Celebrity deaths 2020: The stars we lost
"My reaction is the same as almost all of LA... where everything was solid there’s a big hole in the wall."
When a celebrity dies, fans can be left heartbroken by the tragic loss, but it can also lead to the celebration of a legacy they left behind.
Whether it’s entertaining millions, inspiring people or helping to change the world for the better in some way, their contributions affect many of our lives, often in very significant ways.
2020 will perhaps be a year defined by loss. And this year we lost some of the biggest stars.
We look at those we lost this year from the world of arts and entertainment.
Kobe Bryant, 43
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, a helicopter crashed in the city of Calabasas, California. Nine people were on board: NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, John Altobelli, five other passengers, and the pilot. Everyone on board was killed on impact.
Caroline Flack, 40
On 15 February 2020, TV and Radio presenter Caroline Flack was found dead at her home in North East London; in August 2020, a coroner’s inquest determined she had taken her own life.
Naya Rivera, 33
On July 8, 2020, Glee actress Naya Rivera drowned at Lake Piru in California while swimming with her four-year-old son, who was found alone on their rented boat. Her body was recovered from the lake on the morning of July 13, following a five-day search.
Chadwick Boseman, 43
On August 28, 2020, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman died of colon cancer after a 4-year private battle with the disease. He continued to act right up until his death.
Sir Sean Connery, 90
On the 31 October 2020, actor Sir Sean Connery died in his sleep at his home in The Bahamas. A month after his death, his autopsy showed that he died of pneumonia and heart failure.
Barbara Windsor, 83
On the 10 December 2020, Dame Barbara Windsor died at the age of 83. The Carry On and Eastenders actress had in 2014 been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Diego Maradona, 60
On 25 November 2020, at the age of 60, football legend Diego Maradona suffered a cardiac arrest and died at his home in Argentina.
