Celebrity deaths often feel like they’re hitting close to home, even if we didn’t know them personally — but even more so when we lose them unexpectedly. Here is a deep-dive of more than 14 stars who passed away long before their time.
Paul Walker
The Fast & Furious star tragically died in a car accident on November 30, 2013, at the age of 40. He was attending a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide when he left for a short ride in a Porsche Carrera GT. The car crashed, killing both Walker and the driver.
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Mac Miller
The “Cinderella” rapper passed away on September 7, 2018, at the age of 26 from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol. Miller was tragically found unresponsive in his home in Los Angeles.
Cameron Boyce
Boyce died on July 6, 2019, at the age of 20. He suffered a fatal seizure in his sleep due to epilepsy, a condition he had been battling his whole life. Boyce was best known for his roles in Disney Channel’s Descendants and Jessie, and his sudden death left fans and colleagues devastated.
Heath Ledger
Ledger passed away from an accidental overdose on January 22, 2008, at the age of 28. He was found in his New York City apartment, having taken a lethal combination of prescription medications. Ledger’s death shocked the world, especially as his career was peaking with roles like the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Amy Winehouse
The “You Know I’m No Good” singer died from alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011, at the age of 27. The British songstress was found in her London home with a blood alcohol level more than five times the legal driving limit. Winehouse’s death came after years of battling addiction and left the music world in mourning.
Avicii
Avicii — whose real name was Tim Bergling — died by suicide on April 20, 2018, at the age of 28. The Swedish DJ and music producer struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse. He was found in Muscat, Oman, having taken his own life, leaving fans grieving the loss of a music icon.
Brittany Murphy
The 8 Mile actress passed away on December 20, 2009, at the age of 32. Murphy was found unconscious in her Los Angeles home and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The official cause of death was pneumonia, complicated by anemia and multiple drug intoxication, which led to to widespread speculation and mystery surrounding her death.
Matthew Perry
Perry passed away unexpectedly at the age of 54 due to the “acute effects” of ketamine. Best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, Perry had a well-documented struggle with addiction. His death, which occurred on October 28, 2023, was ruled an accident.
Prince
Prince died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl on April 21, 2016, at the age of 57. The legendary “When Doves Cry” musician was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota. His unexpected death shocked the world.
Kobe Bryant
The NBA legend died in a tragic helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, at the age of 41. The accident, which also claimed the lives of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others, occurred in Calabasas, California. Bryant’s death was a monumental loss to the sports world and his millions of fans worldwide.
Luke Perry
Perry died on March 4, 2019, at the age of 52, following a massive stroke. The Beverly Hills: 90210 and Riverdale star was hospitalized but never recovered, leaving behind a legacy of memorable roles and a heartbroken fanbase.
Shannen Doherty
The Beverly Hills: 90210 star passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 53, after battling breast cancer for nearly a decade. Her publicist announced the actress died surrounded by her closest loved ones as well as her dog.
Selena Quintanilla
The “Dreaming of You” singer was murdered on March 31, 1995, at the age of 23. The Tejano music superstar was shot by the president of her own fan club, Yolanda Saldívar, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Selena’s tragic death cut short a promising career and left a lasting impact on Latin music.
Naya Rivera
The Glee actress drowned on July 8, 2020, at the age of 33 while saving her son during a boating trip on Lake Piru in California. Her body was recovered five days later, and her death was ruled an accidental drowning. Rivera’s tragic and heroic final act left fans deeply saddened for her loss.
Cory Monteith
Monteith died on July 13, 2013, at the age of 31 from a toxic mix of heroin and alcohol. The “Glee” star was found in his hotel room in Vancouver, Canada. Monteith’s death brought attention to his long struggle with addiction and left fans mourning his sudden loss.
