Gunther von Hagens: key obituary facts
Is Gunther von Hagens dead? Yes. Gunther von Hagens died on July 24, 2026, at age 81.
Cause of death: Gunther von Hagens's cause of death was reported as cerebral hemorrhage.
What was Gunther von Hagens known for?
He was a German anatomist.
More about Gunther von Hagens
Born: 10 January 1945.
Place of birth: Skalmierzyce, Greater Poland Voivodeship.
Gender: male.
Occupation: anatomist, sculptor, inventor, university teacher.
Nationality: Germany, German Democratic Republic.
Education: Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
Employer: New York University.
Spouse: Angelina Whalley.
Also known as: Gunter von Hagens.
Gunther von Hagens, the German anatomist who invented plastination, died on July 24, 2026.
He was 81. Born Gunther Gerhard Liebchen in Skalmierzyce, in what is now Greater Poland Voivodeship, he later became known internationally for developing the preservation method that made possible the Body Worlds exhibitions, which he organized around the world along with occasional live demonstrations.
A graduate of Friedrich Schiller University Jena, he also worked as a university teacher, sculptor and inventor, and was associated with New York University. His work drew wide attention for its educational aims as well as controversy over the sourcing of the human and animal specimens displayed in his exhibitions.