February 15: What Happened on This Day in History
February 15th marks the 46th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 319 days (320 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on February 15th in history, famous birthdays on February 15th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to February 15.

What happened on February 15?
Here's what happened on February 15th in history:
- 2021: A devastating maritime disaster occurred on the Congo River near the village of Longola Ekoti in Mai-Ndombe Province, resulting in the drowning of sixty people and hundreds reported missing. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of river transportation safety in the region.
- 2014: In Bangui, Central African Republic, a mass grave of Christians was discovered in a neighborhood previously occupied by Muslim Seleka rebels, highlighting the ongoing sectarian tensions and violence in the region.
- 2008: After five months of uncertainty following his plane's disappearance in Nevada, adventurer Steve Fossett was officially declared legally dead by the Cook County Circuit Court in Chicago, Illinois.
- 2002: Howard K. Smith, a renowned American television journalist who played a significant role in broadcast news during the mid-20th century, passed away. Smith was known for his influential reporting and commentary during pivotal moments in American history.
- 2000: A minor incident occurred at the Indian Point II nuclear power station in New York State, where a steam generator malfunction resulted in a small release of radioactive steam. While the event was reported to be of low severity, it raised ongoing concerns about nuclear power plant safety and potential environmental risks.
- 1995: The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes at a record high of 3,986.17, signaling strong economic performance and investor confidence.
- 1994: A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Southern Sumatra, Indonesia, causing massive destruction in Lampung Province. The catastrophic event resulted in 207 confirmed fatalities, over 2,000 injuries, and left approximately 75,000 people homeless. The disaster triggered extensive damage through landslides, mudslides, and fires, with total economic losses estimated at US$169 million.
- 1985: The Space Shuttle vehicle for mission STS 51-E was transported to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, preparing for an upcoming space mission.
- 1981: Karl Richter, a renowned German conductor and musician who was born in 1926, passed away on this date. Richter was known for his significant contributions to classical music performance and interpretation.
- 1977: The Social Democratic Party secured victory in the Danish parliamentary election, signaling potential shifts in the country's political landscape and governance.

What famous birthdays are on February 15?
On February 15th there are the following famous birthdays:
- Kevin McCarthy (1914)
Renowned American actor famous for his iconic role in the sci-fi classic 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' and his Oscar-nominated...
- Chris Farley (1964)
Legendary comedian known for his work on Saturday Night Live and comedy films like 'Tommy Boy', who tragically died from a drug overdose at...
- Jane Seymour (1951)
Jane Seymour is a renowned English-American actress known for her versatile roles in film and television, including the popular series 'Dr....
- Harvey Korman (1927)
Legendary American comedian and actor best known for his iconic role on 'The Carol Burnett Show', where he won four Emmy Awards.
- Cesar Romero (1907)
Cuban-American actor famous for playing the Joker in the 1960s Batman TV series and appearing in numerous films like Falcon Crest.
- Milo Djukanovic (1962)
Milo Djukanovic is a prominent Montenegrin politician who played a crucial role in Montenegro's independence movement and has served...
- Rachida Brakni (1977)
French actress of Algerian descent known for her work in cinema and her marriage to Eric Cantona, a famous footballer and actor.
- Claire Bloom (1931)
Claire Bloom is a renowned English actress with a distinguished career spanning film, television, and stage, known for memorable...
- Meera Jasmine (1984)
Meera Jasmine is a prominent Indian actress who has made significant contributions to Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, winning multiple...
- Melissa Manchester (1951)
Melissa Manchester is an accomplished American singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and hit songs like 'Don't Cry Out Loud'.
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide

Who died on February 15?
On February 15th the following celebrities died:
- Raquel Welch (2023)
Iconic Hollywood sex symbol and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, known for her stunning beauty and memorable roles in films...
- Ethel Merman (1984)
Legendary Broadway and Hollywood musical star renowned for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence.
- Wally Cox (1973)
Wally Cox was a versatile American comedian and actor best known for his role as Mr.
- George Gaynes (2016)
Finnish-American actor best known for his roles in 'Punky Brewster' and 'Police Academy' film series, who had a successful career in...
- Nat King Cole (1965)
Legendary African American jazz pianist and singer known for iconic hits like 'Unforgettable' and 'Mona Lisa', who significantly influenced...
- Bappi Lahiri (2022)
Legendary Indian music composer, singer, and record producer who was a prominent figure in Bollywood music for decades.
- Theodor Escherich (1911)
Theodor Escherich was an Austrian-German pediatrician and bacteriologist who discovered the Escherichia coli (E.
- Little Walter (1968)
Legendary blues harmonica player and singer who significantly influenced the Chicago blues scene and revolutionized harmonica playing...
- Martha Gellhorn (1998)
Martha Gellhorn was a pioneering war correspondent and novelist who covered conflicts from the Spanish Civil War to World War II.

What day of the year is February 15?
February 15th marks the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 319 days remaining until the end of the year (or 320 days in case of leap years).
February 15th is the 15th day of the month of February.

What zodiac sign is associated with the day February 15?
The zodiac sign associated with February 15th is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
