How did George Washington die?
George Washington died at home in his own bed on December 14, 1799, of a severe throat inflamation,which prevented his breathing. He had been ill for less than two days. In trying to save his life, his doctors used all of the methods popular at the time, including bleeding. Eventually, however, they gave up in despair. As the General was dying he said to his old friend, Dr. James Craik, “Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go.” He was 67 years old. Today’s medical diagnosis attributes Washington’s death to an acute inflamation of the epiglottis caused by a virulent bacterial infection.
Washington fell ill with acute laryngitis and died on December 14, 1799 at his home at Mount Vernon. Modern day doctors now believe that Washington died from either a streptococcal infection of the throat or, since he was bled as part of the treatment, a combination of shock from the loss of blood, asphyxia, and dehydration. He was buried on December 18, 1799. http://www.answers.
