Roger Peterson
May 24, 1937 – February 3, 1959
Roger Peterson was a young pilot who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when the small aircraft he was piloting during a cold wintry morning in 1959 crashed, killing three of pop music’s biggest stars in a tragedy that has been called “the day the music died.” On board the Beachcraft plane on that tragic day were Buddy Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and Ritchie Valens – all, including Peterson, were killed when the plane crashed into an Iowa cornfield. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Peterson was the target of blame by family and fans of the performers, but he would later be vindicated. One theory is that the plane was equipped with an unusual gyroscope that read upside down from what most pilots were accustomed to. Peterson may have thought he was gaining altitude when he was actually descending. Another theory is that he was not informed of the treacherous weather conditions as he should have. Either way, Roger Peterson, a well-trained and experienced pilot went down with his plane at the age of 21.
May god bless the three young men who lost their lives that night. Roger Peterson I feel is not to be blamed for this tragedy. I was in a crash myself in 1981 and know how fast things can happen in the air. I am a commercial pilot and instructer for over 35 years now. God bless also Mr. and Mrs Dwyer for they have had this on their minds now for over 50 years and it must hurt them terribly. It is so strange how people can hurt others or look for someone to blame in an accident. Mr. Peterson would never have done anything intentional to hurt anyone so drop any ill feelings and try, yes tyr to understand that if he did make a mistake he also paid for it with his life. All of the families involved in this tragedy have suffered far too long. Pray for them to have peace and someday all four of these gentleman will meet and greet them in heaven for its his word if we trust and believe. Thanks but just my thoughts for the past 50 years. Very Truly Jerry Deon Owens Illinois
I am sorry I meant to say god bless the four young men not three so please correct that. Buddy,J.P Richardson, Ritchie Valens and Roger Peterson are now four stars on heaven. Take care J D Owens
I agree. The hate has gone on too long and Jerry and Barb need their peace. We can’t change history, we can only live with it, but the ‘fans’ who have tormented the Dwyers over the years just can’t let it go. Sucks to be that immature type of ‘fan’.
I visited the crash site on February 6, 2009, 50 years and 3 days later, paying tribute to Roger and the 3 rockers. I regard that visit as perhaps one of the top five moments of my entire life.