Falco was a famous Austrian singer and musician who had several international hits in the 1980s, such as “Der Kommissar”, “Rock Me Amadeus”, and “Vienna Calling”. He was known for his innovative blend of rock, pop, hip hop, and German lyrics. He was also the first and only artist to score a number-one hit in the United States with a German language song. But his successful career was cut short by a fatal car accident in 1998. How did Falco die and what were the circumstances of his death? Here is what we know.
The Accident
According to CBS News, Falco died on February 6, 1998, when his rental car collided with a bus near the resort of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. He was on vacation with his girlfriend and manager, Caroline Perron, who was not injured in the crash. Falco was taken to the medical center in Puerto Plata, where he died. Authorities said he suffered a severe head injury, and his left leg was broken by the impact.
The bus driver, Santos Inoa, said he tried to avoid the collision but could not brake in time. He said Falco’s car was speeding and did not stop at a stop sign. He also claimed that Falco was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown out of the car by the force of the crash. However, Perron disputed this account and said Falco was wearing a seat belt and remained inside the car. She also said Falco was not driving recklessly and that the bus driver was at fault.
The Investigation
According to Rolling Stone, the Dominican authorities launched an investigation into the accident and questioned both Perron and Inoa. They also performed an autopsy on Falco’s body, which revealed that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.26 percent, more than three times the legal limit in the Dominican Republic. The autopsy also found traces of cocaine and marijuana in his system.
The authorities concluded that Falco was responsible for the accident and that he died of multiple trauma caused by the collision. They also ruled out any foul play or sabotage as possible causes of the accident. They said Falco’s car had no mechanical defects and that the road conditions were normal.
The Aftermath
Falco’s death shocked his fans and colleagues around the world. Many tributes and condolences were expressed by fellow musicians, celebrities, politicians, and media outlets. His funeral was held on February 19, 1998, in Vienna, where thousands of people gathered to pay their respects. He was buried at the Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) in Vienna, next to his mother, who had died of cancer in 1995.
Falco’s legacy lives on through his music, which has influenced many artists across different genres and languages. He has also been honored with several awards and recognitions, such as a star on the Vienna Walk of Stars, a statue in his hometown of Vienna, and a musical based on his life. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential Austrian musicians of all time.
