Career
He died after World War I due to injury by being shot in the face. In the 100 metres event at the 1908 Summer Games, von Bönninghausen took fifth place in his first round heat with a time of 12.0 seconds. He did not advance to the semifinals.
He also participated in the long jump competition but his final ranking is unknown.
Four years later he was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 110 metre hurdles event.