Webat the age of 17, ritchie valens was killed in a plane crash on february 3, 1959, along with buddy holly, j. Webjun 11, 2018 · born richard steven valenzuela on may 13, 1941, in pacioma, california; Richardson (the “big bopper”), and pilot roger peterson.

Died on february 3, 1959, in clear lake, iowa.