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What Happened on April 17?

Discover 15 historical moments on April 17 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.

Events5Births5Deaths5
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Hero image inspired by: Khmer Rouge

Historical Events on April 17(5)

1975⚡ Event

Khmer Rouge capture Phnom Penh

The Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh, ending the Cambodian Civil War and establishing the socialist state of Democratic Kampuchea.

warpolitics
1984⚡ Event

Yvonne Fletcher killed outside Libyan embassy

Metropolitan Police officer Yvonne Fletcher was shot and killed during a protest outside the Libyan embassy in London. This led to an 11-day siege and a breakdown in relations between Libya and the UK.

politicslaw
2014⚡ Event

NASA discovers Kepler-186f

NASA announced the discovery of Kepler-186f, the first exoplanet with a radius similar to Earth's discovered in the habitable zone of another star.

sciencespace

Famous Birthdays on April 17(5)

1998🎂 Birth

Anna Odine Strøm

Anna Odine Strøm is a Norwegian ski jumper and a two-time Olympic champion.

sports
2001🎂 Birth

Shin Ryujin

Shin Ryujin is a South Korean rapper, singer, and dancer.

musicentertainment
2001🎂 Birth

Violette Dorange

Violette Dorange is a French professional round-the-world sailor.

explorationsports
2005🎂 Birth

Antonio Nusa

Antonio Nusa is a Norwegian professional footballer.

sports

Notable Deaths on April 17(5)

2018🕊️ Death

Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush, former First Lady of the United States, died on April 17, 2018. She was known for her advocacy for literacy and was born in 1925.

politicslaw
2018🕊️ Death

Carl Kasell

Carl Kasell, an American radio personality, died on April 17, 2018. He was born in 1934.

entertainmentmusic
2019🕊️ Death

Alan García

Alan García, a Peruvian lawyer and politician who served twice as President of Peru, died on April 17, 2019. He was born in 1949.

politics
2019🕊️ Death

Gwen Marston

Gwen Marston, an American quilter and writer, died on April 17, 2019. She was born in 1936.

artsliterature
2022🕊️ Death

Radu Lupu

Radu Lupu, a Romanian pianist, died on April 17, 2022. He was born in 1945.

music
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April 17 in History

April 17 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1973 to the present day.

Major Events on April 17

Among the most notable events on April 17: George Lucas begins writing Star Wars treatment (1973), Khmer Rouge capture Phnom Penh (1975), Yvonne Fletcher killed outside Libyan embassy (1984). View all events →

Famous Birthdays on April 17

Notable figures born on April 17 include Anna Odine Strøm, Suppapong Udomkaewkanjana (Saint), Shin Ryujin. View all birthdays →

Notable Deaths on April 17

Remembered figures who died on April 17 include Barbara Bush, Carl Kasell, Alan García. View all →

Browse what happened on April 16 or April 18, explore the full month of April, or discover a random historical fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on April 17?
April 17 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
What is the most notable event on April 17?
One of the most notable events on April 17 is: George Lucas begins writing Star Wars treatment.
Who was born on April 17?
Famous figures born on April 17 include Anna Odine Strøm, Suppapong Udomkaewkanjana (Saint), Shin Ryujin.
How many historical events happened on April 17?
Our collection records 5 historical events on April 17, spanning centuries of world history.
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