Student Question
What caused John Adams's death?
Quick answer:
John Adams died of "debility" due to old age, with heart failure caused by arteriosclerosis as the underlying condition. Notably, Adams passed away on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, coinciding with the death of Thomas Jefferson. The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia tolled in their honor and cracked on that day.
The official cause of his death is listed as "debility" ( old age ) brought on by heart failure caused by arteriosclerosis. What is most interesting is that Adams died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the same day that his friend, Thomas Jefferson, died. The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia was tolling, marking the deaths of both men, when it cracked.
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