Celebrities Who Died in 2024: Country Music Star Toby Keith, O.J. Simpson and More Star Deaths

Kyle Marisa Smith

Kyle Marisa Roth died at the age of 36 in April. The social media star was best known for posting TikTok videos with blind items about celebrities. 

“As a family we are still processing and deciding how to properly celebrate and honor her life,” Kyle’s sister Lindsay wrote on Instagram. “We don’t know what happened yet. I know she touched so many people with her humor, intelligence, beauty, gossip activism, athleticism and more – she had so many gifts. If anyone wants to connect about Kyle, I’m here to talk and share memories.”

O.J. Simpson

Former star running back O.J. Simpson died after a battle with cancer on April 10.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” his family announced via X the following day. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

O.J. was famously acquitted of the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman after a highly publicized trial in the 1990s. He later served nine years in prison after being found guilty of 12 counts of armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas.

Chance Perdomo

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Gen V star Chance Perdomo died at the age of 27. His rep confirmed the news on March 30, 2024.

“On behalf of the family and his representatives, it is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident,” the rep’s statement said.

Louis Gossett Jr.

An Officer and a Gentleman star Louis Gossett Jr. died at the age of 87 on March 29, his family confirmed.

“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” the Oscar winner’s family said in a statement obtained by CNN.

Krystal Anderson

The former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader died on March 20 after her body experienced trauma from her stillborn birth. Krystal is survived by husband Clayton Anderson and infant son James Charles.

Kris Jenner’s Sister Karen Houghton

Kris announced that her sister died unexpectedly, penning a touching tribute to her on Instagram.

“Karen was beautiful inside and out. She was the sweetest, kindest, the most sensitive and vulnerable and so so funny. She always felt grateful and thankful for her life and treasured her family and friends and especially her beautiful daughter.”

Robyn Bernard

The Riverside County Sheriff confirmed that General Hospital alum Robyn Bernard’s body was found in an “open field behind [a] business” in San Jacinto, California, on March 12. Her death is currently under investigation, while TMZ reported her autopsy had been scheduled for March 13.

Robert Garrison Brown

In a statement to Life & Style on March 5, Flagstaff Police confirmed that Garrison Brown, who starred on Sister Wives since its debut in 2010, had died at 25 years old as a result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities were called to the scene after Garrison’s brother Gabriel Brown arrived home and found Garrison deceased. Police are currently investigating, but there is no foul play suspected at this time.

Kody and Janelle announced their son’s passing in a statement on their separate Instagram accounts.

“Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,” Janelle’s statement read. “He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory.”

Richard Lewis

The stand-up comedian, best known for his starring role alongside Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm, died of a heart attack at the age of 76, Life & Style confirmed on February 28.

His death came following a battle with Parkinson’s Disease, ​which he had been diagnosed with in April 2023.

“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” a statement from his representative to Life & Style concluded.

Thomas Kingston

Royal family member and Pippa Middleton‘s ex, Thomas Kingston, tragically died at the young age of 45, his family confirmed on February 27.

Ewen MacIntosh

The actor and comedian, best known for his role as “Big Keith” on The Office U.K., died of unknown causes after reportedly struggling with his health for years.

Ricky Gervais paid tribute to his former costar via X days after his sudden death.

“Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away,” the actor wrote. “An absolute original. RIP.”

Kelvin Kiptum

The record-holding long distance runner died in a car accident on February 11, months before he was expected to compete in the summer 2024 Olympics in Paris.

In a statement following his sudden death, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach spoke about his “extreme sadness” in the wake of the young athlete’s “tragic passing.”

“We had been looking forward to welcoming him into the Olympic community at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and seeing what the fastest marathon runner in the world could achieve,” Thomas said in his statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends as well as with those of his coach, Gervais Hazimana, who also died in the accident.”

Toby Keith

Country music star Toby Keith died at age 62 after losing his battle with stomach cancer, his family revealed in a statement on February 6.

“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,” the statement read, which was shared via X.

Carl Weathers

Carl, who famously played Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies, died on February 1, his family revealed in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” they said. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

In addition to Rocky, Carl was known for his roles in The Mandalorian, Action Jackson, Happy Gilmore and many others.

Chita Rivera

The legendary Broadway actress died at the age of 91 after “a brief illness,” according to a statement from her daughter, Lisa Mordente.

“It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the death of the beloved Broadway icon Chita Rivera,” her representative and “friend of nearly 40 years,” Merle Frimark, wrote in ​a statement.

Chita was a ten-time Tony Award Nominee, two-time winner and the 2002 recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor.

Hinton Battle

The three-time Tony Award winner died at the age of 67, his friend and fellow actor Debbie Allen confirmed on January 30. His cause of death was not revealed.

“Today I honor Hinton Battle, my dear friend who left us to dance and sing in God’s Ensemble last night,” Debbie wrote in an Instagram tribute to Hinton. “He fought this battle to live and be creative impacting audiences and young people across the globe. Let us always hold him high in our hearts and in our mind’s eye and forever speak his name.”

Harry Connick Sr.

Harry Connick Sr. died at the age of 97 on January 25. Connick Sr. was the father of singer Harry Connick Jr., and served as the district attorney for the city of New Orleans for three decades before he retired in 2003.

Connick Jr.’s publicist reported that Connick Sr. passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his son, daughter Suzanna and his wife, Londa. No cause of death had been released.

Gary Graham

Star Trek: Enterprise alum Gary Graham died at the age of 73 on January 22.

“It is with deep profound sadness to say that Gary Graham, my ex husband, amazing actor and father of our beautiful only child together, Haylee Graham, has passed away today,” his ex-wife, Susan Lavelle, confirmed on Facebook. “We are completely devastated especially our daughter Haley. His wife, Becky was by his side.”

Shawn Barber

Shawn Barber’s manager confirmed that the athlete died at his home in Texas on January 17 after dealing with medical issues. His cause of death was not confirmed.

Shawn was best known as a record-holding pole vaulter. He competed in the 2016 Olympics for Canada and made the finals.

Mila De Jesus

Mila De Jesus, an influencer who underwent bariatric surgery in 2017 and shared her weight loss journey with fans, died at the age of 35 on January 12.

One of Mila’s four children confirmed the news on January 15. “I, Anna Clara, am posting this condolence note,” she shared. “We are very sad to hear of the passing of our beautiful mother. We appreciate all the prayers and condolences. Continue to pray for us. Thank you.”

Lynne Marta

Footloose actress Lynne Marta was 78 when she died on January 11 after battling cancer.

“We lost a beautiful light today,” Lynne’s friend wrote on Facebook. “My friend, Lynne Marta, lost her good fight. A wonderfully talented actress and a beautiful singer whose voice was of the angels. A dear heart who adored her friends both human and furry. I will miss her terribly.”

Adan Canto

Adan Canto lost his secret battle with appendiceal cancer at the age of 42 years old. The Cleaning Lady star’s representatives confirmed the news on January 9.

“Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew,” the statement said. “Those who glimpsed it were changed forever. He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Alec Musser

Alec Musser died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in California on January 12, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed. 

Days before Alec’s cause of death was revealed, his fiancée, Paige Press, shared that he had passed away. “RIP to the love of my life,” she wrote. “I will never stop loving you. My heart is so broken.”