The Brooklyn-based rapper his given name Christopher Wallace + The Notorious B.I.G., hailed as one of the genre's greats, died at age 24 on March 9, 1997. The Notorious B.I.G. + shooting death, The Notorious B.I.G. unsolved murder, Voletta Wallace + wrongful death lawsuit + LAPD,
This 25-year-old rapper turned actor spent his last day attending a high-profile heavyweight boxing match Mike Tyson v. Bruce Seldon fight in Las Vegas. Tupac shakur date of death September 13, 1996, Tupac shakur cause of death Firearm, Gunshot, Murder, Respiratory failure, Tupac Shakur + Suge Knight, Dexter Isaac confession, Orlando Anderson + Tupac Shakur
She was the little sister of a supermodel whose own star was on the rise when she died at age 17 on July 2, 1995. Krissy Taylor + asthma + cardiac arrhythmia, The C.A.R.E. Foundation + Krissy Taylor
The grunge rock frontman, best known for the '90s anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," died at age 27, leaving behind a singer spouse and a young daughter. Kurt cobain date of death April 5, 1994, kurt cobain cause of death Firearm, Gunshot, Suicide, Kurt Cobain heroin addiction, Kurt & Courtney Los Angeles, CA, Last Days Los Angeles, CA
Phoenix, fondly remembered for his role in an '80s film favorite Stand By Me Los Angeles, CA, died at age 23 before performing a Halloween gig with a rock-star friend flea at a Hollywood venue viper room. river phoenix date of death October 31, 1993, River Phoenix drug overdose, The Thing Called Love Los Angeles, CA, Dark Blood + River Phoenix + 2012 release, songs dedicated to River Phoenix
This Brooklyn artist -- backed by a well-connected artist friend Andy Warhol-- shook up New York's elite art world throughout the '80s Jean Michel Basquiat Paintings, until his death at age 27 on Aug. 12, 1988. Jean-Michel Basquiat + heroin overdose, Jean-Michel Basquiat + invisible ink signature, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child Los Angeles, CA, Basquiat Los Angeles, CA
Carangi was a sought-after cover girl through the mid-'70s and early '80s Gia Carangi magazine covers before dying at age 26 on Nov. 18, 1986. Gia carangi date of death November 18, 1986, gia carangi cause of death AIDS, Gia Los Angeles, CA
This award-winning forward for the Terrapins died on June 19, 1986, at 22, two days after being drafted into the NBA Boston Celtics + Len Bias. Len bias cause of death Cocaine overdose, Drug overdose, The Len Bias Law, Jay Bias shot to death, Without Bias Los Angeles, CA
The Jamaican music legend helped introduce reggae to the masses with such tracks as "Jamming" and BBC's "Song of the Millennium". He was 36 when he died. Bob marley date of death May 11, 1981, bob marley cause of death Cancer, Skin cancer, No Woman No Cry: My Life With Bob Marley, "Marley" Kevin MacDonald documentary
Prefontaine was a track and field runner who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympic Games and was training for the 1976 games when he died at age 24 on May 30, 1975. Steve Prefontaine cause of death Car accident, Prefontaine Memorial Park, Prefontaine Los Angeles, CA
Blue-eyed soul hits such as "Rehab" and "Back to Black" propelled this troubled British songstress to international fame. She died at age 27. Amy winehouse date of death July 23, 2011, Amy winehouse cause of death Alcohol intoxication, Amy Winehouse coroner resigned, Amy Winehouse + 2012 Grammy + "Body and Soul", Lioness: Hidden Treasures
The martial arts master Jeet Kune Do-turned-Hollywood star Enter the Dragon Los Angeles, CA was 32 when he died more nearly 40 years ago. Bruce lee date of death July 20, 1973, bruce lee cause of death Cerebral edema, The Green Hornet TV series, Brandon Lee accidentally shot, I Am Bruce documentary, Bruce Lee fragrances
This influential '60s rock lead singer (hear a classic track) was 27 when he died in Paris. Jim morrison date of death July 3, 1971, Jim morrison cause of death Drug overdose, Heart failure, Jim Morrison heroin overdose, Jim Morrison Père Lachaise cemetery, The Doors Los Angeles, CA
Joplin became a rock icon on the San Francisco scene and is known for such hits as "Me and Bobby McGee." She was 27 when she died. Janis joplin date of death October 4, 1970, janis joplin cause of death Heroin overdose, Piece of My Heart Janis Joplin, Janis Joplin Pearl, The Pearl Sessions
The virtuosic guitarist debuted a seminal album in 1967 and became legendary before dying at 27. jimi hendrix date of death September 18, 1970, Jimi hendrix cause of death Drug overdose, Inhalation of vomit, Jimi Hendrix 1992 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Jimi Hendrix Park + Seattle, WA, Nicole Miller + Jimi Hendrix + 2012
Toole didn't live to see his most celebrated novel A Confederacy of Dunces achieve high literary honors A Confederacy of Dunces + 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. He died at 31 on March 26, 1969. John Kennedy Toole suicide
The renowned soul singer -- known for this signature song Try a Little Tenderness Otis Redding-- died at 26 on Dec. 10, 1967. Otis Redding plane crash , (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay Otis Redding, Otis Redding + Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Davis achieved an African-American sports milestone, Ernie Davis + first African-American + Heisman Trophy, in 1961 and was set to play in the NFL team Cleveland Browns when he died at 23 on May 18, 1963. Ernie davis date of death May 18, 1963, Ernie davis cause of death Leukemia, Ernie Davis + President John F. Kennedy, The Express Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood’s quintessential sex symbol -- drooled over in such movies as "Some Like It Hot" and "The Seven Year Itch" -- died at age 36. Marilyn monroe date of death August 5, 1962, Marilyn monroe cause of death Barbiturate, Drug overdose, Suicide, My Week with Marilyn Los Angeles, CA, MAC + Marilyn Monroe collection
Holly his real name Charles Hardin Holley, was an early rock-and-roll star whose death at age 22 is remembered as "The Day the Music Died." Buddy holly date of death February 3, 1959, Buddy holly cause of death Air disaster, Ritchie Valens + The Big Bopper, Surf Ballroom, That'll Be the Day Buddy Holly, American Pie Don McLean
Dean personified "cool" in "Rebel Without A Cause," released in 1955. He died at age 24. James dean date of death September 30, 1955, James dean cause of death Car accident, East of Eden + James Dean + Best Actor nomination, Giant + James Dean + Best Actor nomination
This foreign-born star of a controversial hit film left behind a young daughter Michelle Williams actress when he died at age 28. Heath ledger date of death January 22, 2008, Heath ledger cause of death Drug overdose, Heath Ledger + DEA investigation, Heath Ledger + The Dark Knight + Best Supporting Actor, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus los angeles, ca
This writer, best known for the novel "The Bell Jar," died at age 30. Sylvia plath date of death February 11, 1963, Sylvia Plath suicide, Nicholas Hughes suicide, Sylvia Los Angeles, CA
Crane penned numerous short stories, poems and newspaper articles, but gained the most recognition for his Civil War novel, "The Red Badge of Courage." He died at 28. Stephen crane date of death June 5, 1900, Stephen crane cause of death Tuberculosis, The Red Badge of Courage Los Angeles, CA
Bronte -- one member of a trio of talented sisters -- was a poet who penned the now-classic novel "Wuthering Heights." She died at age 30. Emily bronte date of death December 19, 1848, emily bronte cause of death Tuberculosis, Ellis Bell + Emily Bronte, Emily Bronte portrait at auction
The English Romantic poet made his mark with a series of odes (including the well-regarded "To Autumn") shortly before dying at 25. John keats date of death February 23, 1821, john keats cause of death Tuberculosis
The 19-year-old famously led the French army against the English, claiming to have direct orders from God. She accomplished heroic feats until her death. Joan of arc date of death May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc execution by burning, Joan of Arc + patron saint of soldiers
The NFL safety team Washington Redskins from Miami died in his hometown at age 24. Sean taylor date of death November 27, 2007, Sean taylor cause of death Gunshot, Murder, Sean Taylor + Washington Redskins Ring of Fame
Tillman was an NFL defensive back (see which team) who enlisted in the U.S. Army after September 11 and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He was 27 when he died. Pat tillman date of death April 22, 2004, Pat tillman cause of death Firearm, Friendly fire, Gunshot, Pat Tillman initial death cover-up, The Tillman Story los angeles, ca, Tillman Military Scholar
One-third of a chart-topping '90s R&B group, Lopes rapped through such hits as "No Scrubs" and "Waterfalls." She died at age 30. on April 25, 2002. Lisa lopes date of death April 25, 2002, Lisa Lopes + car accident, The Last Days of Left Eye
The 22-year-old R&B singer and actress full name Aaliyah Dana Haughton released a self-titled album a month before she died. Aaliyah date of death August 25, 2001, Aaliyah cause of death Air disaster, Luis Morales III pilot + autopsy + cocaine, Aaliyah + plane exceeded weight limit,
Thomas was a linebacker in the NFL known for his signature move. He died at age 33 on Feb. 8, 2000. Derrick Thomas cause of death Pulmonary embolism, Derrick Thomas Pro Football Hall of Fame, The Derrick Thomas Academy
The glamorous princess Lady Diana Frances Spencer became a style icon while married to Great Britain's heir to the throne. Her life was cut short at age 36. Princess diana date of death August 31, 1997, Princess diana cause of death Car accident, Pont de l'Alma tunnel, boyfriend Dodi Fayed + driver Henri Paul, Diana killed by driver's gross negligence
Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera died on Dec. 9, 2012. The Latin Grammy nominee call her Jenni Rivera "La Diva de la Banda" was just 43 years old. Jenni Rivera died in a plane crash, Jenni Rivera's publicist, lawyer and makeup artists, Mexican music did she especially enjoy Banda music.
Jovan Belcher had very successful high school he play Jovan Belcher played linebacker, offensive tackle, nose guard and fullback in high school, and college football careers before turning professional in 2009. The starting linebacker Jovan Belcher died on Dec. 1, 2012, at age 25. Jovan Belcher committed suicide after killing girlfriend, Kansas City Chiefs, University of Maine, Jovan Belcher had a degree in child development and family relations.
Puerto Rican boxer Héctor Camacho was known for his success in a number of different weight classes and, as a result, was the first boxer to be called a septuple champion Septuple champion is someone who won titles in seven different weight classes of minor and major championship titles. He died on Nov. 24, 2012, at age 50. Héctor Camacho died of cardiac arrest after being shot, Héctor Camacho's childhood friend died in shooting, Héctor Camacho was nicknamed Macho Camacho.
Mitch Lucker, the lead vocalist for Suicide Silence music do they play extreme metal died on Nov. 1, 2012, at age 28. Lucker and his friends formed the band in 2002. Mitch Lucker died after motorcycle accident, Mitch Lucker's wife said Lucker was intoxicated at time of his death, Suicide Silence.
Blaque it stand for Believing, Life, Achieving, Quest, Unity, Everything member Natina Reed was known for her rapping skills and was a protégée of this late female rapper Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Reed Natina Reed was just 32 years old when she unexpectedly died on Oct. 26, 2012. Natina Reed died in a road accident.
Sammi Kane Kraft was a multitalented youngster, known for her acting and athletic ability sports event did she participate in Sammi Kane Kraft competed in the Junior Olympics. She died on Oct. 9, 2012, at just 20 years of age. Sammi Kane Kraft died after car accident, Sammi Kane Kraft played baseball, Bad News Bears 2005.
In addition to being a well-known drag queen and reality television contestant show RuPaul's Drag Race, Sahara Davenport was also a classically trained dancer. He had recently released a remix of his second single, which peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Davenport died on Oct. 1, 2012, at age 27. Sahara Davenport died from heart failure, RuPaul's Drag Race Sahara Davenport, Sahara Davenport Go Off.
Actor Michael Clarke Duncan was gentle giant John Coffey in this 1999 film The Green Mile. The role earned him multiple award nominations and future film and television roles. He died on Sept. 3, 2012, at age 54. Michael Clarke Duncan died after complications from heart attack, Omarosa Manigault tried to save Michael Clarke Duncan, Michael Clarke Duncan and Omarosa Manigault were engaged, Michael Clarke Duncan was 6' 5", Michael Clarke Duncan weighed 315 pounds.
Joey Kovar, who starred on "The Real World" Hollywood, died on Aug. 17, 2012. The former personal trainer also appeared on this VH1 reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2009. He was just 29 at the time of his death. Joey Kovar died of suspected overdose, initial autopsy of Joey Kovar was inconclusive, Joey Kovar Real World Hollywood.
"Moesha" star Yvette Wilson died on June 14, 2012, at age 48. The comedic actress also had a role on this spinoff The Parkers popular in the early 2000s. Yvette Wilson died from cervical cancer, Yvette Wilson had kidney disease, "I wanna thank all my tweeties for their prayers but god has chosen to take my sister Yvette home."
Sylvester Stallone’s son Sage (Sylvester Stallone and Sage Stallone) was a director, producer, screenwriter and actor Sage Stallone acting debut in Rocky V. He was found dead at his home on July 13, 2012, at age 36. Sage Stallone died from coronary artery disease, Daylight film, Vic film.
Rodney King was the victim of a brutal police beating that sparked the 1992 Los Angeles riots. King, 47, was found dead at his home on June 17, 2012. Rodney King autopsy deferred, rodney king found dead in swimming pool, rodney king plea can we all get along, celebrity rehab, Rodney King Celebrity Rehab.
Adam Yauch, also known as MCA, was one of the founding members of the Beastie Boys. The group is considered by many to be pioneers in hip hop music. Yauch passed away on May 4, 2012, at age 47, shortly after the group was given this major honor, Beastie Boys inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Adam Yauch died from salivary gland cancer, Master of Ceremonies Adam.
A longtime linebacker for this professional football team San Diego Chargers, Junior Seau is remembered by many as a sports icon. The 43-year-old was found dead on May 2, 2012 Junior Seau found dead at california home. Junior Seau shot himself in the chest, Junior Seau home was burglarized, Junior Seau's restaurant shut down, Junior Seau memorial.
Thomas Kinkade’s artwork Thomas Kinkade paintings is so popular, it is estimated that one in every 20 American homes has a copy of one of his paintings. The artist he born Sacramento, California died on April 6, 2012, at age 54. Thomas Kinkade died of acute intoxication, Painter of Light, Thomas Kinkade named daughters after famous artists.
Internationally known for her phenomenal voice, Whitney Houston was often referred to as one of the best female pop singers of all time Whitney Houston star spangled banner. She died on Feb. 11, 2012, at age 48 Whitney Houston died at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Whitney Houston cause of death, Sparkle, Whitney Houston had 7 consecutive number 1 singles.
Heavy D was a popular rapper in the '90s and was just starting to make a slow comeback. He died on Nov. 8, 2011, at age 44 Heavy D collapsed outside his Beverly Hills home – one month after performing in a tribute concert for another fallen singer Michael Jackson. Heavy D died from pulmonary embolism, Heavy D BET awards, Dwight Arrington Myers, Law & Order SVU.
Fans all over the world mourned after music icon Michael Jackson, also known as the "King of Pop", died on June 25, 2009. The 50-year-old passed away weeks before kicking off his "This Is It" tour in London. michael jackson cause of death Cardiac arrest · Homicide · Propofol, michael jackson tiger dies, conrad murray guilty involuntary manslaughter.
Actress Brittany Murphy is probably best known for her roles in the films "Clueless," "8 Mile," and "Don't Say a Word." She was 32 years old when she collapsed and died on December 20, 2009. brittany murphy cause of death Cardiac arrest · Pneumonia, simon monjack found dead, brittany murphy something wicked.
Nate Dogg was widely recognized as the singer in several huge rap hits. He's the cousin of rapper Snoop Dogg, with whom he also performed. Nate Dogg was 41 when he died in Long Beach, Calif., on March 15, 2011. nate dogg cause of death Myocardial infarction, nathaniel dwayne hale
Corey Haim became a Hollywood teen idol in the '80s after starring in movies like "Silver Bullet" and "License to Drive." He also became good friends and made several movies with another '80s heartthrob. Haim died at age 38 on March 10, 2010. corey haim cause of death Drug overdose · Pneumonia,
