The first woman to be promoted to the general officer rank died Jan. 7 at the age of 97. Hays spent her military career paving the way for equal treatment of women.
The actor died by suicide Jan. 30 at the age of 35. He was best known for his role as Puck on the hit TV series Glee and his personal music career. Most recently he was involved in a controversial child pornography case in which he pleaded guilty.
Arguably the most prominent evangelical Christian figure died Feb. 21 at the age of 99. The Southern Baptist minister became extremely well known and preached at rallies, internationally and appeared on television and radio broadcasts.
The theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author died March 14 at the age of 76. Hawking pioneered scientific works such as gravitational singularity theorems, theoretical predictions that black holes emit radiation and a theory of cosmology revolving around quantum mechanics.
The politician, civil rights activist and ex-wife of Nelson Mandela died of diabetes mellitus on April 2 at the age of 81. She was best known for her work with the African National Congress, where she served on the National Executive Committee and led the Women’s League. She was known as the “Mother of the Nation.”
The First Lady of the U.S. from 1989 to 1993 died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on April 17 at the age of 92. The wife of George H.W. Bush founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and was also the Second Lady of the U.S.
The Swedish musician, DJ, remixer and record producer died by suicide on April 20 at the age of 28. He rose to stardom with his single “Levels” in 2011 and produced many albums that blended electronic music with various genres. Most people know him for his songs “Wake Me Up” and “Hey, Brother.”
The actor, comedian and stunt performer died by suicide on April 21 at the age of 49. He was mostly known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movies. He was also known for only being 2 feet and 8 inches tall, which made him one of the shortest men in the world.
The award-winning author and journalist died of tuberculosis on May 14 at the age of 88. He was best known for his works in New Journalism writing, which was a style of journalism that developed in the ’60s and used literary techniques to tell the stories.
The businesswoman and fashion designer died by suicide on June 5 at the age of 55. She founded and co-owned her own fashion brand, Kate Spade New York. The brand initially only carried handbags and then developed into other accessory products.
The celebrity chef, travel documentarian and television personality died by suicide June 8 at the age of 61. He was best known for his television programs that focused on international cuisine, and he was considered one of the most prominent chefs in the world.
The young rapper had just made his way to fame when he was killed by a gunshot wound on June 18 at the age of 20. The controversial singer, rapper and songwriter left a huge impact on his fans in such a short period of time and achieved recognition from his single “Look at Me.”
The Queen of Soul died of pancreatic cancer on Aug. 16 at the age of 76. Franklin rose to stardom when she sang with Atlantic Records hit songs such as “Respect,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” The singer, songwriter, actress, pianist and civil rights activist was active in the singing world for more than 50 years.
The Ghanaian diplomat died Aug. 18 at the age of 80. He was the seventh Secretary-General of the U.N. and was a co-recipient of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize.
The playwright and screenwriter died of pneumonia on Aug. 26 at the age of 91. He is best known for his various television series and many plays. He is award winning and received a higher number of Tony and Oscar nominations than any other writer.
The Arizona senator died from glioblastoma cancer on Aug. 25 at the age of 81. He became senator for Arizona in 1987 until his death and previously served two terms in the House of Representatives. He was the Republican nominee for president in 2008 but lost to Barack Obama.
The actor, director and producer died of a heart attack on Sept. 6 at the age of 82. He was best known for his acting work in films such as Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He rose to stardom during his work on the television series Gunsmoke, Hawk and Dan August.
The singer, rapper and producer died of an accidental drug overdose on Sept. 7 at the age of 26. Miller was best known for his music, specifically his rapping. He was also known for his long-time relationship with singer Ariana Grande.
The inventor of Coors Brewing Company died Oct. 13 at the age of 102. He is best known for his creation of the brand Coors beer.
The engineer and businessman died of cancer on Oct. 15 at the age of 65. Allen is best known for co-founding Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, which became the world’s largest PC software company. He was one of the wealthiest men in the world, specifically the 44th.
The comic book writer, editor and publisher died on Nov. 12 at the age of 95. He was best known for being Marvel Comics’ primary creative leader for over two decades. What started as a family business grew into the comics that dominated the industry. Not only did he create these superheroes, but he also made cameo appearances in all of the primary superhero movies.
The animator, marine-biology teacher and cartoonist died Nov. 26 from ALS at the age of 57. He was best known for being the creator of Spongebob Squarepants and won two Emmy Awards, among many other awards, for the TV series which is one of the longest running series on television. In addition to the series, he also helped write and create the two Spongebob Squarepants movies.
The 41st president of the U.S. died Nov. 30 at the age of 94. Before his presidency he was the 43rd vice president. He also served as a U.S. representative, an ambassador and director of Central Intelligence.
Development by:Megan Knapp / Digital Production Editor
