The shocking death of Jayne Mansfield on June 29, 1967, has long been surrounded by rumors and speculation.
Many believe that she was beheaded in a horrific car accident, but the truth is even more gruesome and heartbreaking.
Like Marilyn Monroe, Mansfield's life was cut tragically short, leaving behind a trail of gossip and mystery.
In the early hours of that fateful day, Mansfield and her three children, including her daughter Mariska Hargitay, were traveling on a dark Louisiana highway when their car collided with a semi-truck.
The impact was so severe that it sheared off the top of Mansfield's car, instantly killing the three adults in the front seat.
Miraculously, the children in the back seat survived.
The aftermath of the accident sparked wild rumors of decapitation and curses.
However, the truth behind Mansfield's death is far more disturbing than any rumor could suggest.
Born Vera Jayne Palmer on April 19, 1933, Mansfield rose to fame in the 1950s as a glamorous and provocative alternative to Marilyn Monroe.
She arrived in Hollywood at a young age, already a wife and mother.
While she starred in films like “Too Hot to Handle” and “The Girl Can't Help It,” Mansfield became best known for her off-screen persona, where she embraced her curves and portrayed herself as a bolder version of Monroe.
Mansfield's boldness and imitation of Monroe drew criticism from the iconic star herself.
Monroe once complained that Mansfield's imitations were an insult to both of them, expressing her desire to sue her rival.
Mansfield, however, relished the rivalry and even pursued John F. Kennedy because of his relationship with Monroe.
After winning over the president, Mansfield gleefully exclaimed, “I'll bet Marilyn's pissed as all get out!”
Throughout her life, Mansfield married and divorced three times, had five children, and engaged in numerous high-profile affairs.
She was unapologetic about her status as a s** symbol, even posing for Playboy and challenging societal taboos surrounding sexuality.
Tragedy struck Mansfield on that fateful day in 1967.
After performing at a nightclub in Biloxi, Mississippi, Mansfield embarked on a drive to New Orleans with her driver, Ronald B. Harrison, and her boyfriend, Samuel S. Brody.
Three of her children slept peacefully in the backseat.
Around 2 a.m., the car collided with a trailer truck, instantly killing everyone in the front seat.
Thick fog from a mosquito-killing machine likely obstructed Harrison's view of the truck until it was too late.
The accident left Mansfield's three children alive but claimed the lives of the adults in the front seat, as well as Mansfield's beloved dog.
Rumors immediately circulated that Mansfield's head had been severed in the crash, fueled by photos showing her wig thrown from the car.
While police confirmed that Mansfield suffered a gruesome death, with her skull crushed and her cranium partially separated, the beheading story persists to this day.
Another rumor emerged, suggesting that Mansfield's association with Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey led to a curse being placed on Brody, ultimately causing the accident.
However, there is no evidence to support this claim, despite its inclusion in a 2017 documentary called “Mansfield 66/67.”
Mariska Hargitay, Mansfield's daughter who survived the accident, carries the memory of her mother with her.
Although she slept through the tragedy, she bears a scar on her head as a reminder.
Hargitay has learned to confront her grief head-on, acknowledging that “the only way out is through.”
She remembers her mother as an inspiring and multifaceted woman who played the violin, had a high IQ, and loved dogs.
Mansfield's death left a lasting impact not only on her family and fans but also on federal law.
Following the accident, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration introduced a new requirement for semi-trucks to prevent similar tragedies.
These regulations mandated the installation of steel bars, now known as Mansfield bars, to prevent cars from sliding underneath the back of a truck.
Jayne Mansfield's death may be shrouded in rumors and tragedy, but her legacy lives on.
Her story serves as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the lasting impact of a life cut short.
