Obituaries

Ted Turner, CNN creator who revolutionized the media industry, dies at 87

Matt Pearce — Wed, 6 May 2026 14:32:06 GMT

Ted Turner, the media mogul who created CNN and revolutionized cable TV, has died.

Larry Vein, a voice for hope in the Palisades fire recovery, dies at 61

Noah Haggerty — Tue, 5 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the January 2025 firestorm, Vein's energetic optimism and informational dispatches helped buoy the spirits of a traumatized community.

Former Santana vocalist Alex Ligertwood dies at 79

Carlos De Loera — Sun, 3 May 2026 23:32:43 GMT

Former Santana vocalist Alex Ligertwood died at age 79. His wife and agent confirmed his death in a social media post on Saturday evening.

Roger Sweet, the toymaker behind 'He-Man,' dies at 91

Cerys Davies — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:37:21 GMT

Toymaker Roger Sweet died Tuesday. As one of Mattel's longtime designers, Sweet is credited with developing He-Man, which became an emblem of childhood entertainment in the 1980s.

David Allan Coe, controversial 'outlaw country' pioneer, dies at 86

Julius Miller — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:50:08 GMT

David Allan Coe, a prominent figure in the 'outlaw country' music movement who wrote 'Take This Job and Shove It," has died. He was 86.

'Columbo' star Peter Falk's daughter Jackie dies at 60

Christie D'Zurilla — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:21:14 GMT

Jacqueline 'Jackie' Falk, the older of 'Columbo' star Peter Falk's two daughters, died Monday by suicide. The family's story is a complicated one.

Josh Mauro, Stanford defensive end who spent most of his NFL career with Arizona, dies at 35

Chuck Schilken — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:13:35 GMT

Josh Mauro, a former NFL defensive end for the Cardinals, Giants and Raiders, has died at age 35. No cause of death has been given.

John Seymour, Anaheim mayor and U.S. senator, dies at 88

Gustavo Arellano — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Republican John Seymour, a former Anaheim mayor and state and U.S. senator, died April 18 at his home in Carlsbad. He was 88.

Gerry Conway, comic book writer who co-created the Punisher and Ms. Marvel, dies at 73

Tracy Brown — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:47:07 GMT

Gerry Conway, a comic book writer who co-created Marvel and DC characters such as the Punisher, Ms. Marvel and Jason Todd, has died at age 73.

Dylan Carter, former contestant on 'The Voice,' dies in crash

Emily St. Martin — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:35:52 GMT

Dylan Carter, a contestant on 'The Voice,' died in a single-vehicle crash in South Carolina. He won over judges with a rendition of Whitney Houston's 'I Look to You.'

Nedra Talley Ross, last surviving member of '60s girl group the Ronettes, dies at 80

Christie D'Zurilla — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:24:05 GMT

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the 1960s girl group the Ronettes, has died at 80. Signed by Phil Spector, the group had enduring hits including 'Be My Baby.'

Michael Tilson Thomas, L.A.-born maestro who led San Francisco Symphony, dies at 81

Nardine Saad, Jessica Gelt — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:11:26 GMT

Michael Tilson Thomas, the L.A.-born celebrity conductor and 'bad boy' of classical music who led the San Francisco Symphony, has died. He was 81.

'Storage Wars' star Darrell Sheets, known as 'The Gambler,' dies at 67. Police are investigating cyberbullying claims

Emily St. Martin — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:50:44 GMT

'Storage Wars' star Darrell Sheets, an antiques enthusiast known by fans of the A&E series as 'The Gambler,' was found dead on Wednesday. Lake Havasu City Police say they are investigating cyberbullying claims.

Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic who wrote 'Feelin' Alright?,' dies at 79

Tracy Brown — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:08:44 GMT

Dave Mason, singer-guitarist known for writing 'Only You Know and I Know' and 'Feelin' Alright?' and co-founding British band Traffic, has died at 79.

Alan Osmond, 'Crazy Horses' co-songwriter and eldest member of the Osmonds, dies at 76

Emily St. Martin — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:40:43 GMT

Alan Osmond, the eldest member of showbiz family the Osmonds and songwriter behind chart-topping hits including 'One Bad Apple' and 'Crazy Horses,' died Monday. He was 76.

Rod Martin, Raiders Super Bowl hero and USC standout, dies at 72

Sam Farmer — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:22:38 GMT

Rod Martin, who grew up in L.A., played decisive roles for the Raiders in two Super Bowl wins and was a star linebacker at USC, has died at 72.

Patrick Muldoon, 'Days of Our Lives' and 'Melrose Place' actor, dies at 57

Tracy Brown — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:29:27 GMT

Patrick Muldoon, an actor and producer known for his roles on 'Days of Our Lives,' 'Melrose Place' and 'Starship Troopers,' has died. He was 57.

Angels' World Series hero and even-keeled slugger Garret Anderson dies at 53

Steve Henson — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:16:33 GMT

Garret Anderson's most memorable moment was belting a decisive three-run double in Game 7 of the only World Series ever played by the Angels.

Alex Manninger, former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper, dies in traffic accident

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:13:58 GMT

Alex Manninger, an Austrian former goalkeeper who played for several European soccer teams, including Arsenal and Juventus, has died at age 48, reportedly after a train struck a vehicle he was driving.

Felipe Staiti, Enanitos Verdes guitarist and vocalist, dies at 64

Andrea Flores — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:58:09 GMT

Felipe Staiti died Monday due to health complications following his hospitalization in his hometown of Mendoza, Argentina.

Sid Krofft, co-creator of 'H.R. Pufnstuf,' 'Land of the Lost' and other fantastical children's shows, dies at 96

Anabel Sosa — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:05:13 GMT

TV producer Sid Krofft, the puppeteer and co-mastermind behind fantastical 1970s Saturday morning television shows including 'H.R. Pufnstuf,' has died. He was 96.

John Nolan, 'Batman' and 'Person of Interest' actor, dies at 87

Yvonne Villarreal — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:43:51 GMT

John Nolan, a veteran British stage and screen actor and the paternal uncle of filmmakers Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, has died at 87.

Afrika Bambaataa, hip-hop pioneer and 'Planet Rock' rapper, dies at 68

Alexandra Del Rosario — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 23:31:50 GMT

Afrika Bambaataa, the influential rapper and DJ who helped shape the culture of hip-hop with his legendary Zulu Nation block parties in the South Bronx, has died. He was 68.

Malibu race car driver and Porsche fanatic Doug Baron killed in Camarillo car accident

Clara Harter — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 23:16:02 GMT

Doug Baron, a Malibu resident, Porsche racer and longtime fixture in the Los Angeles classic car community, was killed at age 66 in a car accident in Camarillo.

Jim Whittaker, first American climber to scale Mt. Everest, dies at 97

David Colker — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 03:46:30 GMT

West Coast climber Jim Whittaker reached the highest point on Earth on May 1, 1963. He later turned recreation co-op REI into a business success story.

Davey Lopes, part of Dodgers' historic infield and World Series winner, dies at age 80

Steve Henson — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 19:02:24 GMT

Davey Lopes rose from a rough-and-tumble Rhode Island upbringing to become the Dodgers' leadoff batter and second baseman as part of a historic infield from 1973-1981.

Bo Lueders, guitarist and co-founder of hardcore metal band Harm's Way, dies at 38

Christie D'Zurilla — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 20:03:53 GMT

Guitarist and Harm's Way co-founder Bo Lueders has died, the metallic hardcore band announced Thursday on social media. The co-host of the 'HardLore' podcast was 38.

Jessie Jones, playwright and TV actor known for co-writing film 'Kingdom Come,' dies at 75

Tracy Brown — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 20:43:49 GMT

Jessie Jones, a comedy playwright and TV actor whose credits include 'Murphy Brown,' 'Night Court' and 'Designing Women,' has died. She was 75.

Ambrosia's Christopher North, keyboardist with soft-rock hitmakers, dies at 75

Mikael Wood — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:04:12 GMT

Among the band's hits were "How Much I Feel" and "Biggest Part of Me," both of which reached No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100.

'You got a real attitude problem, McFly.' James Tolkan, 'Back to the Future' and 'Top Gun' actor, dies

Emily St. Martin — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:17:18 GMT

James Tolkan, who played the commanding officer in 'Top Gun' and the cantankerous principal in 'Back to the Future,' died Thursday.

Mary Beth Hurt, 'Interiors' and 'The World According to Garp' actor, dies at 79

Tracy Brown — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 22:01:00 GMT

Mary Beth Hurt, a Tony Award-nominated actor who appeared in movies including 'The World According to Garp' and Scorsese's 'The Age of Innocence,' has died. She was 79.

Alex Duong, comedian and 'Blue Bloods' actor whose career was taking off, dies at 42 after cancer battle

Christie D'Zurilla — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:17:13 GMT

Alex Duong, a comedian, actor and father whose career was finally taking off after years of grinding at the Comedy Store and in the industry, has died. He was 42.

Joey Browner, star defensive back for USC and Vikings, dies at 65

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:47:42 GMT

Joey Browner, a defensive back who was named USC's team MVP in 1982, has died at age 65. He was an inductee to the Minnesota Vikings' Ring of Honor and named to the NFL 1980s all-decade team.

Jeff Webb, entrepreneur and the 'founder of modern cheerleading,' dies at 76

Chuck Schilken — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:09:35 GMT

Jeff Webb is known as the "founder of modern cheerleading" for his role in turning it into a competitive sport. He died Thursday, a family spokesperson said.

Rodolfo Acuña, writer, professor and Chicano studies pioneer, dies at 93

Dorany Pineda, Gustavo Arellano — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:00:59 GMT

Rodolfo 'Rudy' Acuña dies. The Chicano studies pioneer was an author, activist and educator

Valerie Perrine, 'Superman' actor who was Oscar-nominated for 'Lenny,' dies at 82

Emily St. Martin — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:36:10 GMT

Valerie Perrine, the Las Vegas showgirl turned Oscar-nominated actor best known for playing Lenny Bruce's wife and Lex Luthor's girlfriend, has died. She was 82.

Nicholas Brendon, star in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' dies at 54

Clara Harter — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 04:20:59 GMT

Nicholas Brendon, best known for portraying the loyal, wisecracking Xander Harris in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," died Friday from natural causes after dealing with a congenital heart defect and other health issues in recent years. He was 54.

Chuck Norris, black belt and action star known for 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' dies at 86

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:29:21 GMT

Chuck Norris, a celebrated martial artist and action star known for 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' died Thursday in Kauai, Hawaii, his family said Friday. He was 86.

Rainelle Krause, coloratura soprano who incorporated aerial work into her opera, dies at 37

Christie D'Zurilla — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:39:59 GMT

Rainelle Krause, a coloratura soprano whose signature role was the Queen of the Night in "The Magic Flute," died Tuesday at 37, her family confirmed.

Author Brian Doherty falls to his death; the libertarian is recalled as a champion of freedom

Andrew J. Campa — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 02:23:19 GMT

The body of Brian Doherty, senior editor of libertarian magazine Reason, was found after a fall in the Battery Yates park portion of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Kiki Shepard, entertainer and longtime co-host of 'Showtime at the Apollo,' dies at 74

Alexandra Del Rosario — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 22:31:17 GMT

Kiki Shepard, best known for co-hosting the variety show 'Showtime at the Apollo,' has died, her representative confirmed. The Harlem theater remembered Shepard as a 'true Apollo legend.'

Judy Pace, groundbreaking actor from 'Peyton Place' and 'Brian's Song,' dies at 83

Christopher Goffard — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:20:05 GMT

Judy Pace, a pathbreaking model and star of blaxploitation films who appeared in television shows through the 1960s and '70s and the hit made-for-TV movie "Brian's Song," died last week.

Lord Sear, DJ and hip-hop radio host, dies at 52

Tracy Brown — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:18:11 GMT

Lord Sear, longtime DJ and hip-hop radio personality who worked closely with Eminem on his Shade 45 channel, has died. He was 52.

James Van Der Beek 'became what we used to just call a good man,' Joshua Jackson says

Christie D'Zurilla — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:30:17 GMT

Joshua Jackson and James Van Der Beek shared something special growing up together on 'Dawson's Creek.' Now Jackson is breaking his silence on the death of his pal.

Tommy DeCarlo, Boston fan who became the band's lead singer, dies at 60

Tracy Brown — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:00:10 GMT

Tommy DeCarlo, a singer who became the lead vocalist for the band Boston after the death of original frontman Brad Delp, has died at age 60.

Woodstock legend and anti-war activist Joe McDonald dead at 84

Cerys Davies — Mon, 9 Mar 2026 00:17:43 GMT

Best known for leading an anti-war, profane chant at Woodstock, the lead singer of the late '60s rock band Country Joe and the Fish, Joe McDonald, has died.

'You're our hero with a servant's heart': Mourning for California soldier killed in Iran war

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 6 Mar 2026 19:06:46 GMT

The first Californian killed in the war against Iran is a native of Sacramento.

Annabel Schofield, 1980s model who guest-starred on 'Dallas,' dies of cancer at 62

Christie D'Zurilla — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 23:32:08 GMT

Annabel Schofield, a model, actor and boutique producer who gained international fame with a Bugle Boy jeans ad and guest-starred on 'Dallas,' has died. She was 62.

Bob Power, recording engineer for the Roots and A Tribe Called Quest, dies at 73

Mikael Wood — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 19:51:09 GMT

Among the many other acts Power worked with were D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, De La Soul and Meshell Ndegeocello.

Dominiq Ponder, backup quarterback at Colorado, dies in single-car accident

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 2 Mar 2026 16:12:39 GMT

Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday morning. "Dom was one of my favorites!" coach Deion Sanders wrote on X. "He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader."

Neil Sedaka, songwriter and hitmaker over multiple generations, dies at 86

Stephen Thomas Erlewine — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:16:45 GMT

The chipper melodicist was also known for a catalog of '70s hits including "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Laughter in the Rain."

Lauren Chapin, actor known for 'Father Knows Best' and 'A Star Is Born,' dies at 80

Alexandra Del Rosario — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:45:39 GMT

'Father Knows Best' and 'Star is Born' actor Lauren Chapin has died. Chapin's son Matthew Chapin announced on Tuesday that the actor succumbed to her battle against cancer. She was 80.

'Real Housewives' star Mary Cosby's son Robert Jr. dies at 23

Itzel Luna — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:42:25 GMT

Robert Cosby Jr., the son of 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' star Mary Cosby, has died. He was 23.

Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion with Detroit Shock, dies at 43

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:12:39 GMT

Two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton has died at age 43, the league said Sunday. The former All-Star won her titles with the Detroit Shock and also played for Phoenix and New York.

Chef Joseph 'Joe' Randall, trailblazing 'Dean of Southern Cuisine,' dies at 79

Brad Johnson — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Chef Joseph G. Randall, known as the 'Dean of Southern Cuisine' for his advocacy for the recognition of Black culinary traditions, has died at 79.

Willie Colón, trombone and salsa legend, dies at 75

Andrea Flores — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:48:15 GMT

Throughout his career, Colón released more than 40 albums, pioneering a salsa sound influenced by the streets of New York City and beloved by Latin immigrant households around the globe.

Eric Dane, Dr. McSteamy of 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria' star, dies of ALS at 53

Alexandra Del Rosario — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:34:04 GMT

Actor Eric Dane, best known for wooing 'Grey's Anatomy' audiences as plastic surgeon Dr. Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan, died after a public battle with ALS. He was 53.

Cause of death revealed for Peter Greene, the 'Pulp Fiction' actor best known as villain Zed

Christie D'Zurilla — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:27:08 GMT

Actor Peter Greene's cause of death has been revealed by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. He was found dead in his apartment in mid-December.

Tom Noonan, 'Manhunter' character actor who also wrote and directed films, dies at 74

Christie D'Zurilla — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:17:52 GMT

Tom Noonan, the actor best known for playing villain Francis Dolarhyde in 'Manhunter' and the Ripper in 'Last Action Hero,' has died. He was 74.

Jesse Jackson, one of the nation's most powerful voices for Black Americans, dies at 84

David Lauter, Johanna Neuman — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:14:34 GMT

Handsome and dynamic, an orator with a flair for memorable rhyme, the Rev. Jesse Jackson was the first Black candidate for president to attract a major following.

Frederick Wiseman, legendary documentarian, dies at 96

Kevin Crust — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:07:55 GMT

The filmmaker, who won three Emmys and an honorary Oscar for his documentary work, was known for innate curiosity covering subjects ranging from public institutions to the minutiae of human interactions.

'Like a Virgin' songwriter Billy Steinberg dies at 75

Mikael Wood — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:31:54 GMT

The songwriter's many hits included Madonna's "Like a Virgin," Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" and Heart's "Alone."

Robert Duvall, acting legend known for intense roles, dies at 95

Steve Chawkins — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:28:40 GMT

Duvall did not stand out for his movie star looks but for the intensity and depth he brought to the screen in such films as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now."

Michael Silverblatt, 'genius' host of KCRW literary show 'Bookworm,' dies at 73

Noah Goldberg — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:03:03 GMT

Silverblatt's 30-minute show, which ran from 1989 to 2022, included interviews with celebrated authors including Gore Vidal, Kazuo Ishiguro, David Foster Wallace, Susan Orlean, Joan Didion and Zadie Smith.

John Shirreffs, trainer of Zenyatta and Giacomo, dies at 80

John Cherwa — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:15:07 GMT

He became a horse trainer almost by happenstance, but he guided perhaps the greatest mare of all-time to a Hall of Fame career and won the Kentucky Derby with a longshot.

Eagle champion Sandy Steers, who fought big developments throughout Big Bear, has died

Andrew J. Campa, Lila Seidman — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:21:15 GMT

Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle advocacy group announced that Sandy Steers, a biologist and the group's executive director, died Wednesday evening.

Pete Finney, steel guitarist who toured with Patty Loveless and Reba McEntire, dies at 70

Christie D'Zurilla — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:32:40 GMT

Steve Finney, a steel guitarist who toured with Patty Loveless and narrowly avoided a plane crash that killed eight members of Reba McEntire's band, has died. He was 70.

Andrew Ranken, drummer for the Pogues, dies at 72

Tracy Brown — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:19:52 GMT

Andrew Ranken, drummer and founding member of English Celtic punk band the Pogues, has died, the band announced on social media. He was 72.

James Van Der Beek, 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Varsity Blues' star, dies at 48

Alexandra Del Rosario — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:45:08 GMT

James Van Der Beek, who found fame playing Dawson Leery opposite Katie Holmes' Joey Potter on the TV series 'Dawson's Creek,' has died. He was 48.

Greg Brown, Cake founding guitarist who wrote breakout hit 'The Distance,' dead at 56

Christie D'Zurilla — Mon, 9 Feb 2026 23:43:03 GMT

Greg Brown, a founding member of Sacramento alt-rock outfit Cake, has died. Friends honored the guitarist, who wrote the band's enduring hit 'The Distance.'

Jeanette Marantos, L.A. Times plants reporter, dies at 70

Brittany Levine Beckman — Mon, 9 Feb 2026 22:40:56 GMT

Jeanette Marantos, a Features reporter, died following an emergency heart issue. She helped educate readers about native California plants. She described her reporting as her own ongoing education.

Terrance Gore, former Dodgers player and three-time World Series champ, dies at 34

Christopher Goffard — Sun, 8 Feb 2026 03:03:26 GMT

The baseball player's remarkable speed earned him spots on three championship teams, including the 2020 Dodgers.

Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, dies at 47

Christopher Goffard — Sun, 8 Feb 2026 00:54:31 GMT

The band announced Arnold's death in a social media post, which said he had "helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting."

Lil Jon's son Nathan Smith, who performed as DJ Young Slade, is found dead in Georgia

Christie D'Zurilla — Fri, 6 Feb 2026 23:36:31 GMT

Rapper Lil Jon's son Nathan Smith was found dead Friday in a Georgia park pond after going missing Tuesday morning. The 27-year-old performed as DJ Young Slade.