As 2009 comes to an end, memories of the year are tinged with sadness over the large number of celebrities who have passed away in the last 12 months.
Perhaps one of the most shocking celebrity deaths was that of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, on June 25.
Aged just 50, the singing sensation had not long announced a comeback tour that would see him perform a mammoth 50 dates at London’s O2 Arena. But just weeks before the This Is It Tour began on July 13, Michael collapsed and died at his LA home.
It wasn’t long before fans and friends rushed to pay their tributes to the music legend. After weeks of investigations and speculation, Jackson’s death was officially recorded as homicide, with the cause of death listed as acute propofol intoxication.
Another huge star who passed this year was Dirty Dancing legend, Patrick Swayze. The hip-swivelling actor, who won over the hearts of many a movie fan after his portrayal of dance teacher Johnny Castle in the movie, died on September 14, aged 57, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Patrick’s death touched many across the world, from his co-star in the film, Jennifer Grey, who paid a warm tribute to her former colleague, to the ladies of the STV newsroom, who flocked to recount their memories of the star.
Reality TV star Jade Goody also left a big gap in the world of showbiz after she passed away in 2009. Jade had won a place in the hearts of many viewers after her appearance on reality TV show Big Brother. She went on to launch a successful career following the programme, launching a number of projects that helped make her a household name.
The reality star was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008 and after a battle with the illness, she passed away on Mothering Sunday, March 22 this year at just 27, leaving two sons, Bobby and Freddy, and her new husband, Jack Tweed.
Another death that rocked the entertainment world, was that of Boyzone star Stephen Gately, in October this year.
Aged just 33, the star was all set to make a comeback on the music scene with his fellow Boyzone members, who had reunited in 2008. He had also enjoyed solo success, appearing in a number of musicals, and at the time of his death he was working on writing a children’s book.
Initially it was believed that the angelic-voiced singer had chocked to death on his own vomit, while on holiday in Majorca with partner Andrew Cowles.
However, as more and more information was released about the 32-year-old star’s passing, it emerged that his death was a result of natural causes.
Celebrities from all over flocked to Stephen’s funeral, including Louis Walsh and members of Irish boyband Westlife, who united to mourn the death of the young star. Read more about him here.
It was confirmed today Stephen had an undiagnosed heart condition and suffered from atheromatosis, a thickening of the arteries.
The latest shocking death this year was that of film star Brittany Murphy on December 20. Brittany died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the home she shared with her British screenwriter husband, Simon Monjack. Following the discovering of over ten different types of medication in her bedroom, there has been much speculation about possible abuse of prescription drugs. There have also been claims that the movie star was suffering from anorexia.
Aged only 32, the actress made her name in the teen movie Clueless, before starring in films including Just Married with Ashton Kutcher, and 8 Mile with rapper Eminem. Many co-stars and friends rushed to praise the actress after the shocking news of her passing emerged. Brittany is to be laid to rest today, December 24.
