The Bizarre Death of Alfred Loewenstein

BuzzFeed Unsolved Network29 minutes read

Alfred Lowenstein's mysterious death, which involved him falling from a plane mid-flight, led to various theories including murder, suicide, and accident. Despite suspicions surrounding the crew and passengers, the true cause of his death remains unknown, with the possibility of aliens jokingly suggested as an explanation for his disappearance.

Insights

  • Alfred Lowenstein, a wealthy businessman, mysteriously vanished mid-flight over the English Channel, only to be found dead in the sea two weeks later. Despite theories ranging from accident to murder or suicide, the true cause of his death remains unknown, with even the possibility of alien abduction humorously considered.
  • The lack of a conclusive investigation into Lowenstein's death, coupled with the suspicious behavior of the plane's crew and passengers, fuels speculation about foul play. Theories of murder involving business rivals and associates highlight the complex web of financial motives surrounding the case, leaving the circumstances of Lowenstein's fatal fall shrouded in mystery.

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Recent questions

  • How did Alfred Lowenstein die?

    Fall from plane at 4,000 feet.

  • What were the suspicions surrounding Alfred Lowenstein's death?

    Crew, passengers, business associates suspected.

  • What were the theories surrounding Alfred Lowenstein's disappearance?

    Accidental fall, suicide, murder theories.

  • Who was suspected of being involved in Alfred Lowenstein's death?

    Crew, passengers, business associates, competitors.

  • What was the official cause of Alfred Lowenstein's death?

    Fall from plane at 4,000 feet.

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Summary

00:00

Mysterious Death of Belgian Tycoon Alfred Lowenstein

  • Series finale of Buzzfeed Unsolved True Crime examines the death of Belgian financial tycoon Alfred Lowenstein.
  • Lowenstein, a wealthy businessman, married Madeleine Mizon in a marriage of convenience.
  • Lowenstein boarded a custom plane at Croydon Airport with his valet, secretary, stenographers, pilot, and mechanic.
  • Mid-flight, Lowenstein disappeared from the plane while en route to Brussels.
  • The pilot landed on a French beach instead of continuing to the nearest airport after Lowenstein vanished.
  • French authorities questioned the passengers, who seemed distressed, and then abandoned inquiries due to jurisdictional issues.
  • Lowenstein's wife, Madeline, sought to find his body to access his estate, offering a reward for any information.
  • Various rumors circulated about Lowenstein's disappearance, including parachute sightings and alleged affairs.
  • Two weeks later, a decomposing body in silk clothing was found at sea, identified as Alfred Lowenstein.
  • Private autopsy revealed severe injuries, including a large stomach wound and multiple broken bones, with the official report released over two months later.

15:27

Mystery Surrounding Alfred Lowenstein's Fatal Fall

  • Alfred Lowenstein was still alive when he hit the water, with the final cause of death being a fall of 4,000 feet.
  • The human body's ability to withstand such a fall without exploding into vapor is highlighted.
  • The lack of an official investigation into Lowenstein's death prompts theories about what happened.
  • The first theory suggests Lowenstein accidentally fell out of the plane while trying to go to the bathroom.
  • The aviation world considered this explanation ludicrous due to the door differences and lack of witnesses.
  • Physical experiments showed it would be nearly impossible for Lowenstein to open the door mid-flight.
  • The second theory proposes Lowenstein committed suicide, but evidence contradicts this idea.
  • The third theory suggests Lowenstein was murdered, with suspicions falling on the plane's crew and passengers.
  • The crew's suspicious behavior, contradictory stories, and failure to notify authorities raise doubts about their involvement.
  • Business competitors and associates, including Major Albert Pam and Mr. Frederick Sarvassi, are also considered suspects due to financial motives.

31:03

"Unsolved Death of Rich Man Sparks Theories"

  • The mystery surrounding the death of Alfred Lowenstein, one of the richest men in the world, remains unsolved after he plummeted to his death over the English Channel. Six suspicious employees were the only ones who could shed light on the incident, with all passengers now deceased.
  • Despite various theories, including murder, suicide, or accident, the true cause of Lowenstein's death remains elusive. The possibility of aliens being involved is humorously suggested, with the idea that they abducted him mid-flight, leaving behind only his clothes.
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