Plane Crash in Durango, Mexico
On July 31, 2018, a significant event occurred involving an Aeromexico Embraer 190 plane. The aircraft, carrying 97 passengers and four crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff in Durango, Mexico. Everyone aboard survived, including at least two individuals from Chicago. One notable passenger was Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, the rector of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. He had been in Mexico celebrating his birthday with family.
Weather Records in Chicago
The National Weather Service recorded key weather data for Chicago on this date across the years. The high temperature reached 99 degrees Fahrenheit in 2006, while the low was 51 degrees in 1984. Precipitation measured at 1.29 inches in 1888, and there was no snowfall recorded.
Betty Robinson’s Olympic Achievement
In 1928, women’s track was introduced to the Olympics in Amsterdam. Betty Robinson from Riverdale, Illinois, won the gold medal in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.2 seconds. The event included disqualification of two finalists due to false starts. This victory marked Robinson’s place in history despite a serious injury in a plane crash preventing her from defending her title in the 1932 Los Angeles Games. Robinson would later contribute to the gold-medal-winning U.S. 4-x-100 relay team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Arlington Park Fire
On July 31, 1985, a severe fire broke out in the Post and Paddock Club at Arlington Park, leading to the destruction of the main grandstand. Remarkably, no injuries were reported. The Arlington team was recognized with an Eclipse Award by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, marking a first for a racetrack.
Walter Payton’s Hall of Fame Induction
Walter Payton, the celebrated Chicago Bears running back, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 31, 1993. Known as ‘Sweetness’, Payton expressed gratitude for the friendships he gained during his career. At retirement, he held the NFL’s all-time rushing record with 16,726 yards. This record surpassed Jim Brown’s earlier record and stood until Emmitt Smith eclipsed it in 2002.