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Eugene Hasenfus, Iran-Contra Survivor, Dies at 84

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Eugene Hasenfus died at 84 in Menominee, Michigan, after a nine-year cancer battle.
In 1986, his CIA-sponsored cargo plane was shot down over Nicaragua, fueling the Iran-Contra saga.
He was the only survivor; the pilot, co-pilot, and radio operator were killed.
The mission aimed to deliver arms to the contras opposing Nicaragua's leftist government.
His death was confirmed by his family in an obituary provided to a local funeral home.

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Story summary

Eugene Hasenfus died at 84 in Menominee, Michigan, after a nine-year cancer battle.
In 1986, his CIA-sponsored cargo plane was shot down over Nicaragua, fueling the Iran-Contra saga.
He was the only survivor; the pilot, co-pilot, and radio operator were killed.
The mission aimed to deliver arms to the contras opposing Nicaragua's leftist government.
His death was confirmed by his family in an obituary provided to a local funeral home.