Gunther von Hagens, Doctor Death, Passes | Global News

Gunther von Hagens, the visionary scientist behind the globally acclaimed “Body Worlds” exhibits and pioneer of plastination, has died at 81 after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s. His revolutionary technique preserved human and animal bodies for education and display, drawing over 58 million visitors worldwide — and sparking fierce controversy, earning him the nickname “Doctor Death.” Though critics condemned his exhibitions as exploitative, von Hagens believed in making anatomy accessible, even requesting his own body be plastinated posthumously. He passed away in Heidelberg after a brain hemorrhage, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed how we see the human form — and ignited enduring debates about science, ethics, and the boundaries of public display. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/11963fd8e85fc5d1