A Look Back at the Day the Music Died: February 3, 1959

Investigators assessing the wreckage of the Beechcraft Bonanza. angelfire

The black shape of the plane, on the other side of the fence, is The Big Bopper. He was thrown about 40 feet from the wreckage. angelfire

The Big Bopper is again visible behind the fence, to the left of the plane. The investigator is examining a valise belonging to Buddy Holly. angelfire

An inspector looks at one of the wheels that was ripped off the airplane in the crash. angelfire

Another view of the wreckage. Holly can be seen on the left, Valens can be seen on the right. angelfire

To the right of the plane are Ritchie Valens (dark overcoat) and Buddy Holly (lighter overcoat, next to the valise). angelfire

A rare color photograph from the wreck. Ritchie Valens Can be seen in the foreground. Kevin Terry Collection

A rare color photograph of the accident. Kevin Terry Collection

Mason City, Iowa edition of the Globe-Gazette, February 3, 1959. freerepublic

Monument commemorating the deaths of all the passengers on the ill-fated flight outside Mason City, Iowa. Wikipedia