Just minutes into August 27th of 1990, Stevie Ray Vaughan boarded a helicopter with crew and tour members from Eric Clapton's band after a triumphant performance at Alpine Valley in East Troy Wisconsin.  Vaughn hadn't expected to make the flight back to Chicago, but a seat was available and he took it. 

 

Less than a mile from the takeoff point, the chopper crashed into a ski hill at the resort, claiming the lives of all onboard.  The tragic crash happened not long after Vaughan had fought his way back from serious drugs and alcohol problems and was playing better than ever.  Anyone lucky enough to have caught him in concert during his brief career knows it was a jaw dropping experience.