Eben Byers (April 12, 1880 – March 31, 1932) was an American socialite, sportsman, and industrialist. He won the 1906 U.S. Amateur in golf.

Eben Byers (April 12, 1880 – March 31, 1932) was an American socialite, sportsman, and industrialist. He won the 1906 U.S. Amateur in golf. 



He died from multiple radiation-induced cancers after consuming Radithor, a patent medicine made from radium dissolved in water.

Byers was born into a wealthy family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 He attended Yale University, where he was a member of the Skull and Bones society. 

After graduating from Yale, Byers worked in the steel industry and became president of the Girard Iron Company. 

He was also a successful amateur golfer and won the U.S. Amateur in 1906.

In 1927, Byers was injured in a car accident and began taking Radithor, a patent medicine that was advertised as a cure-all for a variety of ailments. 

Radithor was made from radium dissolved in water, and it was believed to have rejuvenating and restorative properties. 

Byers drank Radithor regularly for several years, believing that it was helping him to recover from his injuries.

However, Byers' health began to decline in 1930. 

He lost weight, his teeth began to fall out, and he developed headaches and nausea.

 In 1932, he died of multiple radiation-induced cancers.

 His death was a major public scandal, and it helped to raise awareness of the dangers of radium poisoning.

Byers' story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of untested medical treatments. 

It also highlights the importance of doing your research before taking any medication, even if it is advertised as a safe and effective cure-all.

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