2022 was one hell of a year, literally. There were a host of celebrity losses that completely shocked the world. The legacies they left behind serve as living proof of the magnitude of their impact on society. However, for many, it feels that their time was simply not long enough. One of the greatest lessons learned in death is to hold reverence for the beauty and fragility of life. Our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and loved ones who are undoubtedly still grieving.
1/19/1944 – 1/1/2022
Former NFL running back and coach Dan Reeves died from complications due to dementia.
2/20/1927 – 1/6/2022
Activist and first black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor passed away due to heart failure.
1/3/1946 – 1/9/2022
The musician, songwriter, and producer whose 1983 hit “Juicy Fruit” has been sampled in more than 100 songs, died from cancer.
5/17/1956 – 1/9/2022
The “Full House” star and comedian passed away from a head injury sustained in his Orlando, Florida hotel room.
10/16/1948- 1/18/2022
The famed fashion icon and journalist
4/2/1971- 3/12/2022
The singer, reality star, and sister to Toni Braxton passed away at the age of 50 after suffering from Esophageal cancer.
3/16/1998 – 5/13/2022
The rising Atlanta star passed away, though his cause of death remains unclear. Some publications have reported that he died from natural causes, while others have attributed his death to kidney and liver failure.
11/4/1987 – 6/5/2022
The Atlanta rapper was gunned down while asleep at the home of a female friend whose ex-partner came to the house.
7/15/1998 – 7/27/2022
The rapper was ambushed by five gunmen as he sat in front of his Bogalusa, Louisiana home with his father.
12/3/1936 – 7/27/2022
A staple on the college sitcom “A Different World,” the actress died at age 85 due to natural causes.
2/12/1934 – 7/31/2022
NBA legend Bill Russell passed away at age 88. The family did not disclose a cause of death but confirmed he passed with his wife Jeannine by his side.
Teddy Ray
7/30/1990 – 8/12/2022
The popular comedian and star of MTV’s “Messyness” passed away from an accidental drowning.
12/9/1991 – 9/12/2022
The “Middle Child” rapper was killed as he ate inside a Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles with his significant other during a robbery attempt.
9/12/1971 – 9/13/2022
The R&B singer responsible for the 90’s hit “You” passed away from a heart attack at age 51.
8/1/1963 – 9/28/2022
The Grammy-award-winning rapper passed away after going into cardiac arrest at a friend’s house.
4/29/1955 – 10/24/22
The beloved “Will & Grace” star passed away after suffering a medical emergency while driving, which caused him to wreck his vehicle.
6/18/1994 – 11/1/2022
The Migos star was gunned down following an altercation at a Houston bowling alley over a dice game gone wrong.
9/29/1982 – 12/13/2022
The renowned dancer and “Ellen DeGeneres Show” DJ took his own life on December 13th.
9/25/1929- 12/30/2022
A legendary journalist and trailblazer has passed away at the age of 93.
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Today, we pay homage to the icons we lost in 2022. Check out more of those we lost below:
