20 of the most heartbreaking celebrity deaths in 2025

Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end of the Dallas Cowboys, tragically passed away from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound” in November 2025. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” the team said in a statement. 

The award-winning actress unexpectedly died from pneumonia in October, sending a wave of sadness over Hollywood. She was 79. Her family released a statement shortly after the news, saying, “The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane.” 

In October, the Jane Goodall Institute announced that the trailblazing animal welfare advocate had died “peacefully” in Los Angeles. Her death certificate revealed that the 91-year-old had passed away from cardiac arrest. 

Giorgio Armani, an iconic fashion designer and founder of the luxury brand Armani, died at 91. “He was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” a statement about his passing read. 

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and Reba’s stepson passed away in the fall of 2025 at age 48 after a years-long battle with cancer. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” his rep told the media in August. 

The legendary Ozzy Osbourne died at age 76 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. According to reports, the “Time after Time” singer was surrounded by family and “love.” 

The Cosby Show actor died unexpectedly at age 54 after an accidental drowning in Costa Rica. 

Nick Manigold, a former Ohio State Buckeye and New York Jets player, passed away in October 2025 from complications of kidney disease. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets Chairman Woody Johnson said. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” 

This RuPaul’s Drag Race star died in April 2025. Her cause of death was not revealed; however, her family shared that she passed after a “severe infection.” 

Former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza died after falling from he 11th floor of a building in China, per ESPN. “He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him,” the team shared in a statement. 

Top Gun and Batman star Val Kilmer tragically passed away from pneumonia at the beginning of 2025. He was 65. According to his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, the actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered. 

Michelle Trachtenberg, an iconic actress known for her work in Disney films and successful TV shows such as Gossip Girl, was found dead in her apartment in February 2025. She was 39. 

Jesus Guerrero was a celebrity hairstylist most known for working with Kyle Jenner and Jennifer Lopez. He died at age 34. “Jesus was more than my friend — he was a light in my life, a source of laughter, comfort, love, and unwavering support,” Kylie said in a statement following his passing. “I don’t know how I would have made it through the last almost decade without him by my side. He had a way of making even the heaviest days feel lighter.” 

The 46th Vice President, who served alongside President George W. Bush for two terms, died at age 84. According to a report from celebrity.land, the former politician was with his wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members when he passed. 

This Oscar-nominated actress and mother of fellow actress Laura Dern passed away at age 89 of “acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure,” according to PEOPLE. Her death certificate noted that she had “interstitial lung disease,” which she had dealt with for years before. 

Floyd Roger Myers Jr., a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor, tragically passed away in October 2025 from a heart attack. His mother shared that the actor had experienced three heart attacks in the last three years prior to his death.  

Neo-soul legend D’Angelo died in late 2025 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. A source told PEOPLE that the singer had been in hospice for two weeks prior to his death, but he’d been in and out of the hospital for months before that. “We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” a statement from his reps read. 

Rolling Ray, a viral internet sensation, died of natural causes just two days before his 29th birthday, according to Fox 5 DC. Before his unexpected passing, Rolling Ray made appearances on several TV shows, including Divorce Court, The Conversation, and Bobby I Love You, Purr. 

Former Cincinnati Bengals player Rudi Johnson died by suıcide at an apartment building in Florida, according to the celebrity.land and TMZ . “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Bengals president Mike Brown said. “He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.” 

Anne Burrell, who rose to fame after starring in various productions on the Food Network, died by suıcide in the summer of 2025.