Famous faces from across the world have died this year
Some celebrity deaths caused upset across the world
Throughout the first half of this year the world has sadly lost many stars of TV, film, music, sport, and politics. News of a celebrity death has rocked fanbases each month so far this year including major names from Wales.
In January, starting off the tribute list we lost ex-Wales midfielder and manager, Terry Yorath and towards the end of this list we commemorate music legend, Neath’s own Bonnie Tyler.
Tributes have poured in this year for many celebrities including Catherine O’Hara who died “following a brief illness.” For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Here we look back at their lives and pay tribute.
Terry Yorath
Terry Yorath(Image: Getty Images)
One of the best footballing icons to come out of Wales, Terry Yorath saw success on the pitch and at the side lines. The former footballer and father to Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan is best known for his nine-year stint at Leeds United from 1967, where he made 199 appearances for the club, as well as his roles with the Wales national team as both a player and a manager.
The ex-midfielder finished his playing career with 59 caps for the national side before going on to manage The Dragons, as well as Swansea City and Cardiff City. Off the pitch he was a father to four children; Gabby, Louise, Jordan and Daniel.
On January 8, the family of Terry Yorath announced that he had died after a short illness. A statement from the 75-year-old’s children read: “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
Derek Martin
Derek Martin(Image: PA)
Derek Martin was a household name across the UK playing the iconic role of Charlie Slater in popular soap, Eastenders. He was on our screens in major plot lines for over a decade on the programme from 2000 to 2011 later returning for guest spots with his last appearance in 2016.
On January 11, the 92-year-old’s family released a statement sharing his death with fans. His representative Sharon Henry also confirmed in her own statement: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that our beloved client Derek Martin passed away on January 10 2026.
“For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film. Derek was a devoted father, a generous member of the charitable Water Rats, avid golfer and all-around good man who will be greatly missed.”
Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani(Image: Getty Images)
Valentino Garavani, more commonly known as Valentino found his fame becoming one the most influential fashion designers over the last 60 years founding the luxury fashion house named after him in 1960. The Italian designer studied in Paris where he began his successful fashion career before moving to Rome and setting up Valentino.
The 93-year-old remained in Rome where he “peacefully” died earlier this year. His foundation announced that he died peacefully at his home in the city, surrounded by loved ones on January 19.
Catherine O’Hara
Catherine O’Hara(Image: Getty Images)
Canadian actress, Catherine O’Hara rose to fame alongside other prominent stars emerging from the Second City improv comedy troupe in Toronto, alongside Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Eugene Levy. In the decades that followed, O’Hara appeared in an array of films and TV shows, winning the hearts of audiences as Kate McCallister, the devoted mother of Kevin in the Home Alone series.
She also brought her trademark wit to films like Beetlejuice and Martin Scorsese’s After Hours. More recently she captured a new audience with her Emmy-winning portrayal of Moira Rose on the hit series Schitt’s Creek, earning the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
The news of Catherine O’Hara’s death shocked the world early this year with her agency revealing she had died “following a brief illness.” Tributes poured in for the actress who touched the lives of other performers as well as her huge fanbase.
John Virgo
John Virgo(Image: Getty Images)
Widely-regarded as the broadcasters’ voice of snooker, John Virgo started his long career in the world of sport as a player before becoming a pundit. Spending 18 years competing at the snooker table, John’s biggest accomplishments were winning the 1979 UK Championship, the 1980 Bombay International and the 1984 Professional Snooker League.
After his retirement in 1994 he never left the sport completely as he began his career in broadcasting that spanned over almost 30 years. In January this year he was part of the team of pundits for the Masters, not knowing that it would be his last.
Tributes poured in as people learned of the death of the 79-year-old on February 4 after he died at his family home in Spain.
The official World Snooker Tour X account said: “Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”
James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek (Image: Getty Images)
James Van Der Beek was best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit series Dawson’s Creek that aired from 1998 to 2003 but had a catalogue of leading roles across his career. He was a familiar face in many people’s homes as he also starred in films such as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, The Big Bang and Labour Day.
In 2023 the renowned actor was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on August 31 and chose to share his diagnosis publicly in November 2024.
At the age of 48, his wife Kimberly announced the death of the star on February 11 this year. She said: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.”
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall(Image: Casey Curry/Invision/AP)
The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and Tender Mercies are just a few of the huge blockbusters that Robert Duvall starred in across his over 60-year career in film and television. The American actor won multiple major industry awards including one Academy Award, a BAFTA, four Golden Globe Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.
The Californian started his professional acting career on stage in 1952 going on to play pivotal roles in legendary films including his role as Tom Hagen that landed him with an Oscar nomination.
On February 16 the news of his death at the age of 95 saddened the world. Robert passed away at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, with his wife Luciana by his side.
Luciana confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement, saying: “Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.
“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.”
Eric Dane
Eric Dane(Image: PA)
Many grew to love Eric Dane as he portrayed Dr Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy, in the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy between 2006 and 2012. Over his 35-year career in television and film, Eric played well-loved and hated characters. His last role was that of Cal Jacobs, Nate Jacobs’ father in American Emmy-award winning series Euphoria.
In 2025 the actor was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) however he continued to work despite his illness.
On February 20 his family published a statement announcing the death of the star. It read: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.”
Knowing his death was imminent, Eric Dane recorded an emotional interview published by Netflix after his death in which he reflected on life, love, and struggles speaking directly to the audience as well as his beloved daughters.
Robert Carradine
Many people grew up with the actor on their screens (Image: Disney)
Disney star, Robert Carradine was most known for playing TV dad to Hilary Duff on the 2000s show Lizzie McGuire. His career did not start there however starring in popular films including Revenge of the Nerds, Escape from L.A. and The Big Red One in the 80s and 90s.
Robert made his film debut in 1972 picture The Cowboys, opposite John Wayne, and went on to feature alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voight in Oscar-winning film Coming Home.
Following a “nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder”, the actor’s family confirmed his death on February 24. Robert’s family said in a statement to Deadline: “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder. We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
Get support for your mental health
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to:
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year.Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.Mind Cymru (02920 395 123) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales (0800 132 737) provides a Wales-wide 24/7 mental health multi-channel contact service. CALL offers emotional support, signposting to agencies relevant to the caller’s needs as well as free literature.Phil Campbell
The guitarist has died, family confirmed (Image: Redferns)
Phil Campbell from Pontypridd was one of Wales’ legendary rockstars performing as the guitarist for Motorhead from 1984 until they broke up in 2015. Motorhead had a long and successful career releasing 24 studio albums and producing hits such as Ace of Spades and Hellraiser.
After Motorhead disbanded in 2015 following the death of frontman Lemmy, Phil Campbell established Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons alongside his three sons.
On March 14, the family announced that after a “long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation” the guitarist died.
Jordan Wright
Jordan Wright(Image: jordanwrights/Instagram)
Jordan Wright shot to fame as he appeared on the seventh season of Ex on the Beach before joining the cast of ITV’s The Only Way is Essex in 2018. Before his fame Jordan worked as a DJ and had a short career as a firefighter. He was also linked to TV personality Vicky Patterson who he dated in 2016.
On March 14 the 33-year-old’s body was found in a drainage canal in Phuket, Thailand after a few months of living in the country. CCTV footage was released of the days leading up to his body being found, showing the TV personality running down a quiet street seemingly looking over his shoulder.
Jordan’s friend, Joey Jeffrey revealed that his friend had been suffering with his mental health including “episodes of paranoia and psychosis”.
Investigators have said there were no signs of physical assault or a struggle.
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris(Image: Getty Images)
Chuck Norris was a legendry action star and martial artist, starring in many iconic Hollywood films and TV series. The Walker, Texas Ranger star held black belts in karate, taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo as well as being a talented actor.
At the age of 86 one of Hollywood’s most recognisable action stars died after a sudden medical emergency in Hawaii. Chuck Norris’ family confirmed that he had died on March 19 “surrounded by his family and at peace”.
His family also said they wish the keep the circumstances surrounding his death private.
Nicholas Brendon
Nicholas Brendon(Image: Getty Images)
Nicholas Brendon Schultz was an American actor best known for his roles in hit TV programmes including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Criminal Minds in the early 2000s.
In a statement on March 20, the actor’s family announced that he had died of “natural causes” at the age of 54.
The full statement read: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes.
“Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans.
“He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.
“Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart.”
Leonid Radvinsky
Leonid Radvinsky (Image: @Leo_Radvinsky1/X)
In 2018 Ukrainian business mogul, Leonid Radvinsky, became one of the wealthiest people in the US making $1.9m a day after buying Fenix International, OnlyFans’ parent company for an undisclosed sum, according to Forbes. Radvinsky was in talks to sell OnlyFans in a deal valuing the company at $8bn.
On Monday, March 23 the death of the 43-year-old CEO was announced by the London-based company stating that he died “peacefully after a long battle with cancer”.
Mel Schilling
Mel Schilling(Image: Getty Images)
Mel Schilling was an Australian TV personality, psychologist and relationship coach, best known for appearing as one of the dating experts on Married at First Sight. Moving to London, Mel also joined the panel of experts as MAFS UK first aired 2021.
Before becoming a household name, she worked as a practicing psychologist for over 20 years and was appointed Dating and Relationship Expert for the dating website eHarmony Australia in 2014.
In 2018 Mel married her long term partner, Gareth Brisbane three years after their now 11-year-old daughter was born. The relationship expert revealed in March that she had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2023 and that doctors had informed her that it was terminal. Less than two weeks after her announcement to fans on social media, Gareth shared a statement confirming the death of the 54-year-old.
Her husband released a statement on March 24 saying: “Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
“This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 – and nailed both. This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.”
Sir Gino
Sir Gino(Image: PA)
Not all celebrities that have died this year have been humans with elite race horse Sir Gino’s death being announced in March. The stallion was a Grade One-winning star who competed in multiple major races throughout his career with jockey Nicky Henderson.
The six-year-old horse sustained a fractured pelvis whilst competing at Cheltenham in January and failing to recover from the infections caused by the injury, Sir Gino was put to sleep on March 24.
Henderson revealed the devastating news, saying: “We have very sadly lost the battle to overcome Sir Gino’s ailment and he has had to be put to sleep at the veterinary hospital this morning.
“He has been fighting from severe deep-seated infections that he had overcome last year prior to his brilliant return in the Christmas Hurdle but this time it had spread too far although his fractured pelvis was healing well.”
Mary Rand
Mary Rand(Image: PA)
Mary Rand was the first British woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics in athletics when she competed in the long jump in Tokyo 1964. For 60 years she was also the only British female to win three medals at the same Olympics, winning silver in the women’s pentathlon and bronze in the 4x100m relay alongside her gold, until track cyclist Emma Finucane did the same in Paris 2024.
In the long jump, the Somerset-born athlete broke the British and Olympic records with her first leap of 6.59m and then exceeded the world record on her fifth attempt with an effort of 6.76m.
Rand was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1964 and was awarded an MBE in the 1965 New Year Honours List.
On March 27, British Athletics announced the death of 86-year-old “trailblazer” Mary Rand.
Nathalie Baye
Nathalie Baye(Image: Getty Images)
French actress Nathalie Baye had a large catalogue of filmography, recognised by many as she appeared in Downton Abbey: A New Era as Madame de Montmirail. The film star was know for her standout roles in Day for Night, Catch Me If You Can, and It’s Only the End of the World.
After living with Lewy body dementia, Nathalie died on April 17 at the age of 77 at her home in Paris.
Ja
Jake Hall (Image: PA)
Jake Hall was a prominent cast member of reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex when he joined in 2015. The model and footballer joined season 14 as a friend of Vas J Morgan and the ex-partner of Chloe Lewis staying on for three seasons.
In recent years, Jake’s career focused on his fashion empire, By Jake Hall, as well as his previous brand, Prévu Studio, which was liquidated despite years of success.
At the age of 35, many fans were shocked by the news of the sudden death of the reality star after he was discovered dead at a holiday villa in Majorca, Spain, having sustained serious head injuries after colliding with a glass door on May 6.
A provisional inquest date investigating the death of the father has been set for December 2026.
Judith Chalmers
Judith Chalmers(Image: PA/PA Wire)
Judith Chalmers was best known for presenting the ITV travel show, Wish You Were Here…? She was a popular broadcaster over her long career that started at the age of just 13 and went on later to present radio shows Woman’s Hour and Family Favourites.
Having the knack for talking on the TV ran in the family with husband Neil Durden-Smith formerly working as a sports commentator and their son TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith.
In a family statement posted on May 22 they revealed that the 90-year-old had died after being seriously ill after living with Alzheimer’s disease in her final years.
Lauren Bennett
Lauren Bennett(Image: Getty Images)
Lauren Bennett first rose to fame as a member of The Paradiso Girls in 2007 before embarking on a solo career when the group split up in 2010. Featuring on a remix of Will.i.am’s I Got It From my Mama established her fame before she collaborated with LMFAO and featured on their worldwide smash, Party Rock Anthem, which became her first Number One single in the UK.
Lauren then achieved further success with GRL, alongside bandmates Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada, Paula van Oppen and the late Simone Battle. After GRL disbanded, Bennett relaunched her solo career with the single Hurricane.
On May 29, the singer died at an address in Meopham as her former band paid tribute saying: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren.
“Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
Owain Rhys Davies
Owain Rhys Davies(Image: S4C)
Cardiff-born Owain Rhys Davies played many roles throughout his time on screen starring in multiple S4C series and American programmes including the Disney production, Alice Through the Looking Glass and Twin Peaks: The Return as Agent Wilson.
Alongside being on the screen Owain played numerous roles in award winning West End productions such as Mamma Mia!, The Wizard of Oz, By Jeeves, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Royal National Theatre.
At the age of 44, the death of the actor was announced by his brother, Rhodri Davies who said there are “unanswered questions regarding the circumstances of his death”.
In a tribute on June 2 he said: “It is with profound sadness that my father and I share the news that my brother, Owain, has passed away.
“This news will come as a great shock to many. While there are still questions that remain unanswered regarding the circumstances of his death, our understanding at this stage is that Owain passed suddenly, naturally, and peacefully.
“We will try and share further information in due course as we learn more and begin making arrangements. In the meantime, we kindly ask for some privacy as we come to terms with this devastating loss and support one another through the days ahead.”
Anthony Head
Anthony Head(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Known to many as Rupert Giles, British actor Anthony Head gained fame playing the iconic role as the teacher in American show Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as appearing in Ted Lasso, Merlin and Little Britain.
Along with his successful career on screen, the London-born actor had a notable West End stage career, including roles in Chess, The Rocky Horror Show, and Love in Idleness.
On June 5, Anthony’s two daughters Emily and Daisy Head announced the news of the passing of their “extraordinary father” who died “peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family”.
David Hockney
David Hockney (Image: Getty Images)
David Hockney is considered one of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly celebrated for his striking use of colour in his paintings. The artist, born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on July 9, 1937 is recognised as one of the UK’s most distinguished artists after a career spanning six decades.
Some of David Hockney’s most treasured paintings include The Splash that sold for £23.1 million, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) that sold for £70 million and Henry Geldzahler And Christopher Scott that sold for £37.7 million.
Over his lustrous career David Hockney experimented across multiple art mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, watercolours and photography.
The world was saddened on June 12 when the news of the renowned artists’ “peaceful” passing of the 88-year-old was announced.
Oliver Tree
Oliver Tree(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Many know Oliver Tree from his viral hit songs that matched his eccentric style and hairdos. The American singer-songwriter and rapper shot to fame in 2016 with his hit When I’m Down that flew across social media, leading him to be signed with Atlantic Records in 2017. He released his debut studio album Ugly Is Beautiful in July 2020, which included RIAA gold and platinum-certified singles Alien Boy, Hurt, Miracle Man and Let Me Down.
On May 30 this year the 32-year-old Californian began his first world tour to promote his latest album.
It was on his way to a show that he died in a two aircraft helicopter crash over Rio de Janeiro on June 14 along with five other passengers and two pilots. Many artists and collaborators that worked with the young singer paid tribute to him after the news was revealed of his passing.
Paul Avery and Sheila Avery
Paul Avery and Sheila Avery
Paul Avery had an established career in television and film becoming a household name in the US for his role as Hughie in popular series All My Children. He is also known for his roles in Superman, Soap and Three’s Company.
Alongside his wife, Sheila Avery, Paul died in a house fire at their property in the early hours of the morning of June 16. Paul and Sheila were found unconscious but both sadly died shortly after firefighters performed CPR.
The couple’s daughter, Kyle Avery confirmed the death of her parents with a tribute stating: “I’m devastated to share that our parents, Paul and Sheila Garry Avery, passed away early this morning. We loved them so much, and they loved us so much, and nobody ever had to wonder if that was so. We’re grateful to the Blairstown Fire Department for their efforts.”
Penelope Keith
Dame Penelope Keith(Image: Getty Images)
Dame Penelope Keith is a legendary British TV icon best known for playing snobbish neighbour Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life and former lady of the manor Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To the Manor Born.
She began her acting career in the 1960s before trading the stage for television in the 1970s. Her most celebrated role came in 1975 when she landed the part of Margo. Following a Bafta win for Best Comedy Performer, Penelope went on to appear in To The Manor Born, drawing audiences of more than 20 million.
From 2000 she focused primarily on theatre work, taking on roles including Madam Arcati in Blithe Spirit and Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. Away from acting, Penelope had a deep love of gardening, with a rose named in her honour in 1984.
The family of the iconic actress announced her death on June 29 at the age of 86 following a battle with cancer.
Trev
Trevor Fishlock(Image: Fishlock family)
Trevor Fishlock was a renowned reporter, author and broadcaster best-known for his television series Fishlock’s Wild Tracks and Fishlock’s Wales as well as writing numerous books on Wales. His books on Wales included Wales and the Welsh, Talking of Wales, Fishlock’s Wild Tracks, Senedd, On This Place: The National Library of Wales and Pembrokeshire: Journeys and Stories.
Born in Hereford in 1941 Trevor moved to Cardiff as a correspondent for The Times in the 1970s where he reported from more than 60 countries over 17 years. The prolific journalist was named foreign reporter of the year in the 1982 The Press Awards and international reporter of the year in 1986.
On July 3 ITV Cymru Wales announced the death of the 85-year-old “first class journalist and hugely talented broadcaster”.
Bonnie Tyler
Singer Bonnie Tyle(Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Bonnie Tyler, whose real name is Gaynor Sullivan, is regarded as one the biggest music legends to come from Wales. Known for her distinctive husky voice she rose to fame in 1977 with her hit singles Lost in France and More Than a Lover as well as It’s a Heartache which reached number four on the UK singles chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It wasn’t until the 80s that the Skewen-born singer released her biggest hit, Total Eclipse of the Heart that sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Over her long career in the music industry she received three Grammy nominations and three Brit Award nominations.
Whilst preparing for her upcoming tour, Bonnie was taken to hospital in Faro where she had a home, where she underwent emergency intestinal surgery. She was then placed into an induced coma at a hospital in Portugal to aid her recovery after falling ill abroad.
However devastation shook Wales as the news of her death on July 9 was announced. In a statement published on the singer’s official website, her family said: “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.
“We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”
Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe(Image: Getty Images)
Ann Widdecombe was first elected to the House of Commons for the Conservatives at the 1987 general election, representing Maidstone until 2010 when she retired from politics.
She returned to politics with the Brexit Party – later Reform UK – in 2019 in which she was the member of the European Parliament (MEP) for South West England from 2019 to 2020, and served as immigration and justice spokesperson from 2023.
Alongside her political career Ann Widdecombe was seen on television competing in multiple reality shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
The former politician died on July 8. A man has been charged with her murder.
Jayden Adams
Jayden Adams(Image: Getty Images)
South African football star Jayden Adams played for his country in all three group-stage matches during the World Cup 2026 as the team reached the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.
However, just two weeks after representing his country in the global competition, the death of the 25-year-old was announced as police investigate the circumstances.
Aouth Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, paid tribute to the midfielder in an emotional statement saying: “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams. South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
Sam Neill
Sam Neill(Image: Getty Images)
Sam Neill is a New Zealand actor best known for his role as Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise. With a career spanning over fifty years he became a household name alongside his role as Dr Grant starring in The Hunt for Red October, The Piano, Event Horizon, Peaky Blinders and The Tudors.
In 2023, Neill announced that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer but told of how the treatment was successful and that he had gone in to remission.
However, on Monday July 13 his family revealed Neill’s “sudden and unexpected” death.
A family statement read: “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”
Edward Stourton
Edward Stourton(Image: BBC)
Edward Stourton had a decades-long career in broadcasting across television and radio. For almost 10 years he hosted Radio 4’s Today programme as well as the One O’Clock news, Any Questions, Radio 4’s Sunday and Panorama.
The BBC announced the death of Edward Stourton, 68 who was previously diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had died beside his family on Saturday, July 18.
Kevin Keegan
Kevin Keegan.(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
English footballing legend, Kevin Keegan, known as King Kev to many had a successful career playing for his country as well as Liverpool and Newcastle United. He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time winning two Ballon D’or’s and 63 caps for England.
Earlier this year the retired footballer’s family announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment after being admitted to hospital due to “ongoing abdominal symptoms”.
It was confirmed on July 20 that the “much loved husband, father and grandfather” had died at the age of 75 surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Bill Oddie
Bill Oddie(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Bill Oddie found fame in the 1970s as one member of the comedy trio, The Goodies before going on to host a series of wildlife programmes for the BBC. Many know the comedian from Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
On July 27 the 85-year-old’s friend and agent David Foster announced his death. He said: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder.
“Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.”
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