Many people will agree that 2020 could go down as one of the most horrible, devastating, and emotionally draining years in human history. Those same people might also claim that the number of famous people who died broke many hearts across the globe.
Everybody with a pulse must have heard of Kobe Bryant at least once in their life. The man represented a basketball icon, a philanthropist, a father and husband, and an idol to people around the world. Unfortunately, Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and nine others died in a helicopter crash on the way to Gigi’s basketball practice on January 26. Their deaths shocked America, resulting in murals painted on every flat surface, celebrities speaking out, and tears shed across the country. Instead of focusing on the horrific accident that ended his life, the NBA chose to write articles about all of the amazing things he accomplished during his sixteen years in the National Basketball Association.
Glee had over five million viewers keeping up with the crazy plot and unforgettable characters for six seasons. But the hearts of “Gleeks” everywhere broke on July 8, when the body of beloved Naya Rivera- who played the iconic role of Santana Lopez- had been found and pronounced dead. According to The Wrap, a website that focuses on celebrities, the Ventura County Sheriff's office announced that Rivera and her son had been swimming in Lake Piru when a strong current forced Rivera to use her strength to lift her son onto the boat. Unfortunately, Rivera had not been wearing a life vest, resulting in her drowning; days had passed before they found her body. But like what the NBA did with Kobe, co-stars of Rivera look back on their good times on the set of Glee. Darren Criss, who played Blaine Anderson, commended Rivera by saying on his Twitter, “And even as I sit here, struggling to comprehend, gutted beyond description- the very thought of her cracks me up and still brings a smile to my face. That was Naya’s gift. And it’s a gift that will never go away.” Rivera continues to be a fan favorite both on and off the screen; the Glee family and fans will forever miss the radiant light and presence that had been Naya Rivera.
Wakanda forever. Any fan of Marvel knows the famous saying from the movie that single-handedly broke the internet when it got released in 2018. Chadwick Boseman played a significant role that inspired young black children everywhere: T’Challa, aka Black Panther. It shocked the world when Boseman died from colon cancer, which had not been public knowledge at the time. Boseman chose to keep his diagnosis under wraps and instead focused on being an inspiration for fellow cancer victims in his role as Black Panther. According to People, Chadwick visited cancer patients frequently; “He wanted to visit our patients, who come from across the world and are in treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.” He took time between shooting movies to visit with the kids, knowing that he would eventually lose his battle to cancer, which made his death all the more heartbreaking.
Earl Simmons. When people see that name, they might not think of the legendary rapper that loved to bark in his songs. That’s right: DMX. With all of the deaths happening, learning that DMX had a heart attack had been devastating. "I love who I am. I'm God's child. We all are. We all are," the late rapper says in the clip on Twitter. "If you don't know it, you're going to miss out on so many blessings that he has for you. And it comes from insight. It just comes from being aware." A few hours after the media found out, the family of DMX revealed that he had been put on life support, and his brain no longer functioned. At that point, everyone knew that DMX passed, which had been confirmed on April 9 of this year.
The four people above only scratched the surface of horrible deaths that shocked the world during COVID19, but they have made a mark on this world in more ways than one. While COVID19 still continues around the world, but shows signs of improvement, make sure to cherish the people around you and remember the ones who have passed.
Comments