Richard Jewell

Date of Birth: December 17, 1962

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: August 29, 2007

Biography

Richard Allensworth Jewell was an American security guard and law enforcement officer who gained international attention during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Born and raised in Danville, Virginia, Jewell’s early life was marked by a strong sense of duty and a commitment to public service. He found a career in law enforcement, working various security jobs, which eventually led him to work as a security guard for AT&T during the Olympics. On July 27, 1996, Jewell discovered a suspicious backpack containing three pipe bombs in Centennial Olympic Park. His swift action to alert authorities and help evacuate the area undoubtedly saved many lives, as the bomb detonated shortly afterward, killing two people and injuring over 100 others. Initially hailed as a hero, Jewell’s life took a drastic turn when he was publicly identified as a suspect by the FBI, due to a media frenzy and intense scrutiny. Although he was later exonerated, the ordeal left a lasting impact on his life and reputation. Jewell continued to work in law enforcement until his death, advocating for the rights of those falsely accused. His story has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and a major motion picture directed by Clint Eastwood in 2019.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Jewell

1. Richard Jewell discovered the bomb that exploded during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, saving countless lives.

2. He was initially celebrated as a hero but quickly became the prime suspect, leading to intense media scrutiny.

3. Jewell was officially exonerated three months after the bombing, but the investigation left a significant impact on his life.

4. He later sued several media outlets for defamation and reached settlements with some of them.

5. Jewell’s story inspired the 2019 film “Richard Jewell,” directed by Clint Eastwood, bringing renewed attention to his life and the injustices he faced.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Jewell

1. “I am not the Olympic Park bomber. I am a man who saved lives.”

2. “I hope and pray that no one else is ever subjected to the pain and the ordeal that I have gone through.”

3. “I never sought to be a hero, I only sought to do my job.”

4. “The media can be a powerful force for good, but it can also destroy lives.”

5. “My name has been cleared, but the damage to my reputation and my family’s well-being is irreparable.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, Richard Jewell’s net worth was estimated to be modest, likely under $1 million, primarily due to legal settlements and his work in law enforcement.