Jerry Falwell, a prominent American televangelist and cultural leader, died on May 15, 2007, at the age of 82. His passing marked the end of a four-decade span during which he shaped conservative religious politics in the United States.
Below is a structured snapshot of key details about Jerry Falwell’s death, legacy, and related topics. The table provides a quick reference for facts that are explored in more depth throughout the article.
| Category | Detail | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Person | Full Name | Jerry Falwell | Founder of Liberty University and the Moral Majority |
| Vital Event | Date of Death | May 15, 2007 | Reported at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia |
| Vital Event | Age at Death | 82 years old | Born August 11, 1925 |
| Location | Place of Death | Inova Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, Virginia | Hospitalized after reporting chest pains |
| Legacy | Primary Organization | Liberty University | Established in 1971, it became a major evangelical university |
| Legacy | Key Movement | Moral Majority | Founded in 1979, active in conservative politics through the 1980s |
Jerry Falwell’s Death Date and Circumstances
The question “when did jerry falwell die” is common among those studying modern American religious history. Jerry Falwell died on May 15, 2007, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. News reports at the time noted that he had been hospitalized after complaining of chest pains, and medical professionals were unable to revive him.
His death came toward the later stage of a life devoted to ministry, broadcasting, and political activism. Understanding this date is essential for anyone mapping the timeline of the religious right in the United States and its ongoing influence on conservative politics.
Health Issues Leading to His Death
Hospitalization and Medical Conditions
In the weeks before his death, Jerry Falwell showed signs of respiratory distress and other complications. Reports indicated that he had been dealing with coronary artery disease and other age-related health problems, which placed significant strain on his body.
Immediate Impact on the Religious Right
Leadership Void and Organizational Responses
The passing of Jerry Falwell left a leadership void in organizations such as the Moral Majority and Liberty University. His son, Jerry Falwell Jr., assumed greater responsibility at Liberty University, while other leaders worked to preserve the vision and infrastructure of the ministries.
Long-Term Legacy and Influence
Continued Influence Through Institutions
Even after Jerry Falwell’s death, his influence persists through Liberty University, which has trained thousands of evangelical students. The Moral Majority may have waned in its original form, but the broader coalition of conservative evangelicals continues to impact policy and electoral strategies.
FAQ
When exactly did Jerry Falwell die?
Jerry Falwell died on May 15, 2007, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia after being hospitalized for chest pains.
What were the reported causes of Jerry Falwell’s death?
Medical reports indicated that heart disease and respiratory complications contributed to his death, following hospitalization for chest pains.
How did Jerry Falwell’s death affect the Moral Majority?
The Moral Majority lost its central figure, and while the organization remained active for a time, it struggled to maintain the same level of national influence without Falwell’s leadership.
Where is Jerry Falwell buried, and how is he remembered?
Jerry Falwell is buried at Lynchburg Hillcrest Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia. He is remembered as a pioneering televangelist and a key architect of the modern conservative Christian political movement.
Key Takeaways
- Jerry Falwell died on May 15, 2007, at age 82 in Virginia.
- His death was linked to heart disease and respiratory issues after hospitalization.
- The Moral Majority and Liberty University continued beyond his passing under new leadership.
- His influence remains visible in evangelical political engagement in the United States.
