Dayle Haddon, a renowned actor, activist, and former 'Sports Illustrated' model, passed away at the age of 76 in a Pennsylvania home due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities discovered Haddon's body in a second-floor bedroom after responding to a call about an unconscious person at the Solebury Township residence. Another individual, identified as Walter J. Blucas, was hospitalized in critical condition.
Investigations revealed that a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system caused the carbon monoxide leak, leading to high levels of the toxic gas in the property. Emergency responders and law enforcement personnel also suffered exposure to carbon monoxide during the incident.
Haddon's illustrious career as a model included appearances on the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Esquire during the 1970s and 1980s. She notably graced the cover of the 1973 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and ventured into acting, featuring in around twenty films from the 1970s to the 1990s, including the acclaimed movie 'Bullets Over Broadway.'
After taking a hiatus from modeling to raise her daughter, Ryan, Haddon faced age discrimination upon reentering the industry following her husband's passing in 1991. Undeterred, she advocated for older models and successfully secured contracts with major cosmetic companies like Clairol, Estée Lauder, and L’Oreal, becoming a prominent spokesperson for aging baby boomers.
Not content with just modeling, Haddon leveraged her platform to champion women's causes. In 2008, she founded WomenOne, an organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for girls and women in underserved communities across the globe, including Rwanda, Haiti, and Jordan.
Throughout her life, Haddon remained a beacon of inspiration and empowerment, touching the lives of many with her advocacy and philanthropy. Her daughter, Ryan, described her as a compassionate soul and a source of strength for all who knew her.
Dayle Haddon's legacy as a trailblazer in the modeling industry and a tireless advocate for women's rights will endure, leaving behind a profound impact on generations to come.