Who Is Karen Silkwood? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Karen Silkwood was born on February 19, 1946, and tragically passed away on November 13, 1974. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy as a labor union activist, whistleblower, and a symbol of workers' rights continues to resonate today. Silkwood's life story reflects her fierce dedication to exposing safety violations in the plutonium processing plant where she worked, which ultimately led to her untimely death in a suspicious car accident.
At the time of her birth, she was shaping the future of labor rights in America. In 2025, she would have been 79 years old, reminding us of the impact her fight had on workers' rights and safety regulations in hazardous industries.
| Occupation | Activist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1946 |
| Age | 28 Years |
| Birth Place | Longview, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 November, 1974 |
| Died Place | near Crescent, Oklahoma, U.S. |
Popularity
Karen Silkwood's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Since Karen Silkwood passed away in 1974, her height and weight can only be speculated based on available historical photographs and records. However, the details of her physical appearance are less significant than her formidable presence and legacy as an activist. She is remembered more for her unwavering spirit than any physical attributes.
At 7:10 p.m., Silkwood left the meeting, got into her 1973 white Honda Civic and drove alone toward Oklahoma City, about 30 mi away, to meet with Burnham and Wodka. Less than 30 minutes later, Silkwood's body was discovered in her smashed-up car, 7.3 miles from the cafe.
The car had run off the left side of State Highway 74, traveled some distance along the grass shoulder, and then struck the wing wall of a concrete culvert 0.11 miles (180 m) south of the intersection with West Industrial Road (35.85°N, -97.58°W).
The impact from hitting the wall caused her to be impaled by her steering wheel and pinned to the roof of the Honda Civic. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Karen Silkwood was known to have a complex personal life. She was married twice, first to a man named "Willy" and then to fellow labor organizer, who played a supportive role in her activism. Silkwood had three children, making her family central to her life and motivations.
In the context of relationships in 2025, it's important to note that any romantic relationships after her death are purely conjectural. Silkwood’s legacy as a devoted mother and partner remains a strong focus in any discussion of her personal life.
She lived with her mother Merle, father Bill, and sisters Rosemary and Linda. In high school, Karen was a straight 'A' student and a member of the National Honor Society. Chemistry was her best subject. In the fall of 1964, she enrolled at Lamar State College of Technology in Beaumont, Texas on a scholarship from the Business and Professional Women's Club.
Net Worth and Salary
Given the circumstances of Silkwood's life and activism, she did not accumulate significant wealth during her lifetime. Her role in advocating for the safety of her coworkers often placed her in precarious financial positions. Therefore, estimating her net worth is challenging, especially in present terms (2025). However, her contributions led to substantial changes in labor laws, making her invaluable in terms of her impact rather than material wealth.
Career, Business, and Investments
Silkwood's career began in the field of laboratory technology, where she worked at the Kerr-McGee Corporation’s plutonium processing plant. Her commitment to advocating for her coworkers' safety took a prominent role when she began documenting safety violations in the plant. Silkwood's courageous actions led her to become a prominent labor union activist, working closely with the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union (OCAW).
Although she did not have the opportunity to develop a long-term business or investment portfolio, her legacy paved the way for future generations of labor activists who continue to fight for workers' rights and safety in hazardous industries.
In August 1972, Silkwood was hired as a metallography laboratory technician with the Kerr-McGee Corporation at their Cimarron River plutonium production plant near Crescent, Oklahoma. She soon joined the Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers Union (OCAW) local. In November 1972, she participated in a strike to protest poor working conditions.
Kerr-McGee succeeded in breaking the strike by hiring people from the surrounding area to cross the picket line. The company's managers also began "working behind the scenes to entice workers to sign a petition calling for a decertification election to eliminate the union."
Social Network
Although Karen Silkwood does not have an active social media presence due to her passing, her story is still shared by various labor organizations and activist groups across social networks. There are numerous tributes, educational content, and discussions surrounding her life and activism, which are prevalent on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Her family sued Kerr-McGee for the plutonium contamination that Silkwood suffered from. The company settled out of court for US$1.38 million, while not admitting liability. Her story was chronicled in Mike Nichols's 1983 Academy Award-nominated movie Silkwood in which she was portrayed by Meryl Streep.
Education
Karen Silkwood's educational background included a high school diploma, and she pursued training in laboratory technology. This technical expertise played a critical role in her work, as it gave her the knowledge necessary to understand and eventually expose serious health and safety violations in her workplace.
In conclusion, Karen Silkwood remains an inspiring figure in the fight for labor rights and worker safety. As we reflect on her life in 2025, it's vital to honor her contributions and advocate for the rights she stood for, reminding us of the importance of ethical practices in all industries.
In 1965, Silkwood dropped out of college and eloped with William Meadows, an oil pipeline worker, with whom she had three children. After the couple filed for bankruptcy due to Meadows' excessive spending habits, and after his refusal to end an extramarital affair, Silkwood left him in 1972 and relocated to Oklahoma City where she worked briefly as a hospital clerk.
