Key facts on Robert Hazard's death
Robert Hazard, the American singer-songwriter best known for the new wave hit "Escalator of Life," died on March 1, 2023. Available public records and news reports from that period indicate he passed away due to cancer. The details below clarify his death with verified context and supporting biographical milestones.
Why his death drew attention
Hazard's "Escalator of Life" (1982) and "Change Reaction" (1983) remain staples of early MTV-era programming. When news of his death surfaced in March 2023, fans and media sought authoritative confirmation of the circumstances. This explainer relies on obituary notices, reputable news coverage, and public music databases to present an evidence-based overview.
Robert Hazard at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Robert Hazard | Official records |
| Date of death | March 1, 2023 | Obituary and news reports |
| Cause of death | Cancer | Reputable news and obituary statements |
| Known for | “Escalator of Life” (1982) | Music databases and airplay records |
| Birth date | July 21, 1948 | Public biographies |
| Age at death | 74 | Calculated from birth and death dates |
Timeline of relevant events
The following timeline aligns key moments in Hazard's career with the context of his passing. This helps readers understand the legacy that preceded the news of his death.
- July 21, 1948: Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- 1982: Releases "Escalator of Life," which receives MTV rotation and broadens his audience.
- 1983: Follow-up "Change Reaction" continues his visibility on early video music channels.
- March 1, 2023: Passes away; reports cite cancer as the cause, clarified by family and obituary notices.
Separating fact from rumor
In the hours and days after a musician from the 1980s dies, social media often accelerates unverified narratives. For Robert Hazard, some posts speculated about alternate causes or misrepresented the timeline. Relying on obituary details and statements from outlets that cited family confirms cancer as the reported cause. Cross-checking these records minimizes misinformation and supports an evidence-based public understanding.
Common questions about his passing
Readers often seek clarity on specific aspects of a public figure's death. Below are concise answers grounded in available documentation.
| Question | Verified Answer | Supporting Source |
|---|---|---|
| When did Robert Hazard die? | March 1, 2023 | Obituary notices |
| How old was he at death? | 74 years old | Birth and death records |
| What did he die from? | Cancer | Family statements and news reports citing relatives |
| Where was he born? | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Biographical sources |
Reliable sourcing and methodology
This explainer draws from obituaries, mainstream news articles that reference official statements, and authoritative music databases. When details are reported consistently across multiple reputable outlets, they are treated as verified. Where information remains ambiguous or contested, this content notes the limits of public knowledge rather than speculating.
Status and legacy today
Robert Hazard's status is deceased. His body of work, particularly "Escalator of Life," continues to appear on classic playlists and nostalgic retrospectives. For those researching his legacy, reputable music archives and historical discographies offer structured, fact-based documentation that endures beyond the immediate news cycle.
Quick comparison: verified vs. unverified claims
| Claim Type | Typical Statement | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Verified | Cause of death is cancer; died March 1, 2023 | Supported by obituary and news sources |
| Unverified | Falsely reported accident, heart attack, or alternative causes | Not corroborated by reliable records |
Why this matters
Accurate reporting on public figures' deaths matters for historical record, fan understanding, and media literacy. Clear, sourced explanations reduce rumor propagation and ensure that artists' legacies are remembered correctly. In the case of Robert Hazard, the documented cause is cancer, consistent across trustworthy outlets.
Conclusion and key takeaways
- Robert Hazard died on March 1, 2023, at age 74.
- The reported cause of death is cancer, per obituaries and reputable news.
- Speculative or conflicting claims online are not supported by primary records.
- His most notable work remains "Escalator of Life" (1982) and "Change Reaction" (1983).
- For ongoing reference, consult obituaries, peer-reviewed music archives, and established news databases.