John Denver, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and actor, met an unfortunate and untimely end on October 12, 1997. How did john denver die, He was piloting a newly purchased experimental aircraft, an Adrian Davis Long-EZ plane, over Monterey Bay in California. Denver, an experienced pilot, had embarked on a routine flight that fateful day, but it ended in catastrophe when the aircraft suddenly plunged into the Bay. The cause of the crash was later identified as a failure to switch fuel tanks during the flight, leading to fuel starvation. Denver, 53 at the time, died instantly upon impact. His sudden and tragic death shocked fans worldwide and left a vast void in the music industry. His legacy, however, continues to live on through his timeless songs and profound impact on popular culture.