On September 1, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the tragic death of Marie Elaine McDonald, a talented individual who excelled as a fashion model, actress, radio and television personality, and political worker. Her life was cut short one day before her 29th birthday during a helicopter crash while making traffic reports in Washington, D.C.
In a July 22 article, McDonald described her unique job, which involved providing radio reports on traffic conditions and assisting with emergency medical transport. Tragically, she had previously survived multiple helicopter crashes but did not survive the one on September 1, 1966, alongside her pilot, L.G. Kaufman.
Marie McDonald, a Wichita Falls native and graduate, worked in U.S. Senator John Tower’s office and hosted a television show, showcasing her versatility and commitment to service. Following her death, she was laid to rest at Crestview Cemetery Mausoleum, with Tower serving as one of her pallbearers.
Her legacy lives on as a reminder of both her vibrant career and the risks faced in aviation.
