Scott, I was in Gulfport the day of the accident back in 1967. I was in the Air Force in Bolixi. The morning after the accident a friend and I went to NO to get away. We stopped in a gas station along the way. In that station they had taken the Buick and placed it next to the side of the station outside on the left. It was a station with service bays. When I saw your blog on the car the one thing I had to say was boy they really cleaned it up. When I saw it the next morning it was totally covered in blood. While finding teeth inside the car would be morbid but seeing that car with blood all over it was super disturbing. The gas station attendant told me it was the Mansfield car. That is how I found out that she had been killed the night before. Bob
Wow, that's one for your memory book! I hope you write it down. First person witness accounts are the best source of historical truth. Thank you for sharing that.
Given the humidity and temperature in the area, no one would be able to get close to the car due to the biohazard (blood, smell etc.) for at least a couple of weeks, but then it would subside, but still be nasty. After years of sitting and being moved around it would be just another wrecked car.
Elaine I lost a young husband just two months after we had gotten married. He had a car accident on Christmas morning 2004. Losing someone after having so little time with them feels criminally unfair. I'm so very sorry for your loss Elaine. PS my middle name is Elaine so I really connected with your story.
Wow,I cannot imagine. You must have felt that you were doing something wrong in life. I hope that love found you again. It was before my time but I did see her movies on tv. Let's just face it. The aspect of young beautiful women entertainers that die,is everlasting.
I absolutely hate and despise cars and I always have they crush people and animals and we don’t need them, mass public transit systems and not a lot of them limit them would be much safer - get rid of cars think outside the box for once why do you all put up with our system
@langyd4518 I have grown up around car's and truck's my whole life my Dad ran a small junkyard for several year's. My Dad taught me about car's and truck's and I would go pull parts for people when I was very young. Along with my Dad and Uncles they would teach me everything about car's and truck's and a few of my Uncle's had some really fast car's and they would let me drive them I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. But along with teaching me about car's and truck's they taught me that you have to have respect for car's and truck's and that you never push the car's and truck's past their limits they always told me to know the car's limits as well as my own limits and to never push past them bc that is when bad things start to happen. So I actually do understand your way of thinking about car's and truck's.
How amazing. . . . .this is a whole other side to the accident. You can tell elaine still struggles with that nite and that horrible phone call. Thank you scott.
I could exhaust every superlative to describe Scott's excellence in creating such unique and interesting investigative videos. The fact is that Scott remains a national resource for whom we should all be grateful. Thank you, Scott, for sharing your talents. Stay safe and be well.
@@DearlyDepartedTours where you getting laid to rest at Mr Michels ? Or you getting your ashes scattered in outer space? Will the ceremony appear live on TH-cam?
@@DearlyDepartedTours I 110 percent agree with this statement. I love watching your videos on thing that I think is really cool is that you actually talk about these people as people if that makes any sense. You take the time so that we can hear the whole story and talk about what is true and not true. I really hope that you get another Museum opened up soon bc when you do I am coming out to it even with stories that I never really cared to hear you tell it in a way that I want to hear it. Hope everything is going good for you.
The part when Elaine said her brother found teeth in the car chilled me. I have a feeling they were probably Sam's based on how the front of his face was smashed in. If I would've seen the dead bodies there it would've haunted me for life.
Every horrible tragedy we ever hear about there are always people to hands-on clean it up. I just cant imagine. And exhuming graves, good grief, how can there always be someone willing to do this stuff?
@@joejones9520 because death is like taxes, they never stop. Someone has to do it. Spent 10 years in nursing and now in crime scene cleanup (After I lost both parents quickly in succession and had to care for them) Life is always celebrated but someone has to clean up when the party is over 😳🤣💞
Good Afternoon Scott. Absolutely fascinating upload. I never thought of it from this side of the story. As Elaine said,.. he is just referred to as The Driver. There is always another side to every story and I am so appreciative that you find it. Well done, 💖. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🦃 Always here.. Silla
What a lovely, strong, lady. We never really spent time thinking about Ronnie, or Elaine at all, and yet in many ways she was the most effected of all. So many condolences to her and their daughter for all they’ve gone through.
Wow, that is an amazingly sad story. God Bless Elaine and her Daughter, Angela. RIP JM, Ronnie and JM's Attorney/boyfriend. Glad I got to hear the details of this story. Scott, you are quite the story teller!
What an intriguing video. So interesting to hear Elaine speaking about this. You can feel her pain throughout the interview. Can't wait for her book! Just found your channel and subbed.
Scott Michaels, WOW! Thanks for giving more details into the Jayne Manesfield fatal car crash. Jayne Manesfield is one of my favorite blonde bombshells, not to mention movie stars,! So sad she and the other's were lost that fateful day ! Plus I read several Jayne Manesfield books and they eluded to Jayne was in several car crashes before this, but this was the last fatal one. ☹
Scott Michaels- This is one of the best pieces you have done. Outstanding!!! Will you be opening your museum in Palm Springs? Stay well and Happy Thanksgiving.
Nothing to do with this story, except Elaine speaking about this phone call & how she dislikes a phone ringing late at night. I had three members of my family killed (at different times) & each time it happened, the ringing of the phone, in the middle of the night, is ALWAYS the first thing that I think of, ALWAYS. To this day, I turn the phones off, BEFORE I go to sleep. Unless something like this happens to you, you cannot imagine what the ringing of a phone, in the middle of the night, still fills me with a sense of horror. I just ALWAYS thought I was the ONLY one with these horrific thoughts & emotions. Elaine is SO open & honest about her feelings and what everyone went through. Elaine did NOT try and make this story ALL about just her. What a TERRIFIC lady she is !!
My brother was killed in a car accident and the police called my mom at 3am to notify her. After that I turned the ringer off of my phone in the bedroom. I used to wake up in the middle of the night because I swore my phone was ringing, but it wasn't, just my nerves playing tricks on me because my nerves were shot to hell after the accident. So I can relate to how you feel about getting a phone call in the middle of the night.
Turning it off? Bad idea. What if your loved one is in a hospital, barely hanging on? Your phone is off and the next morning that person is dead??? Now you lost your chance to say goodbye and make peace. All for your selfish decision to turn the phone off.
Well this is the most credible story both informative and Marvin at the same time. It actually touches me personally and the respect that where I lived in Liverpool New York we had a neighbor cross street who is a doctor and spend some of his internship in the board where Jane Mansfield victims were brought. I remember him telling us the story about that and at that time I know I was very young in my early teens. I love TH-cam TH-cam there’s a window into the world of all things past present and future. Thank you for such an interesting page that you sent..
Wow! Did not know all these details concerning the crash. Thank you for educating us on behind the scenes that went on with the driver and others involved before and after the collision. Yes, I think of Jane Mansfield when I see the bar placed on trucks. Great interview!
Thank You for a very interesting conversation with this beautiful lady Elaine. I remember very well reading about this horrible accident; Actress Mansfield died but I never knew more about the story of the driver Ronnie nor her companion. Imagine that the "Mansfield Bar" I will remember next time I see a truck or 18 wheeler. May they rest in eternal Peace. I would have loved to see a photo of Elaine and Ronnie's daughter, but I respect their privacy as this was a most painful event in their lives. Good luck to Elaine on the sale of her book sweet lady.
This interview is truly a beautiful testimony, congratulations. I was very struck near the end when they talk about how, after the accident, the law was made which obliged trucks to put a solid bar at the rear to prevent cars from slipping under the bed of the truck itself. This detail greatly rekindled a pain that we had in my family because on December 1, 1963 my mother's brother (born in 1942) and his girlfriend (1943), died in the same way near Pisa ( the city with the climbing tower ) when they hit a truck that couldn't drive at 7.00 PM of that damned Sunday. The Giulietta sprint driven by my uncle found itself in front of the truck stopped by the Police after a bump and got stuck right under the bed of the truck, killing them almost instantly. How many times have I heard people say at home that if the truck had had a rear bar they certainly wouldn't have died. Sorry for the personal outburst but I relived the tragedy of my family which was deeply affected.
I saw this car at a fair in Ohio along with a display that had a two headed calf. When we got to the Jayne Mansfield car you had to walk up on a platform and looked down into it where they had a Styrofoam head with some hair on it in the backseat to make it look like she’s been decapitated. I think I was about 10. The two headed calf wasn’t that exciting because one head just drooled. But when we walked up on that platform and I saw that Styrofoam head in the back seat, I gasped, lol.
@@rucianapollard7098 that is not what is being laughed at. There’s nothing funny about three people losing their lives and children being traumatized by it. You misinterpreted the comment.
I've read about the accident but you only hear about Jane that was sad enough but I didn't know about Ron or the others, thank you for your hard work.Subscribed.
Good video and interview. Had the trip been rescheduled for next day instead of night time with tired children might have had better outcome. Very sad indeed.
Just my humble opinion .. Use common sense ..Take a motel room 🛏️..head out in the early a.m🌅☕☕☕..they probably would not have died like they did..😔Loved Ms. Jayne..May they all Rest💤😴 In Peace.. 💦 .. 💪🏻🤳..👸🏼..💘💎 🙏🏻🕯️🌹🙏🏻🕯️🌹🙏🏻🕯️🌹
A whole different perspective that nobody knew about (the public) until now. Thanks Scott for a respectful interview. Maybe someday she will have the courage to see the car in person.
My heart breaks for this sweet woman, and the tragedy she has endured. I, personally, know and relate, all too well, to this exact pain. Just 2 years ago, I lost my best friend in the world, and the love of my life, when my fiance died, tragically and unexpectedly. In an eerily similar parallel to her story, my wedding date had only been 1 week away, and my dress, too, had hung in my closet, at the moment when tragedy struck. I had been, eagerly, counting down the days until I'd be able to wear it, but that wasn't because the dress, itself, was anything to speak of, but, rather, because I literally couldn't wait to become the wife of the most perfect man in the universe, and to be able share a beautiful lifetime with him. Everything seemed so perfect, then. I never could have imagined the way my life was about to change, and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fully recover, from that horror. I hope that this woman has been able to heal from her pain, over the years, though, and to, ultimately, go on, to live a life filled with immense joy, love, and good health. Additionally, I hope she knows that just by sharing her story, she has been able to provide me with a bit of much-needed comfort, and peace of mind, just by helping me to realize that I am, actually, not quite as alone as I tend to feel that I am, in my struggle to cope with this loss. I truly appreciate it more than anyone could even imagine, so thank you for this.🙏❤
Thank you for sharing your story. Death is a cruel enemy and does not care who it affects. I pray that you are doing as well as possible, considering the circumstances.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Death is cruel and hurts us so badly. I lost my mother, suddenly and unexpectedly, ten years ago. I know that's not the same relationship, but she was my best friend and confidant. My biggest cheerleader in life. Her death nearly destroyed me mentally/emotionally. I couldn't hold a job bc every holiday and birthday and death day would make me so emotional and I couldn't control it at all. I wasn't sleeping bc I continued to have night terrors every night. She would die over and over, be murdered or kidnapped or if be talking to her and she would vanish before my eyes. I have to take medicine now so I don't remember my dreams bc I would wake up just about every night in a full blown panic attack. The medicine helps me to not remember them and I don't have as many panic attacks. My husband says I still cry and whimper in my sleep just about every night. I'm crying writing this to you. I don't like to think about losing my husband. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wanted you to know you're not alone. ❤ I'd like to tell you it does get easier to live without them, but it doesn't. It gets more barrable. You have more happy days than sad over time. There's still songs, movies, things I can't do and/or watch anymore bc it just destroys me mentally. I was in university when she passed and I haven't been able to even use my degree all these years later. Therapy, meds and having a support system of friends and family has helped so much. My faith in my God has been my life saver and the only reason I'm as ok as I am now in many ways. I will see my mother again one day. I don't know what you believe in our even if it'll help console you any, but I would love to pray for you and your family and his family to help heal and find some peace amidst this horrific tragedy. I hope you'll be ok. Hugs ❤
Wow learned some new things! I can say I have probably researched most everything about Jayne. Wish I got to see the car but I am in MA and wish I got to see her house but in 2002 I was only 15.
Crap! I had no idea they were so close to being married and had a baby on the way. That makes it so much sadder. As if the whole thing wasn't horrible enough.
First off, so interesting to hear 'the rest of the story....'sorry for the loss of Ronnie-- and Elaine's pain and heartache. "Will you always love me..." that got me. Often before people die they say mysterious things (I believe) because they have a knowing inside that can't be explained, later, it seemingly makes sense to those who are left behind. I read through the comments and didn't see this mentioned.... just suppose Jayne got someone to reinstall the dome light and had it on when they rear-ended the truck (all you had to do was insert the bulb). As we all know, when you are driving down a dark road and have an interior light on you can't see a thing! Perhaps this contributed (with speeding) to Ronnie not seeing the slow moving truck. I rebuilt a Buick 401 for a '64 Riviera I restored, they're a powerful engine and a handful (I was about 20). I feel Scott interviewed this 'widow' with courtesy and grace, that said, I have to object to this car being on display anywhere - anytime. For God's sake, people died in that car, it should be crushed out of respect for Jayne, Ronnie, and Sam, do the right thing.
I appreciate your thoughts. The dome lights were not on in the car as they had been removed earlier. On purpose because they knew Jayne liked looking at her scrapbook in the car. So that didn’t contribute to the visibility of the driver. I don’t agree obviously with how you feel about the car. That’s what makes the world go around. Thanks for watching
Maybe that was Jane Mansfield's purpose on this earth to create the Mansfield bar on 18 wheelers..if she was just any girl off the block..maybe that bar wouldn't be invented.. there's a reason for everything
So, Ronnie was the driver. If nothing else he was speeding, and/or not paying attention, as he never even applied the brakes. The reality is, like it or not, he got them all killed.
Wow...In my honest opinion?...The DRIVER was solely responsible for that wreck. PERIOD. Who cares if Jayne and her boyfriend were drinking, they were NOT behind the wheel. I never knew til this video that he had lost his license a few years before because of another accident. Based on reports from this accident, I think it was a combination of a driver who had a tendency to drive wrecklessly, his being tired, by his own admission, and his inattentiveness to the road. Clearly, it was his fault. I personally think it was a tragedy that Jayne and her boyfriend lost their lives at his hands and those poor children had to grow up with the trauma of that accident as well as losing their mother soooooo young. Shame on anyone trying to say it was "nobodys" fault.
I remember taking the pictures from the wire service and being in shock for the while day... I thought she had been decapitated, I'm glad that wasn't so...
I do not recall you guys discussing whatever happened to Elaine's Pregnancy and what happened to Ronnie's Child and what sort of Family Life Elaine rebuilt for herself after the Accident.
The sentence for the murderer is completely unjust. Just plain ridiculous and an insult to the victim and his family. It makes me angry for Danny and for his mother.
Scott, very interesting video. We saw the Buick at the museum several years ago. The friends I was with all asked the same question-why didn’t Mariska Hargitay purchase the car years ago and have it crushed. I wondered if her people ever approached you about purchasing the Electra?
Perhaps Jayne would've survived if she had of stayed in the back seat. It seems that she planned to do her scrapbooking in the backseat but since there was no light, she moved to the front seat.
Sad They Were Killed But I Hate Too Say It's Always Been Jayne Mansfield Killed And Other's People Never Talked About The Other's A Young Man Looking Forward Too The Future Never Knowing He Would Be Killed Sad All The Way Around Hope They Are All At Peace Now 🙏
This is true, but trailer crash testing by NHTSB shows that not all trailer manufacturers are compliant. There are videos of the crash tests with stationary trailers and it is painfully obvious that some manufacturers skimp on the bars. Being a retired volunteer fire fighter, I have scraped up more than a few people who ran under and many where the bars actually worked as they were designed.
Wow! I couldn't stop listening. I can feel this woman's pain for sure. Such a sweet loving person she is. I pray you guys become good friends. Troy too. God bless you Scott and Troy and Elaine. Thanks so much for this. I have to honestly say I've never really thought about the drivers family and how his death affected them. Such a terrible thing to happen to all of them. 🙏❤️
She's such a lovely woman. I can't imagine the heartbreak she went through with her loss just before the wedding and all the rumours and press afterwards. It was great hearing about Ronnie , the forgotten one, and how he was a good hard working young man. I'd love to read her book.
Seems Ronnie was driving too fast and passing too close. He hit the truck backend because he miss judged the distance around the rig. Wonder why there were so many lawsuits. It was Ronnie's fault.
This video is beyond interesting, well executed, and thoroughly captivating. A masterful retelling of a side of the story which needed to be told, and conveyed in an honest and sincere manner. Well done by ALL accounts! Many thanks, Elaine, for a very heartfelt tribute.
Thank you for remembering Ronnie, aka 'the driver'. It is very poignant story. Look forward to reading Elaine's book 'Mermaid in the Window'. I would like to know more about the Elaine's baby, now grown up. Scott, I really like that you focus on people who where victims of crime, who get lost in history, like Steve Parent.
I live less than 30 miles west of where Roger Peterson was raised and is buried. I've actually stood at his gravesite, he is buried fairly close to my sister's in-laws. By the way my partner's name is Roger Peterson.
This was absolutely fascinating. God Bless Elaine, what a tragedy for her to have to live with this her whole life. I hope things worked out for her and she was able to have a good life, she sounds like a really nice woman.
It was the beginning of the end of what was supposed to be for her. What a terrible loss that she endured as well as Ronnie’s family and friends. So sweet to have spoken about this. ♥️
Such a traumatic experience for not only crash survivors but the family and friends connected to all involved. Great stuff Scott as always. I heard ya !
Interesting to hear from the other people involved in this story. You always hear about Jayne and her family ect and I understand why but to hear about the poor guy driving. So sad he never got to meet his daughter. WOW Thanks for sharing. Even she didn't know some stuff.
I have never heard about him which is shocking. It was a horrible accident and so sad that they all died before their time but it's a blessing the children survived virtually unscathed physically.
![Jayne Mansfield • Interview (2-Year-Old Mariska Hargitay) • 1966 [Reelin' In The Years Archive]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/k623ZhDDMUA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Jayne Mansfield • Interview (2-Year-Old Mariska Hargitay) • 1966 [Reelin' In The Years Archive]](/img/tr.png)
What a nice lady! I can't even imagine the pain she must have gone through.
Mansfield is on,,, What's my line,, Show Check it out
It was so fast she and the others in the front seat didn't feel a thing.
I'd like to see that
I wich you so much Love end Healing strange for you Marleen
Love end Piece for you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😇
Honey 🤫🤫 hush.
Very moving interview, I can’t imagine how Elaine has dealt with the loss of Ronnie for all these years. So happy she has his child.
Scott, I was in Gulfport the day of the accident back in 1967. I was in the Air Force in Bolixi. The morning after the accident a friend and I went to NO to get away. We stopped in a gas station along the way. In that station they had taken the Buick and placed it next to the side of the station outside on the left. It was a station with service bays. When I saw your blog on the car the one thing I had to say was boy they really cleaned it up. When I saw it the next morning it was totally covered in blood. While finding teeth inside the car would be morbid but seeing that car with blood all over it was super disturbing. The gas station attendant told me it was the Mansfield car. That is how I found out that she had been killed the night before.
Bob
How fast was Buick going when it hit the truck?
Wow, that's one for your memory book!
I hope you write it down.
First person witness accounts are the best source of historical truth. Thank you for sharing that.
The undertaker guy told that Jayne`s body was intact when he collect it.
Given the humidity and temperature in the area, no one would be able to get close to the car due to the biohazard (blood, smell etc.) for at least a couple of weeks, but then it would subside, but still be nasty. After years of sitting and being moved around it would be just another wrecked car.
@@ambercrombie789 about 75-80
Elaine I lost a young husband just two months after we had gotten married. He had a car accident on Christmas morning 2004. Losing someone after having so little time with them feels criminally unfair. I'm so very sorry for your loss Elaine. PS my middle name is Elaine so I really connected with your story.
Bless your heart!! What a horrible tragedy! I am soo sorry for your loss. I hope you are doing well at this time.
Wow,I cannot imagine. You must have felt that you were doing something wrong in life. I hope that love found you again. It was before my time but I did see her movies on tv. Let's just face it. The aspect of young beautiful women entertainers that die,is everlasting.
I absolutely hate and despise cars and I always have they crush people and animals and we don’t need them, mass public transit systems and not a lot of them limit them would be much safer - get rid of cars think outside the box for once why do you all put up with our system
I'm so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine your pain. Bless you.
@langyd4518 I have grown up around car's and truck's my whole life my Dad ran a small junkyard for several year's. My Dad taught me about car's and truck's and I would go pull parts for people when I was very young. Along with my Dad and Uncles they would teach me everything about car's and truck's and a few of my Uncle's had some really fast car's and they would let me drive them I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. But along with teaching me about car's and truck's they taught me that you have to have respect for car's and truck's and that you never push the car's and truck's past their limits they always told me to know the car's limits as well as my own limits and to never push past them bc that is when bad things start to happen. So I actually do understand your way of thinking about car's and truck's.
How amazing. . . . .this is a whole other side to the accident. You can tell elaine still struggles with that nite and that horrible phone call. Thank you scott.
I feel for the lady, she is a. beautiful person,bless her heart ❤️.
I could exhaust every superlative to describe Scott's excellence in creating such unique and interesting investigative videos. The fact is that Scott remains a national resource for whom we should all be grateful. Thank you, Scott, for sharing your talents. Stay safe and be well.
Wow, thank you!
Couldn’t agree more! Scott was my tour guide when I was in L.A he’s an amazing man.
@@DearlyDepartedTours where you getting laid to rest at Mr Michels ? Or you getting your ashes scattered in outer space? Will the ceremony appear live on TH-cam?
I agree! His videos are very informative and entertaining!
@@DearlyDepartedTours I 110 percent agree with this statement. I love watching your videos on thing that I think is really cool is that you actually talk about these people as people if that makes any sense. You take the time so that we can hear the whole story and talk about what is true and not true. I really hope that you get another Museum opened up soon bc when you do I am coming out to it even with stories that I never really cared to hear you tell it in a way that I want to hear it. Hope everything is going good for you.
The part when Elaine said her brother found teeth in the car chilled me. I have a feeling they were probably Sam's based on how the front of his face was smashed in. If I would've seen the dead bodies there it would've haunted me for life.
Every horrible tragedy we ever hear about there are always people to hands-on clean it up. I just cant imagine. And exhuming graves, good grief, how can there always be someone willing to do this stuff?
@@joejones9520 because death is like taxes, they never stop. Someone has to do it. Spent 10 years in nursing and now in crime scene cleanup (After I lost both parents quickly in succession and had to care for them)
Life is always celebrated but someone has to clean up when the party is over 😳🤣💞
@@Adrian-zd4cs crime doesnt pay but crime scene cleanup does!
@@joejones9520 absolutely!!!
@Adrian-zd4cs I've been a nurse for over 10 years. How did you get into crime scene cleanup? Are you a forensic nurse now?
Good Afternoon Scott. Absolutely fascinating upload. I never thought of it from this side of the story. As Elaine said,.. he is just referred to as The Driver. There is always another side to every story and I am so appreciative that you find it.
Well done, 💖. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🦃 Always here..
Silla
That is quite possibly the best interview I ever heard. Thank you for being so informative and respectful. You are a treasure to history.
What a lovely, strong, lady. We never really spent time thinking about Ronnie, or Elaine at all, and yet in many ways she was the most effected of all. So many condolences to her and their daughter for all they’ve gone through.
Good job keeping these stories alive and being so respectful of the victims and families of this terrible accident.
I didn't know of this till now was always curious about more detail in what happened terrible tragedy huh? By the way like your name 😁
What an amazing woman. Thank you for bringing his name back to life Scott. X
Great interview with Elaine!! So sorry for her loss of Ronnie.
How sad. Ronnie seemed like such a nice guy. He and Elaine were looking forward to a great future together. Then the accident robbed them of this.
Wow, that is an amazingly sad story. God Bless Elaine and her Daughter, Angela. RIP JM, Ronnie and JM's Attorney/boyfriend. Glad I got to hear the details of this story. Scott, you are quite the story teller!
What an intriguing video. So interesting to hear Elaine speaking about this. You can feel her pain throughout the interview. Can't wait for her book!
Just found your channel and subbed.
Fascinating.Thanks for your work chaps.
Scott Michaels, WOW! Thanks for giving more details into the Jayne Manesfield fatal car crash. Jayne Manesfield is one of my favorite blonde bombshells, not to mention movie stars,! So sad she and the other's were lost that fateful day ! Plus I read several Jayne Manesfield books and they eluded to Jayne was in several car crashes before this, but this was the last fatal one. ☹
How wonderful of her to talk to you about it! Can't wait for her book. You're the best Scott!
Scott Michaels- This is one of the best pieces you have done. Outstanding!!! Will you be opening your museum in Palm Springs? Stay well and Happy Thanksgiving.
Nothing to do with this story, except Elaine speaking about this phone call & how she dislikes a phone ringing late at night. I had three members of my family killed (at different times) & each time it happened, the ringing of the phone, in the middle of the night, is ALWAYS the first thing that I think of, ALWAYS. To this day, I turn the phones off, BEFORE I go to sleep. Unless something like this happens to you, you cannot imagine what the ringing of a phone, in the middle of the night, still fills me with a sense of horror. I just ALWAYS thought I was the ONLY one with these horrific thoughts & emotions. Elaine is SO open & honest about her feelings and what everyone went through. Elaine did NOT try and make this story ALL about just her. What a TERRIFIC lady she is !!
My brother was killed in a car accident and the police called my mom at 3am to notify her. After that I turned the ringer off of my phone in the bedroom. I used to wake up in the middle of the night because I swore my phone was ringing, but it wasn't, just my nerves playing tricks on me because my nerves were shot to hell after the accident. So I can relate to how you feel about getting a phone call in the middle of the night.
Turning it off? Bad idea. What if your loved one is in a hospital, barely hanging on? Your phone is off and the next morning that person is dead??? Now you lost your chance to say goodbye and make peace. All for your selfish decision to turn the phone off.
That must have been so difficult for Elaine. what a tragedy. Thanks for the insightful interview Scott.
I was delivering New Orleans Times Picayune paper when that happened-I saw that front page photo a couple 100 times that morning-not easy to forget
Well this is the most credible story both informative and Marvin at the same time. It actually touches me personally and the respect that where I lived in Liverpool New York we had a neighbor cross street who is a doctor and spend some of his internship in the board where Jane Mansfield victims were brought. I remember him telling us the story about that and at that time I know I was very young in my early teens. I love TH-cam TH-cam there’s a window into the world of all things past present and future. Thank you for such an interesting page that you sent..
we were all confused and clueless before the internet...
Wow! Did not know all these details concerning the crash. Thank you for educating us on behind the scenes that went on with the driver and others involved before and after the collision.
Yes, I think of Jane Mansfield when I see the bar placed on trucks.
Great interview!
Very good interview Scott. I couldn't stop listening
Thank You for a very interesting conversation with this beautiful lady Elaine. I remember very well reading about this horrible accident; Actress Mansfield died but I never knew more about the story of the driver Ronnie nor her companion. Imagine that the "Mansfield Bar" I will remember next time I see a truck or 18 wheeler. May they rest in eternal Peace. I would have loved to see a photo of Elaine and Ronnie's daughter, but I respect their privacy as this was a most painful event in their lives. Good luck to Elaine on the sale of her book sweet lady.
This interview is truly a beautiful testimony, congratulations. I was very struck near the end when they talk about how, after the accident, the law was made which obliged trucks to put a solid bar at the rear to prevent cars from slipping under the bed of the truck itself. This detail greatly rekindled a pain that we had in my family because on December 1, 1963 my mother's brother (born in 1942) and his girlfriend (1943), died in the same way near Pisa ( the city with the climbing tower ) when they hit a truck that couldn't drive at 7.00 PM of that damned Sunday. The Giulietta sprint driven by my uncle found itself in front of the truck stopped by the Police after a bump and got stuck right under the bed of the truck, killing them almost instantly. How many times have I heard people say at home that if the truck had had a rear bar they certainly wouldn't have died. Sorry for the personal outburst but I relived the tragedy of my family which was deeply affected.
I saw this car at a fair in Ohio along with a display that had a two headed calf. When we got to the Jayne Mansfield car you had to walk up on a platform and looked down into it where they had a Styrofoam head with some hair on it in the backseat to make it look like she’s been decapitated. I think I was about 10. The two headed calf wasn’t that exciting because one head just drooled. But when we walked up on that platform and I saw that Styrofoam head in the back seat, I gasped, lol.
😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 The horrors of childhood were fabulous. I remember a mummy with a gunshot wound and shrunken heads from darkest Africa. 😱
What's funny about gaspsing at a death car where 3 people lost their lives??
@@rucianapollard7098 that is not what is being laughed at. There’s nothing funny about three people losing their lives and children being traumatized by it. You misinterpreted the comment.
Really interesting. Thank you for sharing this interview.
Great education from a sweet lady that had the facts. Looking forward to the next Scott!
I've read about the accident but you only hear about Jane that was sad enough but I didn't know about Ron or the others, thank you for your hard work.Subscribed.
What a great interview Scott. Elaine was wonderful. Thank you
I found your channel today! ❤️ Great story! I had to subscribe!
Good video and interview. Had the trip been rescheduled for next day instead of night time with tired children might have had better outcome. Very sad indeed.
Same with Patsy Cline. If they had just stayed overnight...
Just my humble opinion .. Use common sense ..Take a motel room 🛏️..head out in the early a.m🌅☕☕☕..they probably would not have died like they did..😔Loved Ms. Jayne..May they all Rest💤😴 In Peace.. 💦
.. 💪🏻🤳..👸🏼..💘💎
🙏🏻🕯️🌹🙏🏻🕯️🌹🙏🏻🕯️🌹
Wow what a great interview. Thank you Scott you are absolutely amazing
so glad I found your channel. I always enjoyed listening to u when Jordan visited the museum and tours yu took him on. thank yu again.
A whole different perspective that nobody knew about (the public) until now. Thanks Scott for a respectful interview. Maybe someday she will have the courage to see the car in person.
What an amazing lady sharing her memories. Thank you.
A very attractive lady then and now..thank you for sharing your story Elaine
I never drive at night if I don't have to.
Bad things happen at night.
My heart breaks for this sweet woman, and the tragedy she has endured. I, personally, know and relate, all too well, to this exact pain. Just 2 years ago, I lost my best friend in the world, and the love of my life, when my fiance died, tragically and unexpectedly. In an eerily similar parallel to her story, my wedding date had only been 1 week away, and my dress, too, had hung in my closet, at the moment when tragedy struck. I had been, eagerly, counting down the days until I'd be able to wear it, but that wasn't because the dress, itself, was anything to speak of, but, rather, because I literally couldn't wait to become the wife of the most perfect man in the universe, and to be able share a beautiful lifetime with him. Everything seemed so perfect, then. I never could have imagined the way my life was about to change, and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fully recover, from that horror. I hope that this woman has been able to heal from her pain, over the years, though, and to, ultimately, go on, to live a life filled with immense joy, love, and good health. Additionally, I hope she knows that just by sharing her story, she has been able to provide me with a bit of much-needed comfort, and peace of mind, just by helping me to realize that I am, actually, not quite as alone as I tend to feel that I am, in my struggle to cope with this loss. I truly appreciate it more than anyone could even imagine, so thank you for this.🙏❤
Thank you for sharing your story. Death is a cruel enemy and does not care who it affects. I pray that you are doing as well as possible, considering the circumstances.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Death is cruel and hurts us so badly. I lost my mother, suddenly and unexpectedly, ten years ago. I know that's not the same relationship, but she was my best friend and confidant. My biggest cheerleader in life. Her death nearly destroyed me mentally/emotionally. I couldn't hold a job bc every holiday and birthday and death day would make me so emotional and I couldn't control it at all. I wasn't sleeping bc I continued to have night terrors every night. She would die over and over, be murdered or kidnapped or if be talking to her and she would vanish before my eyes. I have to take medicine now so I don't remember my dreams bc I would wake up just about every night in a full blown panic attack. The medicine helps me to not remember them and I don't have as many panic attacks. My husband says I still cry and whimper in my sleep just about every night. I'm crying writing this to you. I don't like to think about losing my husband. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wanted you to know you're not alone. ❤ I'd like to tell you it does get easier to live without them, but it doesn't. It gets more barrable. You have more happy days than sad over time. There's still songs, movies, things I can't do and/or watch anymore bc it just destroys me mentally. I was in university when she passed and I haven't been able to even use my degree all these years later. Therapy, meds and having a support system of friends and family has helped so much. My faith in my God has been my life saver and the only reason I'm as ok as I am now in many ways. I will see my mother again one day. I don't know what you believe in our even if it'll help console you any, but I would love to pray for you and your family and his family to help heal and find some peace amidst this horrific tragedy. I hope you'll be ok. Hugs ❤
God bless her and her daughter
Very good, thank you Scott. x
Incredible ….
the stories behind the story are always more interesting
You really need to bring your museum to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge Tennessee. Would be a perfect fit.
A lot of information about that tragically early morning in 1967. Thanks to share.
Wow learned some new things! I can say I have probably researched most everything about Jayne. Wish I got to see the car but I am in MA and wish I got to see her house but in 2002 I was only 15.
Great video Scott! spellbinding.
Wow you gave us a great video thank you!!
Great interview. Thank you
Hello reginawilliams 🙂
Great interview Scott! Just catching up on your last couple of videos! Happy Thanksgiving! xo
Excellent job on this. Thanks Scott
Crap! I had no idea they were so close to being married and had a baby on the way. That makes it so much sadder. As if the whole thing wasn't horrible enough.
I love what you do, Scott. Your vlogs are fascinating. It's also a great thing to humanise the overlooked civilian victims of these famous tragedies.
You have the most stunning brown eyes, Elaine! Pleased you learned as much as Scott did here! My heart goes out to you! 💕
She remembers every detail of what was supposed to be the best time in a girl's life.. I can visualize
Enjoyed hearing your story!
Great interview! Very respectful. I would like to know if it was a semi or flatbed truck, was it moving slow in fog or stalled on highway?
I remember when this happened. Tragic! The news at the time told a very different story.
Jayne was so beautiful, she will always be my all time favorite!
Im guessing Elaine's book has never been finished. I found a blog where she gave the baby away & was later reunited with her.
My mom looked just like Jane back in the day. Just beautiful she could've played her double.
First off, so interesting to hear 'the rest of the story....'sorry for the loss of Ronnie-- and Elaine's pain and heartache. "Will you always love me..." that got me. Often before people die they say mysterious things (I believe) because they have a knowing inside that can't be explained, later, it seemingly makes sense to those who are left behind. I read through the comments and didn't see this mentioned.... just suppose Jayne got someone to reinstall the dome light and had it on when they rear-ended the truck (all you had to do was insert the bulb). As we all know, when you are driving down a dark road and have an interior light on you can't see a thing! Perhaps this contributed (with speeding) to Ronnie not seeing the slow moving truck. I rebuilt a Buick 401 for a '64 Riviera I restored, they're a powerful engine and a handful (I was about 20). I feel Scott interviewed this 'widow' with courtesy and grace, that said, I have to object to this car being on display anywhere - anytime. For God's sake, people died in that car, it should be crushed out of respect for Jayne, Ronnie, and Sam, do the right thing.
I appreciate your thoughts. The dome lights were not on in the car as they had been removed earlier. On purpose because they knew Jayne liked looking at her scrapbook in the car. So that didn’t contribute to the visibility of the driver. I don’t agree obviously with how you feel about the car. That’s what makes the world go around. Thanks for watching
Maybe that was Jane Mansfield's purpose on this earth to create the Mansfield bar on 18 wheelers..if she was just any girl off the block..maybe that bar wouldn't be invented.. there's a reason for everything
Thank you Elaine.
Great interview .
Where & when can this book be purchased?
Was her book "Mermaid in the Window" published? I can't find it.
So, Ronnie was the driver. If nothing else he was speeding, and/or not paying attention, as he never even applied the brakes. The reality is, like it or not, he got them all killed.
This is one of the most infamous auto accidents in American history
To this day! 😢sad 😔
Wow...In my honest opinion?...The DRIVER was solely responsible for that wreck. PERIOD. Who cares if Jayne and her boyfriend were drinking, they were NOT behind the wheel. I never knew til this video that he had lost his license a few years before because of another accident. Based on reports from this accident, I think it was a combination of a driver who had a tendency to drive wrecklessly, his being tired, by his own admission, and his inattentiveness to the road. Clearly, it was his fault. I personally think it was a tragedy that Jayne and her boyfriend lost their lives at his hands and those poor children had to grow up with the trauma of that accident as well as losing their mother soooooo young. Shame on anyone trying to say it was "nobodys" fault.
Wow!!! That was very interesting and informative!
True Southern Class, a wonderful lady.
"Will you always love me"
Crazy:(
i have always have loved jayne mansfiled ..i like listen to your stories..but i could never figure out why in the world they would tear the house down
Was she forced to give her daughter away, and did Gus Stevens went bankrupt because of that car accidents?
I remember taking the pictures from the wire service and being in shock for the while day... I thought she had been decapitated, I'm glad that wasn't so...
She’s got great class ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💋💋💋
I do not recall you guys discussing whatever happened to Elaine's Pregnancy and what happened to Ronnie's Child and what sort of Family Life Elaine rebuilt for herself after the Accident.
The sentence for the murderer is completely unjust. Just plain ridiculous and an insult to the victim and his family. It makes me angry for Danny and for his mother.
Why did this crash happen, even if he was speeding why didn't he see that tractor trailer. Very tragic
Scott, very interesting video. We saw the Buick at the museum several years ago. The friends I was with all asked the same question-why didn’t Mariska Hargitay purchase the car years ago and have it crushed. I wondered if her people ever approached you about purchasing the Electra?
Perhaps Jayne would've survived if she had of stayed in the back seat. It seems that she planned to do her scrapbooking in the backseat but since there was no light, she moved to the front seat.
Sad They Were Killed But I Hate Too Say It's Always Been Jayne Mansfield Killed And Other's People Never Talked About The Other's A Young Man Looking Forward Too The Future Never Knowing He Would Be Killed Sad All The Way Around Hope They Are All At Peace Now 🙏
So sad 😞
The Mansfield bar has saved countless lives and such a commonsense feature. Took this accident to make a difference.
This is true, but trailer crash testing by NHTSB shows that not all trailer manufacturers are compliant. There are videos of the crash tests with stationary trailers and it is painfully obvious that some manufacturers skimp on the bars. Being a retired volunteer fire fighter, I have scraped up more than a few people who ran under and many where the bars actually worked as they were designed.
in 82? saved two girls i knew.althoug one had havent spoke toin decades a from ear to ear scar. thats how close it came
Wow! I couldn't stop listening. I can feel this woman's pain for sure. Such a sweet loving person she is. I pray you guys become good friends. Troy too. God bless you Scott and Troy and Elaine. Thanks so much for this. I have to honestly say I've never really thought about the drivers family and how his death affected them. Such a terrible thing to happen to all of them. 🙏❤️
She's such a lovely woman. I can't imagine the heartbreak she went through with her loss just before the wedding and all the rumours and press afterwards. It was great hearing about Ronnie , the forgotten one, and how he was a good hard working young man. I'd love to read her book.
Seems Ronnie was driving too fast and passing too close. He hit the truck backend because he miss judged the distance around the rig. Wonder why there were so many lawsuits. It was Ronnie's fault.
This video is beyond interesting, well executed, and thoroughly captivating. A masterful retelling of a side of the story which needed to be told, and conveyed in an honest and sincere manner. Well done by ALL accounts! Many thanks, Elaine, for a very heartfelt tribute.
Very good interview. It's true that when a celeb dies, no one hears about the other people that may have been with them.
Thank you for remembering Ronnie, aka 'the driver'. It is very poignant story. Look forward to reading Elaine's book 'Mermaid in the Window'. I would like to know more about the Elaine's baby, now grown up. Scott, I really like that you focus on people who where victims of crime, who get lost in history, like Steve Parent.
Wow, this one held me spellbound. Ronnie was the Roger Peterson of the Buddy Holly crash. Can't wait to check out the book!
excellent comparison!
I live less than 30 miles west of where Roger Peterson was raised and is buried. I've actually stood at his gravesite, he is buried fairly close to my sister's in-laws. By the way my partner's name is Roger Peterson.
@@bryanchase1127 wow, that's all really amazing, Bryan!
This was absolutely fascinating. God Bless Elaine, what a tragedy for her to have to live with this her whole life. I hope things worked out for her and she was able to have a good life, she sounds like a really nice woman.
Never heard much about the driver, thanks for giving him some notice.
It was the beginning of the end of what was supposed to be for her. What a terrible loss that she endured as well as Ronnie’s family and friends. So sweet to have spoken about this. ♥️
Such a traumatic experience for not only crash survivors but the family and friends connected to all involved. Great stuff Scott as always. I heard ya !
Her interview made me cry. Can you imagine Elaine having to raise her child without Ronnie? Scott great interview! 🌺
Interesting to hear from the other people involved in this story. You always hear about Jayne and her family ect and I understand why but to hear about the poor guy driving. So sad he never got to meet his daughter. WOW Thanks for sharing. Even she didn't know some stuff.
I have never heard about him which is shocking. It was a horrible accident and so sad that they all died before their time but it's a blessing the children survived virtually unscathed physically.
Ronnie was my late husband's cousin. Thank you for giving him a face.