17 Disturbing Photos With Horrifying Backstories

10. The Eruption Of Mount St. Helens

Helens

Robert Landsburg was a 48-year old American photographer living in Portland, Oregon when he died in 1980. One of his subjects of choice was Mount St. Helens, the massive volcano in Washington state, which he visited many times to document the constant changes.

It was his interest in St. Helens that led to his demise, but not before snapping off this incredible shot. On the morning of May 18 when the eruption occurred, Landsburg was just a few miles from the peak. Familiar with the gigantic beast, the photographer knew he wouldn't survive the ashcloud that was quickly heading his way, so he continued taking pictures, and then put the camera in his backpack and laid his body on it to shield it from harm.

His body was found 17 days later buried in ash, with his camera safely tucked away underneath. It was a fitting end for a man whose life's work claimed him.

 
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Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.