Charles Leroux

Charles Leroux (born as Joseph Johnson; 31 October 1856 in Waterbury, Connecticut, United States – 24 September 1889 in Reval, Estland Governorate, Russian Empire (now Tallinn, Estonia) was an American balloonist and parachutist.

Leroux's parachute jump in Tallinn, initially scheduled for 22 September 1889 was postponed for two days on account of high winds.

Above the last houses of the town the balloonist dropped himself down from the suspended seat and began to descend under a properly inflated canopy.

His legendary performance, and death, in Tallinn, generated wide popular interest in Estonia and also inspired many young men to pursue a career in aviation.

Leroux has been highly appreciated for his charismatic role in aeronautics and in Estonia the perpetuation of his memory is considered a matter of honour by many.

Charles Leroux (1889)
Deceased Leroux and his parachute
Monument to Leroux near his site of death by the Tallinn Bay
Flyer to advertise Leroux's parachute jump in Tallinn ( Revalsche Zeitung , September 1889)