While it can seem a bit parasocial, we do tend to get attached to artists, musicians and actors who affect us in some way. On top of that, the pressures put on creatives tend to create the sort of environment where people die young. So it’s perhaps understandable why some people would be really moved by the passing of a near-and-dear celeb.
Someone asked “Which lesser-known celebrity death really affected you/do you think about often?” and people shared their examples. So read through, upvote the examples that are close to you and leave your own thoughts in the comments section below.
#1
The guy from mythbusters - Grant Imahara
What happened:
Grant Imahara, renowned engineer and host of Discovery Channel's "MythBusters," passed away on July 13, 2020, at the age of 49. He died suddenly due to a brain aneurysm
Image credits: notspicy
#2
Terry Pratchett. I'm not a massive fan of his books - I read a couple and enjoyed them, and I really liked Good Omens, but my husband absolutely loves his work. He has done for years and years. He'll reread Pratchett's books regularly, and I can just see how much he loves the books and how sad he is that Pratchett isn't here anymore. We spoke about it last night and he said he's only read the last one once as it was just too difficult. I end up thinking about it quite often.
What happened:
Terry Pratchett, the acclaimed British author known for his Discworld series and witty fantasy novels, passed away on March 12, 2015, at the age of 66. He died from complications related to posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of Alzheimer's disease.
Image credits: sunshine-lollipops
#3
Anton Yelchins death. Such a bizarre random accident ending the life of a wonderful actor. I've liked him in everything I saw him in, and I still sometimes think about the work he could have done.
What happened:
Anton Yelchin, a talented actor known for his roles in films like "Star Trek," died on June 19, 2016, at the age of 27. He tragically passed away due to accidental blunt traumatic asphyxia at his home in Studio City, California, after being pinned between his Jeep Grand Cherokee and a brick pillar.
Image credits: DrapeWoozle
#4
Judith Barsi, she was just a young girl with a life ahead of her who voiced the cutest little dinosaur. Her grave stone reads 'yep, yep, yep.'
What happened:
Judith Barsi, a young actress known for her roles in films like "The Land Before Time" and "All Dogs Go to Heaven," tragically died on July 25, 1988, at the age of 10. She was murdered by her father, who also killed her mother, before taking his own life
Image credits: Series-Party
#5
Sean Lock. I sobbed when he died.
What happened:
Sean Lock, a beloved British comedian known for his appearances on panel shows like "8 Out of 10 Cats," passed away on August 18, 2021, at the age of 58. He died after battling lung cancer, a diagnosis he had kept private.
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#6
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#7
Every couple days I think about Naya Rivera and how she died. It always makes me feel strange.
What happened:
Naya Rivera, best known for her role in the TV series "Glee," tragically passed away on July 8, 2020, at the age of 33. She drowned in Lake Piru, California, after renting a boat with her 4-year-old son. Rivera's death was ruled an accidental drowning after she went missing during a boating trip. Her body was found five days later.
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#8
What happened:
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#9
Phil Hartman. He was such a funny guy. His comedic timing was chef’s kiss.
What happened:
Phil Hartman, a beloved comedian and actor known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons," tragically passed away on May 28, 1998, at the age of 49. He was fatally shot by his wife, Brynn Hartman, who then took her own life.
Image credits: MabelPines2
#10
I just learned of Kirsty Maccoll's freak accident death while diving in Mexico with her kids and it's also horrifying, from the accident itself to the way the Mexican government handled it. It's so sad and will probably stick with me for awhile.
What happened:
Kirsty MacColl tragically passed away on December 18, 2000, at the age of 41. She died in a boating accident off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico, while on vacation with her family.
The Mexican government's handling of Kirsty MacColl's death stirred controversy and criticism. Despite evidence suggesting that MacColl was struck by a speedboat while diving, authorities failed to thoroughly investigate the incident, and the boat's owner, a wealthy Mexican businessman, was charged with a minor offense. Many believed that the Mexican government mishandled the case due to the suspect's influence and status, leading to widespread outrage and calls for justice.
Image credits: ifeelbonita
#11
Nelsan Ellis aka Lafayette from True Blood. That show was huge at the time and somehow after it ended, I didn't really see him in anything else. I think he did a great job with that character in TB for its time and I've wanted to see more of him in other roles before his untimely death at apparently only 39. I'm not sure what else was he struggling with (only read about alcohol) or if he had any other medical history but his passing was really sudden to me.
What happened:
Nelsan Ellis passed away on July 8, 2017, at the age of 39. He died due to complications from heart failure related to alcohol withdrawal complications.
Image credits: usualsuspek
#12
This gets mentioned a lot but Christina Grimmie. Shot by a crazed "fan" in the meet and greet line after her concert.
I used to watch her videos alllll the time in middle/high school and I was devastated when she was killed right as she started releasing her own albums. I really think she would have been big and now we will never know. I think about her a lot.
What happened:
Christina Grimmie, a talented singer and former contestant on "The Voice," died on June 10, 2016, at the age of 22. She was shot and killed by a deranged fan during a meet-and-greet following her concert performance in Orlando, Florida.
Image credits: BelleBete95
#13
Adrienne Shelly. I rented Waitress some 15 years ago at a Redbox and was really charmed with this little indie film. I did my usual IMDB search and was heartbroken to see Shelley's passing and the way she passed. It's pretty striking to see the legacy she left behind considering Waitress was a little indie movie that's now so much more.
What happened:
Adrienne Shelly, a promising actress and filmmaker, died on November 1, 2006, at the age of 40. She was found dead in her Manhattan apartment, hanging from a shower rod. Initially considered a suicide, further investigation revealed evidence of foul play, leading to the arrest and conviction of a construction worker for her murder.
Image credits: mg_5916
#14
Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes for me. I watched the documentary she was working on before her death and it haunts me. She was an incredible artist with so much damn potential that we never got to see realised.
What happened:
Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, a member of the popular music group TLC, tragically passed away on April 25, 2002, at the age of 30. She died in a car accident in Honduras.
Image credits: FaithlessnessPlus164
#15
Elizabeth Wurtzel, author of Prozac Nation and other books speaking candidly about mental illness and addiction. She was a trailblazer along with Suzanna Kaysen when it came to bravely giving a voice to mental illness in a time where it was taboo to speak about it. She passed February 2020, and I still think of her often.
What happened:
Elizabeth Wurtzel passed away on January 7, 2020, at the age of 52. She died due to complications from metastatic breast cancer, a battle she had been fighting for several years.
Image credits: emborgs
#16
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#17
Lee Thomas Young, I loved the Famous Jett Jackson. I was heartbroken when he died. His mental health issues were so disheartening.
What happened:
Lee Thompson Young tragically died on August 19, 2013, at the age of 29. He died by suicide, which shocked fans and colleagues alike.
Image credits: anonbeekeeper12
#18
Bobbi Kristina, Whitney Houstons daughter. That was so effing fishy. And to die the same way as her mother. So soon after Whitney died.
What happened:
Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, tragically passed away on July 26, 2015, at the age of 22. She was found unconscious in a bathtub at her home in Georgia and remained in a coma for six months before her death. The circumstances surrounding her death were eerily similar to those of her mother, Whitney Houston, who died in a similar manner three years prior.
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#19
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#20
Andy Hallet, best known as playing Lorne in the TV series Angel. Died way too young!
What happened:
Andy Hallett passed away on March 29, 2009, at the age of 33. He died from heart failure caused by complications from untreated cardiomyopathy, a condition he had been battling for several years.
Image credits: JanetSnarkhole
#21
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#22
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#23
Peaches Geldof dying the same way her mother did. And her babies being found next to her body.
What happened:
Peaches Geldof, a British television presenter, model, and journalist, tragically passed away on April 7, 2014, at the age of 25. She was found dead at her home in Kent, England. The cause of her death was determined to be a heroin overdose.
Image credits: thankyoupapa
#24
Elliot Smith. I still remember waking up to the news. Tragic figure.
What happened:
Elliott Smith, an influential singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and haunting melodies, died on October 21, 2003, at the age of 34. He died from stab wounds to the chest, which were initially reported as self-inflicted but later surrounded by controversy and speculation. Smith's death remains a subject of debate among fans and music enthusiasts.
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#25
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#26
What happened:
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#27
Brad Renfro, a great actor in Bully and Sleepers that died too soon.
What happened:
Brad Renfro tragically passed away on January 15, 2008, at the age of 25. He died from an accidental overdose.
Image credits: anonbeekeeper12
#28
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#29
Nikki Grahame - she did big brother Canada and UK. I watched her on BBCan and she was a really great addition to the cast. She was light and really funny.
What happened:
Nikki Grahame tragically passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 38. She died due to complications related to anorexia nervosa, a battle she had struggled with for much of her life. Grahame's death saddened fans around the world and brought attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and mental health issues. She was remembered fondly for her bubbly personality and memorable moments on reality TV.
Image credits: buzzfeed_sucks
