Günter Litfin

Günter Litfin was the first person to die attempting to escape from East Berlin to West Berlin during the Cold War. On August 24, 1961, shortly after the Berlin Wall was erected, he swam across the Spree River but was shot and killed by East German guards when they caught him. His death highlighted the brutal reality of East Germany’s restrictions and increased international awareness of the oppressive communist regime. Litfin's story remains a symbol of those who risked their lives to seek freedom from authoritarian control.