2016 has truly been one of the most traumatic and horrific years as far as celebrity deaths are concerned. So many big and beloved names have passed away this year, and the list keeps growing far too quickly. On Sunday, young actor Anton Yelchin died tragically in a car accident, and his passing adds to the list that is far too long before 2016 is even halfway over, and it’s one that includes Prince, David Bowie , Alan Rickman, Christina Grimmie , and many others.
It all started in a huge way in January, but the celebrity death toll has risen considerably as the year has gone on. On Sunday, another young name was sadly added to it.
RIP Anton Yelchin pic.twitter.com/NPip21bSPh
— Leva Bates (@wrestlingleva) June 19, 2016
Early on Sunday morning, 27-year-old actor Anton Yelchin died in what’s being called a freak accident according to Yahoo Movies . The Los Angeles Police Department is saying that Yelchin was pinned by his own car against a brick mailbox pillar at his home.
“It appears he had exited his car and was behind it when the vehicle rolled down a steep driveway.”
Just two weeks ago, boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away at the age of 74 due to septic shock, but it is known that he had been battling Parkinson’s disease for 32 years. One of the greatest boxers of all time, and a “bad man,” died surrounded by his children and loved ones.
Just one week ago, The Voicestar Christina Grimmie died at the very young age of 22 after being shot at a music venue where she had performed and was signing autographs. Her death only started what was a very bad and long weekend for the city of Orlando, Florida, which included the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub.
The world of music has lost numerous big names this year including:
- David Bowie
- Prince
- PM Dawn
- John Berry
- Nick Menza
- Maurice White
- Phife Dawg
- Merle Haggard
- Dale “Buffin” Griffin
- Frank Sinatra, Jr.
- Joey Feek
- Paul Kanter
- Denise “Vanity” Matthews
- Glenn Frey
Their deaths do not mean they will be forgotten, and Prince proved that by continuing to sell millions of albums even after his passing.
Prince Breaks Billboard Record Over a Month After Death https://t.co/iQbPXYcdw6
— Larry Pareigis (@larrypareigis) June 9, 2016
So many others who have touched the lives of millions have passed away in 2016, and that includes a great number of actors and actresses, reality stars, and others. Fans have watched them on the big screen and small screens as they’ve brought laughter, joy, entertainment, drama, sadness, and so much more throughout their careers and lives.
- Abe Vigoda
- Larry Drake
- Beth Howland
- Keith Hefner
- Patty Duke
- Morley Safer
- Alan Young
- Ken Howard
- Pat Harrington, Jr.
- Dan Haggerty
- Garry Shandling
- Alan Rickman
- Richard Libertini
- Doris Roberts
- Chyna
- George Kennedy
- Cara McCollum
- Angela “Big Ang” Raiola
- Lex McAllister
So many other big names have died from the world of sports, politics, wrestling, and just about every walk of life imaginable. Former Toronto mayor Rob Ford died at the age of 46 back in March. Former ECW and WWE stars and tag team partners Axl Rottenand Balls Mahoneyboth died at the age of 44 and just two months apart.
- Gordie Howe – hockey legend
- Mother Mary Angelica – Roman Catholic nun who founded Eternal Word Television Network
- Nancy Reagan – Former first lady
- Pat Conroy – Author
- Pierre Boulez – French conductor
Anton Yelchin’s death is a tragic one, and it would be even if no other celebrities or big names had passed away this year. Sadly, it is only made worse by a large number of celebrity deaths already in 2016 as the list just keeps growing and far too quickly. Alan Rickman, Prince , David Bowie, Muhammad Ali, and so many others were taken from the world and their fans before their time should have been over, but it’s just the way life sadly goes.
[Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images]