While it can seem a bit parasocial, we do tend to get attached to artists, musicians and actors who affect us in some way. On top of that, the pressures put on creatives tend to create the sort of environment where people die young. So it’s perhaps understandable why some people would be really moved by the passing of a near-and-dear celeb.
Someone asked “Which lesser-known celebrity death really affected you/do you think about often?” and people shared their examples. So read through, upvote the examples that are close to you and leave your own thoughts in the comments section below.
#21
Bobbi Kristina, Whitney Houstons daughter. That was so effing fishy. And to die the same way as her mother. So soon after Whitney died.
What happened:
Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, tragically passed away on July 26, 2015, at the age of 22. She was found unconscious in a bathtub at her home in Georgia and remained in a coma for six months before her death. The circumstances surrounding her death were eerily similar to those of her mother, Whitney Houston, who died in a similar manner three years prior.
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54points
#22
Chi Chi Devayne. The moment I saw her on Drag Race, I loved her. She was so talented, so beautiful in drag and out, and just so sweet and charismatic. I followed her so closely during her battle with Scleroderma, and she died in August 2020, so there wasn't much else to focus on besides the BLM marches and staying home otherwise. It felt so futile, watching her try to seek donations so she could get medical care (seriously f**k US "healthcare"), seeing her beautiful face grow thinner and more sickly by the day. I think about her all the time. She was truly a gorgeous person inside and out and the world is so much less lovely without her in it.
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51points
#23
Peaches Geldof dying the same way her mother did. And her babies being found next to her body.
What happened:
Peaches Geldof, a British television presenter, model, and journalist, tragically passed away on April 7, 2014, at the age of 25. She was found dead at her home in Kent, England. The cause of her death was determined to be a heroin overdose.
48points
#24
For me, that’ll be Jonghyun of Shinee. (He isn’t widely famous in the US.) He was immensely talented but also terribly depressed for a long time, and the depression took his life. I have also struggled with mental health and have a lot of empathy for him. And sadly he wasn’t the first or last idol to complete suicide.
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44points
#25
Elliot Smith. I still remember waking up to the news. Tragic figure.
What happened:
Elliott Smith, an influential singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and haunting melodies, died on October 21, 2003, at the age of 34. He died from stab wounds to the chest, which were initially reported as self-inflicted but later surrounded by controversy and speculation. Smith's death remains a subject of debate among fans and music enthusiasts.
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42points
#26
Diem Brown from The Challenge. She was such a vibrant and bright light, and left such a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved her. I remember watching her and CT fall in love, how he helped her find her confidence to take off her wig and how he carried her to the car to take her to the hospital when her cancer came back. I always get my pap smears on time because of her.
What happened:
Diem Brown tragically passed away on November 14, 2014, at the age of 34. She died after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Diem Brown tragically passed away on November 14, 2014, at the age of 34. She died after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
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37points
#27
Krissy Taylor dying of an undiagnosed heart condition at 17 and Niki finding her.
37points
#28
Brad Renfro, a great actor in Bully and Sleepers that died too soon.
What happened:
Brad Renfro tragically passed away on January 15, 2008, at the age of 25. He died from an accidental overdose.
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36points
#29
Nikki Grahame - she did big brother Canada and UK. I watched her on BBCan and she was a really great addition to the cast. She was light and really funny.
What happened:
Nikki Grahame tragically passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 38. She died due to complications related to anorexia nervosa, a battle she had struggled with for much of her life. Grahame's death saddened fans around the world and brought attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and mental health issues. She was remembered fondly for her bubbly personality and memorable moments on reality TV.
33points
