251]
— David Renteria, American convicted murderer (16 November 2023), executed by lethal injection
"They're vile, they're virtueless, they're without honor. I want to thank you all for all your support. You all have gone above and beyond the call of duty."[252][253]
— Phillip Dean Hancock, American convicted murderer (30 November 2023), executed by lethal injection
"If I must die, let it bring hope. Let it be a tale."[254][255]
— Refaat Alareer, Palestinian poet and writer (6 December 2023), in his final poem, "If I must die."
"Even if you escape the torment of history, you will not be able to escape the wrath of Allah."
"Tonight, Alabama caused humanity to take a step backward. I'm leaving with love, peace and light. Thank you for supporting me. Love all of you."[256]
— Kenneth Smith, American convicted murderer and hitman (25 January 2024), prior to becoming the first ever person executed by nitrogen hypoxia
"You jump first, because if I jump with you, the helicopter will fall on all of us."[257]
("Salten ustedes primero, porque, si salto yo con ustedes, el helicoptero nos caerá encima a todos.")
— Sebastián Piñera, former president of Chile (6 February 2024), to his sister Margarita and both a friend and his son, in his helicopter before crashing in Lake Ranco and drowning himself in the process; the other three survived.
"Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to 'warm up' my personal account, because I am running out of money."[258][259][260]
("Ваша честь, я пришлю вам номер своего личного счета, чтобы вы могли использовать свою огромную зарплату федерального судьи для 'разогрева' моего личного счета, потому что у меня заканчиваются деньги.")
— Alexei Navalny, Russian opposition activist and political prisoner (15 February 2024), responding to the judge at his court hearing a day before his death.[i]
"I want you to know that I never killed James and Amy."[262]
— Ivan Cantu, American convicted murderer (28 February 2024), executed by lethal injection
"Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far! I am not sure how much more I can do, as I am not very confident about my health, probably due to my lifestyle when I was younger, but I will try my best to create more interesting pieces of work, so please continue to support me!"[263]
— Akira Toriyama, Japanese manga creator of Dragon Ball (1 March 2024), who died of an acute subdural hematoma, at the age of 68.
"I love my family. I love my brother and sister. I couldn't ask for anything more, I love y'all. Carry on."[264]
— Jamie Ray Mills, American convicted murderer (30 May 2024), prior to execution by lethal injection
"I'm not able to get to Birmingham this year but will follow the game back here in the Bay Area. My heart will be with all of you who are honoring the Negro League ballplayers, who should always be remembered, including all my teammates on the Black Barons. I wanted to thank Major League Baseball, the Giants, the Cardinals and all the fans who’ll be at Rickwood or watching the game. It’ll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it."[265]
"Excuse me while I go throw myself in front of a train."[267][268]
— Sean "Dragoneer" Piche American Internet entrepreneur, founder of Frost Dragon Art, LLC and owner of Fur Affinity (30 July 2024) at his last Tweet. He was commentative on healthcare in the United States as it was accompanied by a screenshot of an invoice of US$22,224.54 from the University of Virginia Health System following a biopsy Piche underwent for the undetermined lung disease that would claim his life a week later.
— Isaac Freeman III, American rapper, hype man, and radio personality (30 August 2024) before collapsing during a performance. He died at a hospital the following morning.
— Marcellus Williams, American convicted murderer (24 September 2024), prior to execution by lethal injection
"I want to thank the field ministers, the Warden, and the correctional staff for all the changes being made across the system. Even the men on Death Row, to show it is possible to be rehabilitated, and not deemed a threat and not the men we were when we came into the system. We have changed. We are not the same."[273]
— Travis Mullis, American convicted murderer (24 September 2024), prior to execution by lethal injection
— Emmanuel Littlejohn, American convicted murderer (26 September 2024), prior to execution by lethal injection
"First, I would like to apologize for all the wrong I have done, and for the pain I've caused to the Edwards family. I regret, I apologize, and I pray that you can find peace, comfort and closure in your heart for the wrong I have done and the pain I have caused you, and anybody else I've caused pain to. I just want to apologize; I take responsibility for it. Thank you for all the love and comfort, y'all have shown. I pray for the administration, all the guards and just pray for my brothers and sisters behind these walls, that y'all continue to help each other and lift each other up in love. I pray for all the field ministers and life coaches, I just thank you for so many things, father; I just pray that y'all have peace on this earth. Y'all just keep coming together and again I'm sorry for all the pain I caused to anyone. I just ask you to please find comfort and closure in your heart."[276]
— Garcia Glen White, American convicted murderer (1 October 2024), prior to execution by lethal injection
— Liam Payne, English singer and songwriter, former member of One Direction (16 October 2024), in a conversation to a female acquaintance, moments before he plunged to his death from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires
"To the victims' families, forgive me. This is not for me; this is for you. I've taken so much. To my family, I've already said it, y'all already know I love you."[282]
— Derrick Dearman, American mass murderer (17 October 2024), prior to execution by lethal injection
^Earnhardt's last specifically reported words. According to Pilgrim, he was subsequently heard "cheering on and yelling for Michael (Waltrip) and (Dale Earnhardt) Junior" prior to the crash.[1]
^Atta's true last words were, in all likelihood, recorded on the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder, although it was never found amongst the debris at the World Trade Center site. It is presumed to have been destroyed in the crash or post-crash fire.
^The last parts were left out by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in their public release of Willingham's last statement due to containing profanity, but was later released years later by former Public Information Director Michelle Lyons, who witnessed the execution.
^Incorrectly reported as, "All right, good night."[31][120][121]
^Elliot Rodger's actual last words during the day of the mass shooting itself, if any, are unknown, but news outlets have referred to this video as his last words.[124][125]
^Her last Instagram post reads as follows: "Goodbye. I love you, have fun and live a long time. I'm sorry."[183][184]
^Brandon Hole's actual last words during the day of the mass shooting itself are unknown as a witness who reported hearing him yelling could not understand what he was saying.[211]
^As of October 10, the footage has not been released by Al Jazeera and the original Arabic is not available.
^Alexei Navalny's actual last words spoken during the day of his death, if any, are currently unknown.
^Owens, Michael L. (January 16, 2013). "Robert Gleason got death the way he wanted it". heraldcourier.com. Bristol, Virginia: Bristol Herald Courier. Archived from the original on February 19, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
^"'There is no God,' says Stephen Hawking in final book". CNN Health. 17 October 2018. Retrieved 25 November 2021. The book, which was completed by his family after his death, presents answers to the questions that Hawking said he received most during his time on Earth. [...] Hawking's final message to readers, though, is a hopeful one. Attempting to answer the question "How do we shape the future?" in the book's final chapter, the scientist writes: "Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet."
^"記者会見で決意を語る佐藤さん(10日午後8時40分、奈良市で)=枡田直也撮影 : 安倍元首相「最期」の応援演説は「彼はできない理由を考えるのではなく…」:写真" [Mr. Sato speaks of his determination at a press conference (8:40 p.m. on the 10th in Nara City) (Photo by Naoya Masuda): Former Prime Minister Abe's "final cheering speech was "Instead of thinking about why he can't do it...: Photo]. Yomiuri Shimbun Online (in Japanese). 2022-07-11. Retrieved 2023-07-08.