Carlos Gardel: The Final Flight and Conspiracy Theory

Introduction

Carlos Gardel, the legendary tango singer, met a tragic end in a plane crash on June 24, 1935, in Medellin, Colombia. Alfredo Le Pera and Gardel’s guitarists also died in the crash. While the crash itself was a devastating event, what followed was the emergence of a long-standing conspiracy theory, which still persists in some circles today. In this article, we delve into the details of Gardel’s final flight, explore the most likely cause of the crash, and take apart the conspiracy theories surrounding his untimely demise.

The “Tin Goose”

Below is a photo, taken in Medellin, Colombia, on June 24, 1935, the fateful day the plane crashed while carrying Carlos Gardel. The plane was a Ford Tri-Motor Model 5-AT-B, nicknamed the “Tin Goose.”
The plane that Carlos Gardel died in

The Likely Cause: Wind Shear

Many aviation experts believe that the most probable cause of the crash was wind shear at the end of the runway, a sudden and hazardous change in wind speed and direction. Wind shear is notorious for its potential to disrupt aircraft during crucial phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing.

The Origin of the Conspiracy Theory

Following the crash, a shocking revelation emerged during Carlos Gardel’s autopsy — a bullet embedded in his chest. This discovery gave rise to persistent conspiracy theories that a violent altercation erupted on board the aircraft, leading to gunshots and an explosion. However, Gardel had been shot twenty years prior to his tragic demise, and the bullet had never been surgically removed.

The Night Gardel Was Shot

To better understand the origins of Gardel’s gunshot wound, we must travel back in time to December 10th 1915. On this date, Francisco Canaro and his orchestra were scheduled to perform at the Palais de Glace.  A year earlier, the first Internado, a notorious dance event organized by medical students at Palais de Glace had now become a yearly event. Gardel planned to celebrate his 25th birthday at the event. At that point in time, Gardel had not yet embarked on his professional tango singing career.

The Shooting

On that ill-fated night, Gardel attended the event with his friend and actor, Elias Alippi. Tragically, a hitman named Roberto Guevara lay in ambush for Gardel at the venue’s entrance. Guevara fired a shot, striking Gardel in the left side of the chest. The wounded Gardel was swiftly admitted to the Ramos Mejía hospital. The attending physician, Dr. Donovan discovered the bullet lodged in Gardel’s left lung, perilously close to his heart. The doctor thought it was too dangerous to remove the bullet, and chose not to extract it. Astonishingly, Gardel made a speedy recovery and embarked on a nationwide tour with his partner, José Pepe Razzano.

A Scandalous Affair and Vengeful Retaliation

The reason behind the shooting of Carlos Gardel can be traced to his affair with Giovanna Ritana, a.k.a. “Madama Ritana.” She was the wife of Juan Garesio, the proprietor of the Cabaret “Chantecler,” where Juan D’Arienzo would later gain fame. Garesio had orchestrated the hit as an act of vengeance against Gardel for his affair with Ritana.

Conclusion: The Unforgettable Legacy

The details of the grudge were forgotten with the passage of time. Despite these tumultuous events, Carlos Gardel went on to achieve an enduring legacy as one of the most revered figures in Argentine history. His contributions to tango music, the profound impact of his career, and the enigma surrounding his tragic end continue to capture the fascination of people around the world.