Alvin Straight was a man who became famous for traveling 240 miles on a riding lawn mower from Iowa to Wisconsin to visit his dying brother. His remarkable story inspired the 1999 film The Straight Story, directed by David Lynch and starring Richard Farnsworth. But how did Alvin Straight die and what happened to his brother? Here is the true story behind the lawn mower journey.
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Who was Alvin Straight?
Alvin Straight was born in Scobey, Montana, in 1920. He married Frances Beek in 1946 and had five sons and two daughters. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, serving as a private first class in the US Army. He worked as a general laborer and moved to Lake View, Iowa, in 1973.
Why did he travel on a lawn mower?
In June 1994, Alvin Straight’s brother Henry Straight, who lived in Blue River, Wisconsin, suffered a stroke. Alvin Straight, who was 73 years old and in poor health from diabetes, emphysema, and other ailments, decided to visit him and make peace after a long estrangement. However, he could not see well enough to drive a car and did not want to take a bus or a plane. He thought his only option was to travel on his 1966 John Deere riding lawn mower, towing a trailer with his supplies.
How long did it take him to reach his brother?
Alvin Straight set off in early July 1994 and drove the mower along highway shoulders at a top speed of 5 miles per hour. He faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, such as bad weather, mechanical breakdowns, and running out of money. He also met many kind and curious people who helped him or interviewed him. He finally reached his brother’s house in mid-August, after six weeks and 240 miles. His brother Henry, who was 80 years old, was surprised and happy to see him. The two brothers hugged and talked for several hours.
What happened after the visit?
After the visit, Alvin Straight’s nephew drove him back to Iowa in his pickup truck. Henry Straight recovered from his stroke and moved back to Iowa to be closer to his brother and the rest of his family. Alvin Straight received a new riding mower as a gift from a Texas company that heard about his trip. He also received a lot of media attention, but he declined to appear on any TV shows. He said he did not want to be famous and that he just wanted to see his brother.
How did Alvin Straight die?
In April 1995, Alvin Straight attempted to drive a riding mower to Sun Valley, Idaho, but he had to turn back because of cold weather. On November 9, 1996, Alvin Straight died of a heart ailment at a local hospital in Pocahontas, Iowa, at age 76. A lawn mower similar to the one he had used on his journey accompanied his funeral procession to the Ida Grove Cemetery, where he was buried.
How did Richard Farnsworth die?
Richard Farnsworth was the actor who played Alvin Straight in the film The Straight Story. He was a former stuntman who had been involved in filmmaking for more than 60 years. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance, becoming the oldest leading actor to earn a nomination at age 79. However, he was also suffering from terminal bone cancer and was in severe pain. On October 6, 2000, he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Lincoln, New Mexico, at age 80.
Conclusion
Alvin Straight cause of death was a heart ailment, but his life was an inspiring example of courage, determination, and love. His lawn mower journey was a testament to his devotion to his brother and his desire to reconcile. His story was immortalized in the film The Straight Story, which also marked the final role of Richard Farnsworth, who died shortly after the film’s release. Alvin Straight and Richard Farnsworth will always be remembered for their remarkable achievements and their touching portrayals of the human spirit.
