Indeed this is the reason. Hammarskjold was killed in a plane crash Sept. 18, 1961, a few months before the awarding of the Nobel Prize. He was not the only posthumous award. In 1931, Erik Karlfeldt won one for Literature.
However, Nobel Foundation statutes dictate that "work produced by a person since deceased shall not be considered for an award. If, however, a prizewinner dies before he has received the prize, then the prize may be presented." Or, simply (as stated in the frequently asked questions section, "no, it is not [possible for an individual to be nominated for a posthumous award]. The Statutes of the Nobel Foundation stipulate that a prize cannot be awarded posthumously, unless death has occurred after the nomination."
Indeed, you should consider the fact that even Ghandi is without an award.
Amazing what sort of answers a 5 minute search on Google can turn up...
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However, Nobel Foundation statutes dictate that "work produced by a person since deceased shall not be considered for an award. If, however, a prizewinner dies before he has received the prize, then the prize may be presented." Or, simply (as stated in the frequently asked questions section, "no, it is not [possible for an individual to be nominated for a posthumous award]. The Statutes of the Nobel Foundation stipulate that a prize cannot be awarded posthumously, unless death has occurred after the nomination."
Indeed, you should consider the fact that even Ghandi is without an award.
Amazing what sort of answers a 5 minute search on Google can turn up...