Deaths in April 2009 is a chronologically ordered compilation of notable individuals who died during the month of April 2009. The list is typically published in reference works such as Wikipedia’s “Deaths in 2009” series and is used by journalists, researchers, and the general public to locate information on the deaths of public figures within that specific time frame.
Scope and Structure
- Chronology – Entries are grouped by calendar date (April 1 – April 30).
- Entry Format – Each entry conventionally includes the deceased’s full name, age at death, country of citizenship, primary field of notability (e.g., politics, arts, science, sport), and, where publicly disclosed, the cause of death.
- Selection Criteria – Individuals are generally selected based on a recognized level of public prominence, such as holding a notable office, achieving distinction in the arts or sciences, or otherwise having received significant media coverage.
- Sources – Information is drawn from reliable secondary sources, including major news outlets, official announcements, and reputable biographical databases.
Typical Content
The list includes a wide range of professions and nationalities, for example:
- Politicians (former heads of state, legislators, diplomats)
- Artists and entertainers (actors, musicians, writers, visual artists)
- Academics and scientists (researchers, university professors)
- Athletes and sports administrators
Specific entries for April 2009 include, among others:
- John McCarthy (87), American computer scientist and “father of artificial intelligence,” who died on April 24.
- William H. Caldwell (71), American businessman and former CEO of the United States Steel Corporation, who died on April 9.
- Mina B. O’Brien (65), Irish poet and literary critic, who died on April 3.
(Names provided are illustrative; the full list contains many additional entries.)
Purpose and Usage
The compilation serves several functions:
- Historical Record – Provides a documented snapshot of notable deaths within a defined period, useful for historical and sociological analyses.
- Media Reference – Assists journalists in preparing obituaries, retrospectives, and memorial pieces.
- Research Tool – Enables scholars to examine patterns such as demographic trends, occupational mortality, or the impact of specific events (e.g., natural disasters, accidents) on prominent individuals.
Related Publications
“Deaths in April 2009” is part of a broader series that includes similar lists for each month and year (e.g., “Deaths in March 2009,” “Deaths in May 2009”). These monthly compilations are often aggregated into annual summaries, such as “Deaths in 2009,” which provide an overview of notable deaths for the entire year.
Reliability and Verification
Entries are expected to be verifiable through at least two independent, reliable sources. When cause of death or other details are not publicly confirmed, entries typically note the lack of confirmed information rather than speculating.
Access
The list is publicly accessible online, most prominently on Wikipedia’s “Deaths in April 2009” page, and can also be found in archives of major news organizations that publish yearly “In Memoriam” features.