Rosa Parks, the African American civil rights activist who became a symbol of resistance against racial segregation, passed away on October 24, 2005. Her death was a significant loss to the nation, and it sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from across the United States and around the world. According to official reports and medical records, Rosa Parks died of natural causes related to dementia and complications from a long-standing condition of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. She was 92 years old at the time of her passing.
Rosa Parks’ Life and Legacy

Rosa Parks’ life was marked by her courageous stand against racial segregation and her unwavering commitment to the civil rights movement. On December 1, 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white person, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. This act of defiance helped to galvanize the movement, inspiring others to take a stand against racial segregation and inequality. Throughout her life, Rosa Parks received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the civil rights movement, including the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Medical Condition and Health Issues
Rosa Parks had been in poor health for several years prior to her death, suffering from dementia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Her condition had deteriorated significantly in the months leading up to her passing, and she was under the care of medical professionals at her home in Detroit, Michigan. According to her medical records, Rosa Parks had been diagnosed with vascular dementia, a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Her family and caregivers reported that she had become increasingly frail and weak, requiring around-the-clock care and assistance with daily activities.
| Medical Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Vascular Dementia | A condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. |
| Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease | A condition in which the arteries become narrowed and hardened, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. |

Key Points
- Rosa Parks died of natural causes related to dementia and complications from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- She was 92 years old at the time of her passing.
- Rosa Parks had been in poor health for several years prior to her death, suffering from dementia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Her condition had deteriorated significantly in the months leading up to her passing, and she was under the care of medical professionals at her home in Detroit, Michigan.
- Rosa Parks' legacy as a civil rights activist continues to inspire and empower people around the world.
Tributes and Legacy

Rosa Parks’ death was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from across the United States and around the world. Leaders and dignitaries from across the political spectrum praised her courage, conviction, and contributions to the civil rights movement. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower people around the world, and her name has become synonymous with resistance against injustice and oppression. As a testament to her enduring impact, Rosa Parks was honored with a lying in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, a rare distinction reserved for American heroes and icons.
Continued Relevance and Impact
Today, Rosa Parks’ legacy continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. Her courageous stand against racial segregation and inequality serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of social justice and human rights. As the United States and other countries around the world continue to grapple with issues of racial inequality, social injustice, and human rights, Rosa Parks’ legacy serves as a powerful inspiration and reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
What was the cause of Rosa Parks’ death?
+Rosa Parks died of natural causes related to dementia and complications from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
What was Rosa Parks’ legacy as a civil rights activist?
+Rosa Parks’ legacy as a civil rights activist is one of courage, conviction, and contributions to the civil rights movement. Her courageous stand against racial segregation and inequality helped to galvanize the movement, inspiring others to take a stand against racial segregation and inequality.
How is Rosa Parks’ legacy continued to be celebrated and honored today?
+Rosa Parks’ legacy is continued to be celebrated and honored today through various tributes, memorials, and initiatives. Her name has become synonymous with resistance against injustice and oppression, and her courageous stand against racial segregation and inequality continues to inspire and empower people around the world.