1 of 38 Jerod Harris
Actor and comedian Ricky Harris died of a heart attack at the age of 54 on December 26th.
2 of 38 getty images
Actor and father of singer Robin Thicke, died December 13. at 69.
3 of 38 ADAM NADEL
The 42-year-old former Heisman trophy winner was found dead in a Colorado parking lot in December.
4 of 38 getty images
Ron Glass, actor best kwnon for his roles in 'Barney Miller' and 'Firefly,' died Nov. 26 at 71
5 of 38 getty images
'80s hit-maker best known for his songs “Trapped” and “I’m Not Gonna Let You.” died Nov. 24 at 67
6 of 38 getty images
The lead singer of The Dap-Kings, died Nov. 18 at 60 after a battle with pancreatic cancer
7 of 38 getty images
The veteran "PBS NewsHour" anchor and vice presidential debate moderator, died Nov. 14 at 61 after a battle with cancer
8 of 38
The controversial Cuban dictator and revolutionary passed away in November at the age of 90.
9 of 38 getty images
The beloved actor from the hit-show Martin, died Oct. 12 at 54 after an aneurysm
10 of 38 Denise Truscello
The professional boxer passed away in October.
11 of 38 LEON MORRIS
The musical performed alongside a number of notable names and is credited as a trailblazing zydeco artist. He passed away in September at 68.
12 of 38 getty images
The D4L founding member and father of 11 died Sept. 21 in a traffic accident at age 40
13 of 38 Paras Griffin
Also known as Radio Raheem, Nunn died in September after battling leukemia.
14 of 38 Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The actor widely known for his mesmerizing performance in the beloved film, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” died in August in his Stamford, Connecticut home at the age of 83.
15 of 38 Miikka Skaffari
The longtime ESPN journalist passed away in August at 61.
16 of 38
Survived by 17 children, Alfredo Bowman, better known as Dr. Sebi, passed away at 82 in August.
17 of 38 Gregg DeGuire
In 1981, Green was only the second African-American head coach in Division I-A history. Later, he coached the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals. Green passed away at 67 in July.
18 of 38 2009 MCT
The famed TV psychic whose real name Youree Harris, died July 26 at age 54 after a battle with colon cancer
19 of 38 The Stanley Weston Archive
Legendary boxer and activist who batteled with Parkinson's syndrome for many years, died June 3. at 74.
20 of 38 Tim Mosenfelder
A founding member of Parliament/Funkadelic, who also worked with Talking Heads, passed away in June at the age of 72.
21 of 38
The professional mixed martial artist died in June from heart failure at the age of 42.
23 of 38 getty images
The music legend that created chart-toppers like "Purple Rain," "When Doves Cry,"and "1999," died April 21 at 57
24 of 38
The funk and soul singer is best know for his 1975 hit "I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You.” He passed away in April at the age of 74.
25 of 38 Gilbert Carrasquillo
The “Me & Mrs. Jones” singer succumbed to pancreatic cancer in April at the age of 81.
26 of 38 Andrew H. Walker
Founding member of A Tribe Called Quest, died March 22 of diabetes at 45
27 of 38
The Emmy Award-winning Sesame Street actor succumbed to lung cancer in March at the age of 80.
28 of 38 Erika Goldring
The gospel singer, who regularly landed on gospel charts, passed away in March.
29 of 38 getty images
A Prince protégé who battled with kidney disease for many years died Feb. 15 at 57
31 of 38
Hill became known for his role in Beverly Hills Cop, but prior to the film he served as an officer for the Detroit Police Department and president of the Detroit City Council in 1997. He passed away in February.
32 of 38
Original member and co-founder of The Whispers, Caldwell died due to congestive heart failure in January.
33 of 38
The legendary musician died in January after a battle with liver cancer.
34 of 38 getty images
The football player, boxer, and actor best known for his role in the Rocky franchise passed away earlier this year at the age of 78.
35 of 38 AP
Former New York Jets running back and USC star was gunned down in Tarrytown, Louisiana at the age of 28 after an alleged road rage incident.
36 of 38 getty images
The 'Blood, Sweat, and Heels' star was open about her battle with cancer and age the age of 36 she passed away.
37 of 38 Cassandra Butts
Obama’s adviser and Harvard Law classmates passed away earlier this year at 50.
38 of 38 Taylor Hill
The defensive end was involved in a traffic collision that led to road rage and resulted in Smith being gunned down. He was 34.
You may like
Read More
Get The Essence Newsletter and Special Offers delivered to your inbox!