Introduction
Margaret Mitchell, the renowned author of “Gone With the Wind,” met an untimely end on August 16, 1949. Her death was as sudden as it was tragic, marking the end of an era in American literature.
The Incident
According to Wikipedia, Margaret Mitchell was struck by a speeding automobile on Peachtree Street. The incident occurred on a regular day when she and her husband, John R. Marsh, were crossing the street to catch a neighborhood movie. The driver of the car was Hugh D. Gravitt, an off-duty Atlanta taxi driver.
The Aftermath
Mitchell was immediately rushed to Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, she never fully regained consciousness after the accident. She passed away in the hospital due to the injuries she sustained.
Legal Consequences
Following Mitchell’s death, Gravitt voluntarily surrendered to the police. He had been out on bond after being arrested at the scene of the accident. The charges against him included drunken driving, speeding, and driving on the wrong side of the street. In light of Mitchell’s death, the Atlanta Police Chief announced that an immediate murder indictment would be sought against Gravitt.
Conclusion
Margaret Mitchell’s cause of death was a tragic end to a brilliant life. Her legacy, however, lives on through her work, reminding us of the impermanence of life and the permanence of art.
