The Frane Selak case, the man who survived death 7 times and then won the lottery
The story of Frane Selak is a testament to the extraordinary twists of fate that life can bring. From surviving deadly accidents to winning the lottery, Selak's life journey is nothing short of astonishing. His experiences serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, luck can eventually shine.
A Brush with Death, Time and Time Again
Frane Selak, a Croatian music teacher, gained notoriety for his uncanny ability to escape death's clutches on not just one, but seven separate occasions. His story began to circulate, earning him the moniker "The luckiest, most unlucky man in the world." These near-death experiences highlighted the resilience of the human spirit and the unpredictability of life.
1. A Train Derailment Survival
In 1962, fate intervened when Selak found himself on a train journey that turned into a nightmare. The train derailed and plummeted into a river, tragically claiming the lives of 17 passengers. Miraculously, Selak survived with only a broken arm. This incident marked the first of his remarkable escapes.
2. A Miraculous Plane Crash
The following year brought another harrowing incident as Selak embarked on his maiden flight. The plane he was on crashed, resulting in the loss of 19 lives. Selak, however, managed to cheat death yet again by landing on a haystack, which softened the impact of the crash and saved his life.
3. A Bus Plunges into a River
In 1966, Selak's fate was tested once more when the bus he was traveling in malfunctioned and plunged into a river. Tragically, four lives were lost that day, but Selak's sheer will to survive propelled him to swim ashore, escaping the jaws of death yet again.
4. Escaping Engulfing Flames
The year 1970 brought a fiery challenge for Selak as his car burst into flames while he was driving. Swift thinking allowed him to escape through a window just before the fuel tank exploded. Three years later, misfortune struck again when his new car caught fire due to an oil problem. This time, his hair was set ablaze, underscoring the incredible string of mishaps he endured.
5. A Desperate Plunge Down a Ravine
In 1996, Selak's survival instincts were put to the ultimate test. While navigating a mountain road, he avoided a collision with a truck by leaping out of his vehicle. As his car careened down a 90-meter ravine, Selak clung to a tree, narrowly escaping what could have been his final fate.
6, From Near-Death to Unforeseen Wealth
After years of facing death head-on and defying the odds, Selak's life took a miraculous turn. In 2003, at the age of 74, he won an astonishing $800,000 in the lottery. This unexpected windfall was a stark contrast to the series of life-threatening events he had experienced throughout his life.
With his newfound wealth, Selak chose to lead a modest and content life. He wisely invested in two houses and a boat, sharing the remainder of his winnings with his cherished family and friends. His ability to rise above adversity and appreciate life's simple joys showcased the true essence of his character.
7. Lessons from a Life Lived Fully
Frane Selak's life is more than just a collection of extraordinary incidents. It serves as a reminder that life's challenges, no matter how daunting, can be overcome with determination and a dash of luck. Selak's story captures the essence of human resilience and the unwavering spirit to embrace each day with gratitude.
In a world where uncertainties prevail, the tale of Frane Selak inspires us to never underestimate the power of the human spirit. His journey, from escaping the clutches of death multiple times to enjoying the fruits of a lottery win, teaches us to face adversity with courage and to find silver linings even in the darkest of times.
As we reflect on the incredible journey of Frane Selak, let his story encourage us to persevere through life's challenges and to greet each new day with optimism. After all, if a man can survive seven brushes with death and emerge victorious, surely we too can navigate life's twists and turns with grace and resilience.