Celebrity Death of the Day
Martha Mansfield (1899-1923)
This silent film star and former Ziegfield Follies dancer had just completed work on ‘The Warrens of Virginia’ when she met her unfortunate end. Dressed in Civil War costumery of hoop skirts and ruffles, Mansfield was a walking fire safety hazard. After bidding her co-stars a fond farewell, she hopped into her car to head home, just as another cast member accidently tossed a smokers match in her general direction. Her vintage costume immediately ignited.
Despite the best efforts of her chauffer to put out the flames, she died 24 hours later.
