Ricky Nelson was one of America\u2019s most beloved teen idols, but behind his fame was a lifelong fear of flying.<\/p>\n
In December 1985, Ricky and his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, were supposed to fly together to Dallas for a New Year\u2019s show. But just days before the trip, Ricky suddenly called his sons and told them not to take the same flight<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The boys stayed behind.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The exact cause of the fire has remained disputed, with Ricky\u2019s family believing a mechanical problem involving the plane\u2019s gasoline heater may have been responsible.<\/p>\n But one thing has never been forgotten: a last-minute decision kept Ricky\u2019s two young sons off that plane.<\/strong><\/p>\n Matthew and Gunnar later formed their own successful music career, carrying on their father\u2019s legacy and remembering him as their best friend.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ricky Nelson\u2019s Last-Minute Decision Saved His Twin Sons\u2019 Lives Ricky Nelson was one of America\u2019s 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\u2019s show. But just days…<\/p>\n