In 2024, the entertainment world said goodbye to several beloved figures.
Christian Oliver, known for his role in “Speed Racer,” tragically died in a plane crash on January 5 at the age of 51. Oliver was returning from a vacation in the Caribbean with his daughters, Madita and Annik, when their plane experienced engine failure and crashed into the ocean. Both the pilot and Oliver’s daughters also perished in the crash. Oliver, also a real estate agent at The Agency in Beverly Hills, leaves behind his wife, Jessica Klepser.
Mauricio Umansky, founder of The Agency, expressed his sorrow online: “Christian, Madita and Annik, you will be missed. May you rest in peace. My prayers are with you and your entire Agency family. You were a great friend, father, husband, actor, and agent. You made us laugh and cared deeply.”
Just days later, on January 9, news emerged that Aden Canto, star of “The Cleaning Lady,” had passed away at 42. Canto, who secretly fought appendiceal cancer, is remembered by his representative: “Adan had a spirit depth that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever. He will be greatly missed.” He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and their two children, Roman and Eve.
The list of stars lost in 2024 continues:
Kimberley Nix, a TikTok personality who shared her three-year battle with cancer on social media, died in May at 31. In a posthumous video, she expressed gratitude to her followers: “Hello followers, if you’re seeing this message I have passed away peacefully. Thank you for giving me so much purpose at the end of my life.”
Steve Albini, the leader of the band Shellac and a renowned music producer for acts like Nirvana and the Pixies, died of a heart attack on May 7 at the age of 61, announced by his studio, Electric Audio.
Ignatius Jones, an Australian musician and former frontman of Jimmy and the Boys, passed away following a short illness on May 8 at the age of 66. Jones, who also contributed to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics in 2000 and 2010, is survived by his husband, Novy Bereber, and several siblings.
O.J. Simpson the former athlete’s family announced on April 11 that he died at age 76.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren,” read a statement shared via X. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
The news came two months after it was reported that Simpson was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
Leah Smith the TikTok star died on March 11 at the age of 22. Smith’s death came after a four-year battle with bone cancer, which she documented on social media.
“I’m sad to say that she passed away today around half-eleven this morning,” Smith’s boyfriend, Andrew, announced via her TikTok page. “We’ll all miss Leah, but we’ll make sure we never forget her. We’ll never let Leah be forgotten.”
Eric Carmen
The singer died on the weekend of March 9, according to his wife, Amy Carmen. He was 74.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen,” Amy shared via Eric’s official website on March 11. “Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend. It brought him great joy to know, that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy.”
Carmen was best known for his hit song “All by Myself” and as the lead singer of The Raspberries.
Karl Wallinger
The Welsh singer, who led the band World Party, died at age 66 on Sunday, March 10, his rep confirmed. A cause of death was not revealed.
World Party was an alt-rock group known for hits such as “Ship of Fools,” “Put the Message in the Box” and “Is It Like Today?” Wallinger also worked with Steely Dan and the late Sinead O’Connor.
The musician is survived by wife Suzie Zamit, son Louis Wallinger, daughter Nancy Zamit and two grandchildren.
As we continue through the year, we remember these stars and the light they broug.
