Otis Redding

The day leading up to December 10th, 1967 had been unseasonably warm, causing a think haze to hover over the four lakes that surround Madison. Just before 3:30pm a twin engine Beechcraft airplane was making it's approach into Madison carring singer Otis Redding and his band for a gig that they were to play later that evening at the Factory. Three miles away from the runway the plane lurched before going into a spin and then crashing into the icy waters of Lake Monona. On the shores of the lake a Bernard Reese heard the sounds of the sputtering plane before it's fateful decent into the water. He immediately notified the authorities. After hours of searching the area police pulled 7 bodies from the water with only one man still alive. The death of Otis Redding just weeks from the release of his hit record "(Sitting) On the Dock of the Bay" continues to mysteriously haunt the lake. Yet another talent coming to a tragic end at only the age of 26.

Site - On top of Monona Terrace - There are several benches dedicated to the singer.

Challenge - Re-enact the crash of the plane

Media - Photo of Otis Redding and the song "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay"