Obituaries
Follow the latest Obituaries news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
May 19, 2025 at 10:25 PM

Michelle Williams gets emotional discussing Heath Ledger and their daughter

Ledger died of an accidental drug overdose on Jan. 22, 2008.
May 19, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams arrive to the 78th Annual Academy Awards, March 5, 2006, in Hollywood.
May 15, 2025 at 10:05 PM

Charles Strouse, Broadway composer of 'Annie' and 'Bye Bye Birdie,' dies at 96

Three-time Tony Award-winner Charles Strouse, Broadway’s industrious, master melody-maker who composed the music for such classic hits as “Annie,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Applause,” has died
May 15, 2025 at 10:05 PM
FILE - Composer Charles Strouse is interviewed in his apartment, June 3, 2008, in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
May 13, 2025 at 9:34 PM

Dan Seavey, patriarch of Alaska mushing family who helped organize Iditarod, dies

Dan Seavey, who helped organize the first Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and whose son and grandson have each won the famous Alaska race multiple times, has died
May 13, 2025 at 9:34 PM
May 10, 2025 at 8:21 PM

Mexican-American singer Johnny Rodriguez, whose 1970s country hits topped charts, dies at 73

Country-music star Johnny Rodriguez has died at age 73
May 10, 2025 at 8:21 PM
FILE - Johnny Rodriguez poses for a photo in Nashville, Tenn., July 3, 1996. (AP Photo/Christopher Berkey, File)
May 10, 2025 at 7:31 PM

Koyo Kouoh, 2026 Venice Art Biennale curator, dies suddenly at age 58

Koyo Kouoh, the curator of the 2026 Venice Art Biennale, has died at age 58, her home institution in South Africa said in an Instagram post
May 10, 2025 at 7:31 PM
FILE - Cameroonian-born curator Koyo Kouoh attends a conference at the New Africa-France Summit in Montpellier, France, Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool Photo via AP, File)
May 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM

German Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer dies at age 103

Margot Friedländer, a German Jew who survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp and became a high-profile witness to Nazi persecution in her final years, has died in Berlin
May 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM
FILE - Holocaust survivor Margot Friedlaender arrives for the Bambi Awards 2024 in Munich, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Felix Hoerhager/dpa via AP, File)
May 9, 2025 at 1:34 PM

David Souter, former US Supreme Court justice, dies at 85

Souter was nominated in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, who praised him as "a remarkable judge of keen intellect and the highest ability."
May 9, 2025 at 1:34 PM
VIDEO: David Souter, former US Supreme Court justice, dies at 85
May 9, 2025 at 1:29 PM

Former US Supreme Court Justice David Souter dies at 85

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a lifelong public servant, judicial moderate and advocate for humanities and civics education, has died.
May 9, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Justice David Souter introduces Justice Ruth Ginsburg at Radcliffe Day Lunch where she received the Radcliffe Medal.
May 3, 2025 at 2:19 AM

Ruth Buzzi dies at 88; best known for role in "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In"

The comedian was best known for her role as Gladys Ormphby in the classic variety show "Laugh-In."
May 3, 2025 at 2:19 AM
VIDEO: Ruth Buzzi dies at 88; best known for role in "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In"
May 2, 2025 at 4:42 PM

Jill Sobule, 'I Kissed a Girl' singer, dies in Minnesota house fire

Jill Sobule, a singer-songwriter best known for her 1995 single “I Kissed a Girl,” has died in a house fire in Minnesota at the age of 66.
May 2, 2025 at 4:42 PM
FILE - Jill Sobule poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in New York.
May 2, 2025 at 4:41 PM

Jill Sobule, 'I Kissed a Girl' singer, dies in Minnesota house fire

She wrote the first openly gay-themed song ever to crack the Billboard Top 20.
May 2, 2025 at 4:41 PM
She wrote the first openly gay-themed song ever to crack the Billboard Top 20.
May 1, 2025 at 1:46 AM

NFL legend John Elway's longtime agent killed in golf cart accident

Authorities are investigating a horrific golf cart accident reportedly involving NFL legend John Elway, that left his longtime agent dead.
May 1, 2025 at 1:46 AM
VIDEO: NFL legend John Elway's longtime agent reportedly killed in golf cart accident
April 27, 2025 at 9:52 PM

'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Jiggly Caliente dead at 44

"RuPaul's Drag Race" star Jiggly Caliente has died at the age of 44.
April 27, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Jiggly Caliente attends International Drag Day at World Of Wonder on July 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
1 month ago

Michelle Trachtenberg cause of death revealed

There was no autopsy performed, but toxicology test results gave additional clarity, according to the medical examiner’s office.
1 month ago
Michelle Trachenberg arrives on the red carpet at the 26th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards.
1 month ago

Longtime TV game host Wink Martindale dies at 91

Throughout his 74 years behind the podium, Martindale either hosted or produced more than 20 game shows, including “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough.”
1 month ago
VIDEO: Longtime TV game host Wink Martindale dies at 91
1 month ago

Siemens exec and his family identified as victims in deadly Hudson helicopter crash

An executive of Siemens, a European technology company, his wife and young children were aboard the tourist helicopter that plunged into New York City's Hudson River.
1 month ago
This October, 2022, file photo shows the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, in New York.
2 months ago

Remembering "Top Gun" actor Val Kilmer, who died at age 65

Kilmer was one of Hollywood's biggest stars of the '80s and '90s with his roles in "Top Secret," "Top Gun," "Tombstone" and more.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Remembering "Top Gun" actor Val Kilmer, who died at age 65
2 months ago

Actor Val Kilmer dies at 65

The star of '80s and '90s blockbusters including "Top Gun," "Batman Forever" and "Tombstone," has died, according to The Associated Press. He was 65.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Actor Val Kilmer dies at 65
2 months ago

Before his death at 65, Val Kilmer spoke out about his health

Actor Val Kilmer died at age 65 on April 1, according to his daughter.
2 months ago
Val Kilmer at the World Premiere Of Wintuk Cirque du Soleil at the WaMu Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 7, 2007.
2 months ago

Val Kilmer, 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever' star, dies at 65

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and underwent a tracheotomy, which made talking difficult for the actor.
2 months ago
Actor Val Kilmer attends the "Fourth Dimension" premiere during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival at the AMC Lowes Village on April 24, 2012 in New York City.
2 months ago

Actor Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor, best known for his roles in “Top Gun,” “Tombstone” and “The Doors,” died Tuesday in Los Angeles, his daughter told The New York Times.
2 months ago
The actor, best known for his roles in “Top Gun,” “Tombstone” and “The Doors,” died Tuesday in Los Angeles, his daughter told The New York Times.
2 months ago

Hollywood remembers Val Kilmer

The "Top Gun" social media account posted a tribute to the actor, who played Iceman in the original 1986 movie.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Hollywood remembers Val Kilmer
2 months ago

Celebrating Richard Chamberlain

The actor known for roles in the 1980s' television miniseries "Shōgun" and "The Thorn Birds" has died at the age of 90.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Celebrating Richard Chamberlain
2 months ago

Actor Richard Chamberlain of 'Shōgun' fame dies at 90

Actor Richard Chamberlain of 'Shōgun' fame died at 90 on Saturday.
2 months ago
Actor Richard Chamberlain poses for a photo in 1970.
2 months ago

16-year-old TikTok influencer with over 1 million followers dies

Joshua Blackledge, a teenage TikTok influencer, has died at the age of 16.
2 months ago
TikTok influencer Joshua Blackledge, 16, died on March 18, according to an obituary from Noe-Brooks Funeral Home of Morehead City, North Carolina.
2 months ago

Remembering George Foreman

The heavyweight boxing champion and entrepreneur who captured a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics, has passed away at the age of 76.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Remembering George Foreman
2 months ago

Costa Rican officials suspect former Yankee's teen son died of 'food intoxication'

Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica Gardner, has died, the couple announced.
2 months ago
This undated photo posted by the New York Yankees on the social media site X shows 14-year-old Miller Gardner, the son of former Yankees players Brett Gardner, who died, Mar. 21, 2025, from a sudden illness while on a family vacation.
2 months ago

Celebrating the life and legacy of George Foreman

The former heavyweight boxing champion died at the age of 76 on Friday.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Celebrating the life and legacy of George Foreman
2 months ago

George Foreman's death: Celebrities, friends and athletes remember the boxing legend

Foreman passed away at the age of 76 on Friday.
2 months ago
In this July 22, 2015, file photo, George Foreman, former heavyweight boxing champion poses for a portrait at the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston.
2 months ago

George Foreman, heavyweight boxing champion, dies at 76

Former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, known as much for his gregarious personality as his vicious right hook, died Friday. He was 76 years old.
2 months ago
Retired pro-boxer George Foreman arrives for the world premiere of "Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World," at Regal LA Live in Los Angeles, on April 26, 2023.
2 months ago

Legendary Boxer George Foreman Dies

George Foreman, the legendary boxer, has died at 76. The two-time heavyweight champion became famous out of the boxing arena for his famous grills.
2 months ago
VIDEO:  Legendary Boxer George Foreman Dies
2 months ago

Melissa Gilbert pays tribute to late 'Little House on the Prairie' actor Jack Lilley

"Little House on the Prairie" star Melissa Gilbert shared a moving tribute to her co-star, Jack Lilley, who died at 91.
2 months ago
Jack Lilley appears in this image.
2 months ago

New details in Gene Hackman death

Authorities revealed actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, called a concierge medical service on Feb. 12.
2 months ago
VIDEO: New details in Gene Hackman death
2 months ago

Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva dies after battle with cancer

Grijalva had served in the House since 2003 and was a former co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus.
2 months ago
House Natural Resources Chairman Raul Grijalva speaks at a news conference Mar. 28, 2022.
2 months ago

Remembering One Direction star Liam Payne

Payne, 31, died after falling from the third floor of his hotel room in Argentina on Oct. 16, 2024, according to state police.
2 months ago
Payne, 31, died after falling from the third floor of his hotel room in Argentina on Oct. 16, 2024, according to state police.
2 months ago

Gene Hackman’s and wife's cause of death revealed

Legendary actor Gene Hackman's wife died of hantavirus and the actor died of cardiovascular disease, according to the New Mexico medical examiner.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Gene Hackman’s and wife's cause of death revealed
2 months ago

Gene Hackman died of heart disease; his wife died of hantavirus: Investigators

Actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease at his home in New Mexico, just one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away from hantavirus complications, authorities said Friday.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Gene Hackman died of heart disease; his wife died of hantavirus: Investigators
2 months ago

Dolly Parton speaks out after death of husband, Carl Dean

The country singer penned a "love note to family, friends and fans," thanking them for their support after her husband of nearly 60 years died earlier this week.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Dolly Parton speaks out after death of husband, Carl Dean
2 months ago

'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' musician Roy Ayers dies at 84

"Everybody Loves the Sunshine" singer Roy Ayers has died at 84, according to his family.
2 months ago
Roy Ayers perfroms onstage during the Bayfront Miami Jazz Festival 2021 at Bayfront Park on April 30, 2021 in Miami, Florida.
3 months ago

Dolly Parton says 'words can't do justice to the love' after husband dies

Dolly Parton announced in a heartbreaking note on social media that Carl Dean, her husband of nearly 60 years, has died.
3 months ago
A framed photo of Dolly Parton and her husband Carl Dean stands on a table top while Parton was interviewed by ABC News in Nov. 2023.
3 months ago

Gene Hackman and his wife test negative for carbon monoxide poisoning

Authorities believe they can rule out carbon monoxide as a possible cause of death for Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65. The couple were found dead at their Santa Fe home on Thursday.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Gene Hackman and his wife test negative for carbon monoxide poisoning
3 months ago

Gene Hackman and wife test negative for carbon monoxide

Officials in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provided an update into the investigation of the 'suspicious' death of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, on Friday.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Gene Hackman and wife test negative for carbon monoxide
3 months ago

Gene Hackman, wife found dead under 'suspicious' circumstances: Authorities

Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, his 65-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs were found dead in separate rooms at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Gene Hackman, wife found dead under 'suspicious' circumstances: Authorities
3 months ago

A look at Gene Hackman's prolific career

The legendary actor was known for a variety of iconic roles throughout his career.
3 months ago
VIDEO: A look at Gene Hackman's prolific career
3 months ago

'No obvious sign or indication of foul play' in Hackman death: Sheriff

Authorities also said they have not ruled out foul play yet in the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.
3 months ago
Authorities also said they have not ruled out foul play yet in the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.
3 months ago

Michelle Trachtenberg’s death prompts search for answers

The Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner discusses the investigation into the death of the 39-year-old actress who recently underwent a liver transplant.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Michelle Trachtenberg’s death prompts search for answers
3 months ago

Michelle Trachtenberg's family objects to autopsy, cause of death undetermined

The cause and manner of Michelle Trachtenberg’s death are undetermined, according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
3 months ago
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on Feb. 9, 2020, in West Hollywood, Calif.
3 months ago

Award-winning actor Gene Hackman dies at 95

Gene Hackman's illustrious acting career included many versatile roles from Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection" and comic villain Lex Luthor in "Superman."
3 months ago
VIDEO: Award-winning actor Gene Hackman dies at 95
3 months ago

Sarah Michelle Gellar pays tribute to 'Buffy' co-star Michelle Trachtenberg

Sarah Michelle Gellar is paying tribute to her late "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" co-star Michelle Trachtenberg after her tragic death at age 39.
3 months ago
In this March 20, 2008 file photo, Michelle Trachtenberg, left, and Sarah Michelle Gellar arrive at the "Buffy Reunion" presented by the 25th Annual William S. Paley Television Festivalin Los Angeles.
3 months ago

Actor Gene Hackman dies at 95

The two-time Oscar-winning actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead alongside a dog in their New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon, local law enforcement told ABC News.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Actor Gene Hackman dies at 95