Significant Events in Chicago History: July 31

Aeromexico Flight Crash

On July 31, 2018, an Aeromexico Embraer 190 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Durango, Mexico. The plane carried 97 passengers and four crew members, with many passengers from Chicago. Remarkably, everyone aboard survived, including Rev. Esequiel Sanchez of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, who was in Mexico for his birthday.

Betty Robinson’s Olympic Triumph

The 1928 Amsterdam Olympics marked the first inclusion of women’s track events. Betty Robinson, aged 16 from Riverdale, Illinois, won gold in the 100-meter dash, clocking 12.2 seconds. Although disqualified finalists expressed frustration, Robinson’s achievement was historic. Injured in a plane crash later, she rebounded to join the 1936 Berlin Olympics, helping secure gold in the U.S. 4-x-100 relay team. Annette Rogers, a Northwestern sprinter, was her teammate.

Arlington Park Fire

In 1985, the Post and Paddock Club at Arlington Park faced an early morning fire. Despite no injuries, the blaze spread and destroyed the main grandstand. The racetrack quickly organized the “Miracle Million,” attended by over 35,000 fans. Teleprompter from Great Britain won the event, beating Greinton by less than a length. Arlington Park received the Eclipse Award for this commendable feat.

Walter Payton’s Hall of Fame Induction

Walter Payton, the legendary Chicago Bears running back, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 31, 1993. Payton retired after the 1987 season as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, shattering Jim Brown’s record with 16,726 yards. His iconic status was recognized through the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, renamed in 2000.

Following Payton’s passing at 45 from bile duct cancer and liver failure on November 1, 1999, Chicago mourned deeply. His memorial at Soldier Field drew 20,000 attendees, including prominent figures like NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Hall of Famers Dan Hampton and Mike Ditka, and Rev. Jesse Jackson.