MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Eugene Hasenfus, who played a key role in unraveling the Iran-Contra affair after his CIA-backed supply plane was shot down over Nicaragua in 1986, has died at the age of 84 due to a nine-year battle with cancer, according to his obituary from the Hansen-Onion-Martell Funeral Home in Marinette, Wisconsin. Hasenfus was born on January 22, 1941, in Marinette, Wisconsin, and served with the Marines in Vietnam before building a career in aviation.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan approved CIA support for the Contras, anti-communist rebels opposing Nicaragua’s Sandinista government. After Congress halted military assistance to the Contras in 1984, high-ranking Reagan officials initiated a covert supply network directed by National Security Council aide Oliver North to continue supporting the Contras until Congress could be convinced to restore funding.
The operation became public knowledge when Hasenfus's aircraft was shot down in October 1986, leading to his capture after he parachuted into Nicaraguan jungle and evaded authorities for over 24 hours. He was subsequently captured, charged with multiple offenses, including terrorism.
Despite the U.S. government initially denying any connection, Hasenfus testified that the CIA was overseeing the flights, prompting Congress to investigate. Convicted in Nicaragua, Hasenfus was sentenced to 30 years but was pardoned by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega shortly after.
He later returned to Wisconsin and attempted to seek damages related to his involvement in the arms deals, though his lawsuit was unsuccessful. In 2003, Hasenfus faced legal troubles again when he pleaded guilty to lewd behavior.
He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan approved CIA support for the Contras, anti-communist rebels opposing Nicaragua’s Sandinista government. After Congress halted military assistance to the Contras in 1984, high-ranking Reagan officials initiated a covert supply network directed by National Security Council aide Oliver North to continue supporting the Contras until Congress could be convinced to restore funding.
The operation became public knowledge when Hasenfus's aircraft was shot down in October 1986, leading to his capture after he parachuted into Nicaraguan jungle and evaded authorities for over 24 hours. He was subsequently captured, charged with multiple offenses, including terrorism.
Despite the U.S. government initially denying any connection, Hasenfus testified that the CIA was overseeing the flights, prompting Congress to investigate. Convicted in Nicaragua, Hasenfus was sentenced to 30 years but was pardoned by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega shortly after.
He later returned to Wisconsin and attempted to seek damages related to his involvement in the arms deals, though his lawsuit was unsuccessful. In 2003, Hasenfus faced legal troubles again when he pleaded guilty to lewd behavior.
He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.
