Ricky Nelson’s Last-Minute Decision Saved His Twin Sons’ Lives

Ricky Nelson was one of America’s most beloved teen idols, but behind his fame was a lifelong fear of flying.

In December 1985, Ricky and his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, were supposed to fly together to Dallas for a New Year’s show. But just days before the trip, Ricky suddenly called his sons and told them not to take the same flight.

The boys stayed behind.

Ricky boarded the DC-3 alone. As the plane approached Texas, smoke filled the cabin. A fire broke out, killing Ricky and the other passengers, though the pilot managed to land the burning aircraft safely.

The exact cause of the fire has remained disputed, with Ricky’s family believing a mechanical problem involving the plane’s gasoline heater may have been responsible.

But one thing has never been forgotten: a last-minute decision kept Ricky’s two young sons off that plane.

Matthew and Gunnar later formed their own successful music career, carrying on their father’s legacy and remembering him as their best friend.