Rudel - cause of death?

[Lascap]

I am somewhat surprised that such a physically active and fit - and optimistic - man died so prematurely (at age 66).

Does anyone know the cause of death?

[Dale]

From what I remember -- he had lost a leg in the war -- but once he had the time to stop flying and allow his leg to properly heal I think he was rather physically fit. Sometime after the war he had a stroke but I don't remember how close that was to the end.

[Lascap]

He did lose part of a leg, but he flew again shortly after. Also, he climbed all kinds of high mountains afterwards, and played tennis. He leg had nothing to do with anything. Didn't know about the stroke. Did he gain weight? What happened?

[Dale]

I know his leg was not the cause...and I'm not sure about any other details...but I definately remember he had a stroke. I haven't looked elsewhere online but it must be availble to find.

[dusty825]

I am sure the war took a toll on him, he was a avid sportsman after the war, but he could have suffered from high blood pressure or something else, it isn't all that uncommon to see people die in their 50's