March 20, 2005 John DeLorean, Innovative Automaker, Dies at 80 By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEWARK, N.J. -- John Z. DeLorean, the innovative automaker who left a promising career in Detroit to develop the short-lived gull-winged sports cars featured as a souped-up time travel machine in the "Back to the Future" movies, has died. He was 80.
DeLorean died late Saturday at Overlook Hospital in Summit, N.J., of complications from a recent stroke, said Paul Connell, an owner of A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors in Royal Oak, Mich., which was handling arrangements.
"Obviously, we're deeply saddened by the passing of an incredible, talented car person and loving family member," said DeLorean's nephew, Mark DeLorean.
DeLorean was among just a handful of U.S. entrepreneurs who dared start a car company in the last 75 years. Nearly all faded away, but his crashed spectacularly amid drug charges. ...
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