Top 10 Saddest Deaths of 2018

2018 was a year filled with remarkable achievements, milestones, and moments that will be remembered for years to come. But it was also a year of great loss, as we said goodbye to many beloved figures across different walks of life. From the world of entertainment, science, and activism, to those who inspired with their artistry, intellect, or sheer charisma, each passing left a void in the hearts of fans and admirers.

This list is a reflection of those who had an undeniable impact on their fields and touched the lives of millions. It's not just about fame or accolades, but about the emotional connections people felt with these individuals. Their work, their voices, and their contributions will live on, but their absence was deeply felt when the news of their deaths broke.

The Top Ten

Stephen Hawking

Stephen William Hawking (January 8, 1942 - March 14, 2018) was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author. He served as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge from 1979 to 2009 and is best known for his work on black hole radiation, often called Hawking radiation... read more

As I've said one time, but will now say again, I give my biggest condolences to this century's Einstein. Hawking's legacy and contributions, whether they be in the scientific field or as a model of inspiration to others, will forever live on and not be forgotten.

Your contributions will be instrumental in understanding theoretical physics. You will be missed.

Months and days have passed, and I still can't get over the death of one of our era's greatest academic minds.
Stan Lee

Stan Lee (December 28, 1922 - November 12, 2018) was a comic book writer, editor, publisher, media producer, television host, actor, and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. He co-created many iconic superheroes including Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, and the Fantastic Four... read more

Looking back at my lists, I realized something. Stan has given every child something to grow up on. He has made kids out of all of us, and we love it. He has given the movie industry something that can be cooking for the next century and might be the greatest movie phenomenon of all time.
Today, we may mourn, we may grieve, but also, we may celebrate. Celebrate his long life, and look back to thank his existence, his artworks, his quotes, and his writing. A man like him only comes around once a century, or maybe even a millennium. Rest in peace among the stars, Stan Lee... An artist, a thinker, a legend.

For the record, I may not be the biggest comic book fan, nor was I ever familiar with the name Stan Lee until recently. Even so, the guy was undoubtedly someone who helped define an industry and everyone's childhoods. I won't lie, all those Spider-Man trilogy movies (just the second and third ones, to be honest) that I saw as a kid wouldn't have come to be if not for the comic books that Stan Lee himself created in the first place.
Controversies or not, Stan Lee was still someone who created something everyone could enjoy with the characters and stories he created. When I went to see Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in theaters this year, in 2018, Stan Lee's cameo meant a lot more to me than it ever did in any movie he made a cameo in. Sure, I never paid attention to his cameos before, but still, something about him saying, "I'm... going to miss him. We were friends, you know," to Miles Morales made me realize not only how much Stan Lee and his creations meant to everyone, but also how much his creations meant to Stan Lee himself.
In any case, I can only say I have the utmost respect for Stan Lee now for what he's given us and what his legacy will continue to give. Rest in peace, Stan Lee.
Stephen Hillenburg

Stephen McDannell Hillenburg was born on August 21, 1961. He was an American cartoonist, animator, director, producer, writer, voice actor, and marine biologist.
He is best known for creating SpongeBob SquarePants, the popular animated series on Nickelodeon. Hillenburg also worked as a director... read more

I have loved SpongeBob since I first saw it and will always remember it. Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob, was a great star. He was behind the entire show and story, pouring his hard work and effort into writing and making the show.
Children were captivated by this iconic show and character. Stephen's dedication and creativity were evident in every aspect of SpongeBob. Tom Kenny, the voice actor for SpongeBob, created a character that all children know and love.
Although the show's quality may have declined after the first movie, and the inclusion of suicide jokes upset many children, the original quality of Stephen's work remains undeniable. He was a legend and a true creator. His show became the most popular on Nickelodeon and one of the most popular cartoons on TV.
We are deeply saddened by his loss. His unique talent cannot be replaced, and his show was a significant reason for Nickelodeon's success. After many good shows on Nickelodeon were replaced by inferior sitcoms and cartoons, SpongeBob remained the only true quality show.
It seems the rumors of the show ending in 2018 or 2019 are true, leading to speculation that Nickelodeon might go out of business. Stephen Hillenburg lived too short a life and died too soon, like many great stars. We will never forget him. This loss should be ranked number one.
Avicii

Tim Bergling (September 8, 1989 - April 20, 2018), better known by his stage name Avicii, was a Swedish electronic musician, DJ, remixer, and record producer. He was best known for his contributions to electronic music in the 2010s, with numerous songs charting in the Top 40 and influencing a new generation... read more

This impacted me far more than any other celebrity death has in the past. Most of the time, I feel just somewhat sad and mournful when a celebrity dies, especially if it was a person who I looked up to. This, on the other hand, came so unexpectedly that I felt completely destroyed.
I could not see this death coming at all, and the circumstances leading to his suicide made it even more upsetting. He may not have had as much of an important general influence as, say, Stephen Hawking did, but this was still the saddest for me.

I loved this DJ. He made some pretty good songs that helped me to cultivate my emotions for one of his creative themes that reflected my life and my thoughts. "Fade Into Darkness" was my all-time favorite song because it makes me feel emotional and satisfied with what I've achieved.
Even "Levels" was my second favorite by him. It's such a massive shame to see him pass away. Rest in peace, Tim Bergling.
Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister.... read more

Why is she not ranked higher? A literal Queen with so many great songs. Rest in peace, Aretha.

Literally Rolling Stone's choice for the best singer of all time.

R.I.P., Queen of Soul. One of the greatest and most influential singers of all time.
XXXTentacion

Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy (January 23, 1998 - June 18, 2018), known professionally as XXXTentacion and often referred to as X, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to prominence with his unique blend of genres including hip hop, rock, and R&B. Despite a controversial personal life and criminal... read more

XXXTentacion's death was definitely the saddest celebrity death of 2018 so far, and I'm writing this while we're in the month of July. His death was the only one that really depressed me. I cried for a straight week.
Rest in peace, Jahseh. You will be missed.

This is a truly sad death. I know people say he was a bad person and all, but honestly, the things against him weren't even proven. He was making up for his past and making an impact on the world. He was a role model to many people.
R.I.P. XXXTentacion.

Wow... It's 2019, and I was watching YouTube. His song just came on, and I'm still listening to it as I'm writing this (Changes), and I just realized he is dead and he is not coming back. Like, what the hell! Now I'm crying.
I wish he was still here. He didn't deserve what he got. X, we love you.
Stefán Karl Stefánsson

Stefan Karl Stefansson (July 10, 1975 - August 21, 2018) was an Icelandic actor and singer. He was best known for playing the villain Robbie Rotten on the children's television show LazyTown. Stefansson also had a background in theater and was involved in numerous stage productions in Iceland.

I heard about this not long ago. I used to watch LazyTown as a kid. I grew up watching Robbie.
Rest in peace. You'll always be Number One to me.

Of all the deaths we've come across, this is the saddest. I have watched his Number One video, and it was so epic! Thanks for the memories, Robbie Rotten!

He played Robbie Rotten in the TV series LazyTown. He passed away from cancer at only age 43, but he will be forever immortalized thanks to the internet and memes.
George H. W. Bush

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 - November 30, 2018) was an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. Before becoming president, he served as the 43rd Vice President under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. He also held several other major roles... read more

While I may not have liked Bush's term as president, only a few minds could have ended the Cold War as effectively as he did.

It's a shame he died just a few days after SpongeBob creator Stephen Hillenburg.

November of 2018 was the saddest month of this year.
Burt Reynolds

Burton Leon "Burt" Reynolds was an American actor, director, and producer born on February 11, 1936. He passed away on September 6, 2018. Reynolds starred in numerous iconic films, including Deliverance (1972), The Longest Yard (1974), Smokey and the Bandit (1977), and Boogie Nights (1997). His performance... read more
Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush (née Pierce. June 8, 1925 - April 17, 2018) was the First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993, as the wife of the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush.
She was previously the Second Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989, during her husband's tenure... read more

I once did a report on the Bushes. This is really sad to me because I know so much about the family. R.I.P. BB! May she forever be in our hearts.

The Newcomers

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Thomas Bopp
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Jean-Louis Tauran

The Contenders

Dolores O'riordan

Dolores Mary Eileen O'Riordan (September 6, 1971 - January 15, 2018) was an Irish musician, singer, and songwriter. She served as the lead vocalist and lyricist for the alternative rock band The Cranberries from 1990 until their breakup in 2003.... read more

She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in May 2017 and has just passed away. RIP.

An amazing singer. Love you, Dolores.
John McCain

John Sidney McCain III (August 29, 1936 - August 25, 2018) was an American politician and military officer. He served as a United States Senator from Arizona from January 1987 until his death.
Before that, he held two terms in the United States House of Representatives. McCain was the Republican... read more

He was a Vietnam veteran and the best senator Arizona ever had. He was amazing. It's sad he passed away.

Although I didn't see eye to eye with McCain, I will always be grateful for his contribution to the U.S. and for protecting our country.
Billy Graham

William Franklin Graham Jr. (November 7, 1918 to February 21, 2018) was an American evangelist and ordained Southern Baptist minister. He rose to prominence in the late 1940s and became one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century. Graham conducted more than 400 crusades in over... read more

While I'm not much of a religious person nor do I know much about Billy Graham, what I can say about him is that he must have been a very generous and influential evangelist in society.
On a side note, they actually held his funeral where I live. After all, Charlotte, NC, is his hometown. Lots of people gathered over this week as I write this to come to his funeral. For what I know and don't know about the good he did, may Billy Graham nonetheless rest in peace.

I am not a follower of his religion, and he did not always teach what was 100% from the Bible. However, this man converted thousands for the cause of Christ. Thanks to his preaching, many will be in heaven.
Vinnie Paul

Vincent Paul Abbott, better known as "Vinnie Paul" (March 11, 1964 - June 22, 2018), was an American professional drummer and producer. Alongside his late brother Dimebag Darrell, he co-founded the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan, achieving major success with Pantera. After the death of Dimebag... read more

The Pantera drummer passed on Friday, June 22nd/23rd.
Damn, I was pretty shocked at hearing this. The metal community is obviously shocked as well. May he be at peace. He's now with his brother Dimebag after 14 years.

Drummer of Pantera, Damageplan, and Hellyeah. Sad to see another metal legend go. He's rocking with Dime now. R.I.P.

Legends never die. Remember that now. He's still with us.
Mac Miller

Malcolm James McCormick (January 19, 1992 - September 7, 2018), best known by his stage name Mac Miller, was an American rapper from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was also a noted record producer under the pseudonym Larry Fisherman. Miller died of an accidental drug overdose on September 7, 2018, and... read more

I wasn't the biggest Mac fan, but it's always a tragedy when you lose a young person due to addiction and drug abuse. Rest in Party on 5th Ave.

I didn't like his music, but no one deserves to die that young. RIP Mac.

I am so sad that this music icon has passed. Rest among the stars.
Prince Henrik of Denmark
R. Lee Ermey

Ronald Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 - April 15, 2018) was an American actor and U.S. Marine drill instructor. He achieved fame for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Ermey was also a United States... read more

RIP to the man who played the drill sergeant in almost everything.
Verne Troyer

Verne Jay Troyer was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer. He was best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers film series. Troyer also appeared in other films and television shows, gaining recognition for his work despite being one of the shortest men in the world at 2 feet 8 inches... read more
Koko the Gorilla

A truly sad death. This gorilla was super lovable.

One I really wanted but didn't expect to be on here!

A beautiful, bright spirit! Will be missed.
Bruno Sammartino

Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was born in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy, on October 6, 1935, to Alfonso and Emilia Sammartino. He died on April 18, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sammartino was known for his powerful bearhug finishing move and is widely considered one of the greatest professional... read more

One of the greatest WWE wrestlers of all time. RIP.

1935-2018.
He held a title for the longest time.
Winnie Mandela
Kate Spade
Eddie Clarke

I can't believe this. The entire Ace of Spades lineup is gone.
Vader

Another WWE legend passes away, and an even bigger tragedy is that WWE never got to induct him into the Hall of Fame when they had the chance, despite Mick Foley telling them of his poor health over the years.

I knew this day would come, and still, I was so shocked to hear about his death. This is a sad day to be a wrestling fan. It's a shame that WWE never inducted him into the Hall of Fame before his death. He should have died in the ring, as he wanted to do.
Rest in Peace, Big Van Vader
1955-2018

A WWE legend, he deserved better than this.
Ursula K. Le Guin