John Lennon’s life was tragically cut short 45 years ago in an act of senseless violence that stunned the world. On December 8, 1980, the former Beatle was gunned down outside the Dakota, his apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. He was just 40 years old.
The man who killed Lennon was Mark David Chapman, a fan whose obsession spiraled into infamy. After approaching Lennon earlier that day to ask for an autograph on a copy of “Double Fantasy,” Chapman returned to the building later that night with a .38-caliber revolver. He shot Lennon four times, striking his back and shoulder, causing massive internal damage.
Despite being rushed to Roosevelt Hospital within minutes, Lennon was pronounced dead on arrival. According to the medical examiner, he suffered severe hemorrhaging and was effectively lifeless when he reached the emergency room.
Chapman confessed at the scene and later told a parole board that he was motivated by a twisted desire for fame. He has remained in prison since his guilty plea in 1981, repeatedly denied parole.
Lennon left behind his wife, Yoko Ono, and two sons, Julian and Sean. Both have worked to keep his legacy alive, with Julian recalling his father’s wit and warmth after seeing the 2021 documentary “The Beatles: Get Back.” The world continues to honor Lennon’s contributions to music and peace, a legacy that echoes far beyond the final chords of his life.