Heinz Kluetmeier/Getty Images

Photographer Who Took Iconic 'Miracle On Ice' Picture Has Died

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 11:56 PM ET

During the 1980 Winter Olympics, photographer Heinz Kluetmeier captured the moment where the United States men's hockey team celebrated its victory over the Soviet Union in the gold medal game. It turned out to be one of the most iconic photos in the history of the Olympics.

Unfortunately, hockey fans received unfortunate news this week regarding Kluetmeier. The man behind the iconic "Miracle on Ice" photo has passed away at the age of 82. He reportedly died due to complications with Parkinson’s disease and a stroke.

Kluetmeier started his career as a photographer with the Milwaukee Journal. He then joined Time Inc. That led to his work appearing in LIFE magazine and Sports Illustrated. It wasn't until 2016 when he officially retired.

"He worked harder than anyone," Kluetmeier's daughter Jessie said. "His work was so much of who he was, and I think he took pleasure in it."

Before he passed away, Kluetmeier became the first photographer ever inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Kluetmeier admit in 2008 that his "Miracle on Ice" photo was the best one he has ever captured at the Olympics. Every sports fan in the world would agree with him.

"That’s the only cover we ever ran without cover language," Kluetmeier said, via the New York Post. "It didn’t need it. Everyone in America knew what happened. A close second at the same Olympics was (speed skater) Eric Heiden. The pre-Olympic cover of him was the first time he put on the gold suit. And I have to say the last Olympics I really enjoyed when Michael [Phelps] won his first medal in Athens. It was unbridled enthusiasm. Nothing studied, nothing planned, nothing choreographed. It was, ‘Wow, I won.’ That was my last Olympic cover."

Our thoughts are with the Kluetmeier family during this difficult time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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