Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson in 1940, rose to fame as a teen pop idol and star of the long-running sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, alongside his famous parents and brother David. Though he struggled with school, Ricky found success early, earning $100,000 a year by his late teens.

His musical career took off after debuting his first single “I’m Walking” on the show, leading to several hits like “Travelin’ Man” and “Garden Party.” In 1963, he married Kristin Harmon, and they had four children, including twins Matthew and Gunnar, who later became musicians themselves.

Ricky had a lifelong fear of flying but continued touring. In late 1985, he was scheduled to fly with his sons to a New Year’s Eve concert in Dallas but had a last-minute feeling and told them not to come. That decision saved their lives.

On December 31, 1985, Ricky’s DC-3 plane caught fire mid-air. While the pilot managed to land, Ricky and the other passengers died. The cause of the fire remains unknown, though some suspect a faulty gas heater. Rumors of drug use were denied by family and friends, with daughter Tracy Nelson later stating she believed it was a mechanical issue.

Today, Matthew and Gunnar honor their father through their music, calling their career a tribute to the man they considered their best friend.