Celebrity Deaths of 2024: O.J. Simpson, Toby Keith and More Stars We Lost This Year

Mandisa

Mandisa’s rep confirmed her death on April 18 in a statement to In Touch.

“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the Media Collective said.

Kyle Marisa Roth

Kyle Marisa Roth, who was known for posting TikTok videos with celebrity blind items, died at 36 years old in April 2024. Her mom, Jacquie, confirmed the news via LinkedIn.

“My daughter Kyle has passed away,” she wrote. “She touched some of your lives personally and some of your lives via her immense life on another platform. Kyle loved and lived fiercely. Nothing makes sense now and we’ll understand more in the next few days. Be kind to one another.”

O.J. Simpson

Former NFL star O.J. Simpson died after a battle with cancer on April 10.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” O.J.’s family wrote via X on April 11. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

O.J.’s fame from his NFL career and a stint in Hollywood became overshadowed in the 90s when he found himself at the center of a murder trial. He was accused of murdering his wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman outside of their home in Los Angeles. O.J. was acquitted of murder in ​a highly televised trial.

Chance Perdomo

A representative for Chance Perdomo confirmed the young star’s death on March 30, 2024. The actor, who was best known for roles on Gen V and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, was just 27 years old.

“On behalf of the family and his representatives, it is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident,” the statement said.

Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr., who previously made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for supporting actor in An Officer and a Gentleman, died at the age of 87 on March 29.

“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” his family said in a statement, per CNN.

Krystal Anderson

The former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader died on March 20 after she delivered her stillborn daughter, Charlotte Willow Anderson at stillbirth.

Krystal’s husband, Clayton Anderson, paid tribute to his late wife and child in a GoFundMe post.

“Krissy sought out hospitalization during her 21st week of pregnancy, and despite the trauma of losing her baby girl, Charlotte, during childbirth, she fought on,” the message reads. “Her fight with sepsis, led to organ failure, and she was placed on life support. Krissy underwent three surgeries, but the source of infection remained elusive.”

Kris Jenner’s Sister Karen Houghton

The Kar-Jenner matriarch mourned her sister in a touching post made on Instagram.

“It is with the heaviest heart and deepest sadness that I share that my sister Karen passed away yesterday unexpectedly,” Kris wrote in March. “My heart aches for my mom MJ and my niece Natalie and I pray that God guides us all through this difficult time. Karen was beautiful inside and out.”

Robyn Bernard

General Hospital star Robyn Bernard died at the age of 64 on March 12. Her body was found in an “open field behind [a] business” in San Jacinto, California, the Riverside County Sheriff confirmed.

Robert Garrison Brown

Flagstaff Police confirmed in a statement to In Touch that Sister Wives’ Garrison Brown had died at age 25 after an apparent suicide. His brother Gabriel Brown arrived home and discovered Garrison dead as a result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities were then called to the scene. An investigation is underway, but foul play is not suspected at this time.

Janelle and Kody addressed their son’s death with a statement on their separate Instagram accounts. “Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,” Janelle wrote. “He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory.”

Richard Lewis

The Curb Your Enthusiasm star “passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles” at the age of 76 after suffering a heart attack, his representative confirmed to In Touch in a February 28 statement.

The self-deprecating comedian was best known for his starring role alongside Larry David on the HBO sitcom.

“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” the message concluded.

Thomas Kingston

The financier and son-in-law of Prince Michael of Kent – the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin – died at the young age of 45 on February 27. His passing came as a “great shock to the whole family.”  

Ewen MacIntosh

The beloved actor, who played Keith Bishop on the hit British sitcom The Office, died on February 19. Although his cause of death was not immediately revealed, he had reportedly struggled with his health for years before his untimely death.

“Extremely sad news,” his former costar Ricky Gervais wrote via X on February 21. “The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP.”

Kelvin Kiptum

The marathon world record holder died in a car accident at the age of 24 on February 11. His death came just months before the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, where he was expected to be a top contender for a gold medal.

In a statement following his sudden death, President William Ruto of Kenya described the late sports star as a “hero” and “arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.”

“An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe,” ​President Ruto continued. “Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest In Peace.”

Toby Keith

Toby Keith was 62 when he passed away on February 5, 2024, after battling stomach cancer for more than two years. His family shared the news on his official social media accounts the following morning.

“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” the statement confirmed. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

Carl Weathers

Carl’s family announced his death on February 2. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” their statement read. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

Carl was known for playing Apollo Creed in Rocky and his appearances in The Mandalorian, Happy Gilmore, Action Jackson and more.

Hinton Battle

The German-American actor and singer died at the age of 67 following a “lengthy illness,” per CBS News.

“He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe,” his friend, fellow veteran actress Debbie Allen, wrote via Instagram on January 30. “Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind’s eye and forever speak his name.”

Chita Rivera

Chita, who originated the role of Anita in the Broadway production of West Side Story, died at the age of 91 following a “brief illness,” her daughter Lisa Mordente confirmed in a statement.

“It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera,” Chita’s longtime rep, Merle Frimark, shared in a statement on January 30. Merle asked that donations be made in Chita’s honor to Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS.

Harry Connick, Sr.

Harry Connick, Sr., the father of singer Harry Connick, Jr., died on January 25, at his home and surrounded by his family. Connick, Sr. served as the district attorney for the city of New Orleans from 1973 to 2003 before he retired.

A statement provided to the AP included sympathies from New Orleans’ current district attorney Jason Williams.

“Mr. Connick remains the longest-tenured district attorney, serving from 1973-2003. Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families. Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time,” Williams said.

Connick, Sr. was 97.

Gary Graham

Gary Graham, known for his iconic roles on Star Trek: Enterprise and Alien Nation, died at the age of 73 on January 22, his ex-wife confirmed on social media.

“It is with deep profound sadness to say that Gary Graham, my ex husband, amazing actor and father of our beautiful only child together, Haylee Graham, has passed away today,” Susan Lavelle announced on Facebook. “We are completely devastated especially our daughter Haley. His wife, Becky was by his side.”

David Gail

David Gail, best known for his role as Stuart Carson on Beverly Hills, 90210, died at the age of 58. His cause of death is not known.

“There’s barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side always my wingman always my best friend ready to face anything and anyone w me,” the actor’s sister, Katie Colmenares, wrote in a January 20 Instagram post. “I will hold you so tight every day in my heart you gorgeous loving amazing fierce human being missing you every second of every day forever there will never be another,” Katie concluded under a photo of the two hugging.

Shawn Barber

Shawn Barber, a world champion pole vaulter who competed for Canada during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, died on January 17 due to medical complications. He was only 29 years old.

“He was a guy that had zero enemies. Everybody liked him,” Dennis Mitchell, Shawn’s former coach, said. “He was everybody’s buddy all around the world. You would travel with him around the world and he would have friends everywhere.”

Mile de Jesus

Fans were shocked to learn about the death of weight loss influencer Mila De Jesus at the age of 35. Mila shared her weight loss journey on social media after she underwent bariatric surgery.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mila de Jesus this Friday [January 12],” the Instagram post, which had been translated, read. “In this moment of pain, respect family and friends and we will express our respect to Mila who will miss her a lot.”

She is survived by her daughter Anna Clare and her husband George Kowszik.

Lynne Marta

Lynne Marta, who was best known for her roles in Footloose and Starsky and Hutch, died in her home on January 11, after a battle with cancer. She was 78.

Alec Musser

Alec Musser died by suicide at the age of 50 on January 13. He first appeared on All My Children after winning a SOAPnet reality TV contest called I Wanna Be a Soap Star. Alec acted in the popular daytime soap from 2005-2007 before moving on to films. He had a small role in Adam Sandler’s Grown Ups, but his time in the film was enough to leave a mark on his costars.

“I loved this guy,” ​Adam, 57, wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of Alec in the movie. “Cannot believe he is gone. Such a wonderful, funny, good man. Thinking of Alec Musser and his family and sending all my love. A true great sweetheart of a person.”

Adan Canto

Adan Canto, who had prominent roles in TV series like The Cleaning Lady and Designated Survivor, died on January 8, after a battle with appendiceal cancer. He was 42.

“A wonderful actor and dear friend, we were honored to have him as part of the Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment families since his U.S. debut in The Following more than a decade ago,” Fox and WBTV said in a statement to Deadline of the Mexican-American actor. “Most recently, he lit up the screen in The Cleaning Lady with a powerful performance that showcased his artistry, range, depth and vulnerability.”

Christian Oliver

On January 4, actor Christian Oliver died along with his two young daughters when the small plane he was traveling on experienced unexplained mechanical issues.

A few days before his death, the Speedracer star took a moment on social media to wish his followers the best for 2024.

“Greetings from somewhere in paradise! To community and love …2024 here we come!” he captioned the January 1 photo of a sunset on what appeared to be a Caribbean island with the silhouettes of three young girls and two adults.