Jane Goodall passed away: cause of death and last days
2 october 2025 в 16:50
Doctor Jane Goodall was a beloved researcher, primatologist, zoologist, and overall famous scientist. Passing away at the age of 91 in London, England, she died while giving a speech in California. Jane’s death was so sudden for those mourning her that many wondered what had happened to her and what was the cause of her death.
A day before her death, a video was posted on her institute’s Instagram page. In it, she discussed the deterioration of our ecosystem. She also spoke at the Climate Week in New York less than a week before her death.
Below, you will learn about Jane’s last days before her death.
Jane was remembered as a world expert on chimpanzees and a researcher and primatologist. Her dedication to animals began in 1960 when she visited Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. Since then, she appeared in over 40 documentary films about her research and expertise.
The Jane Goodall Institute announced that she died of natural causes in their initial statement. In a second statement on Instagram, the institute noted that Dr. Goodall died «peacefully in her sleep».
«With deep sorrow, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed this morning the passing of the organization’s founder, Dr. Jane Goodall, at the age of 91, who passed away peacefully in her sleep in Los Angeles, California, during her tour of the United States», - the statement read.
Jane was married to her former husband, Dutch wildlife photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick, from 1964 to 1974. During their marriage, she was known as Baroness Jane van Lawick-Goodall.
After that, the researcher married her second husband, Derek Bryceson, who died of cancer in 1980. He was a member of the Tanzanian parliament and the director of the country’s national parks.
After the death of her second husband, Jane did not remarry.
Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick is Jane’s only son, whom she shared with her former husband, Baron Hugo van Lawick. Nicknamed «Grub», - Hugo Jr. was born in Kenya and spent his childhood between Africa and England.
Jane attributed her chimpanzee research to helping her adapt to motherhood. The primatologist told SheKnows in December 2022: «I think I learned the same things by watching chimpanzees and studying my own mother and how she raised me. The most important thing is support. You have to support your child in what they want to do, they may change their mind, but don’t try to impose what you want your child to do, just support them»
A day before her death, a video was posted on her institute’s Instagram page. In it, she discussed the deterioration of our ecosystem. She also spoke at the Climate Week in New York less than a week before her death.
Below, you will learn about Jane’s last days before her death.
Jane was remembered as a world expert on chimpanzees and a researcher and primatologist. Her dedication to animals began in 1960 when she visited Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. Since then, she appeared in over 40 documentary films about her research and expertise.
The Jane Goodall Institute announced that she died of natural causes in their initial statement. In a second statement on Instagram, the institute noted that Dr. Goodall died «peacefully in her sleep».
«With deep sorrow, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed this morning the passing of the organization’s founder, Dr. Jane Goodall, at the age of 91, who passed away peacefully in her sleep in Los Angeles, California, during her tour of the United States», - the statement read.
Jane was married to her former husband, Dutch wildlife photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick, from 1964 to 1974. During their marriage, she was known as Baroness Jane van Lawick-Goodall.
After that, the researcher married her second husband, Derek Bryceson, who died of cancer in 1980. He was a member of the Tanzanian parliament and the director of the country’s national parks.
After the death of her second husband, Jane did not remarry.
Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick is Jane’s only son, whom she shared with her former husband, Baron Hugo van Lawick. Nicknamed «Grub», - Hugo Jr. was born in Kenya and spent his childhood between Africa and England.
Jane attributed her chimpanzee research to helping her adapt to motherhood. The primatologist told SheKnows in December 2022: «I think I learned the same things by watching chimpanzees and studying my own mother and how she raised me. The most important thing is support. You have to support your child in what they want to do, they may change their mind, but don’t try to impose what you want your child to do, just support them»
© Kolganov Andrey
