This year, it seems as if we have lost more notable figures than ever. Every week, there’s a news story about someone that we all know and love who has died. In remembrance of some of those who have died, here are some notable deaths from this year. On the other side of the spectrum, you can also read about celebrities like Jimmy John Shark.

Avicii 

Tim Bergling, better known by his stage name Avicii, died in April at the age of 28. Bergling had a love for music ever since he was young and began making electronic mixes at 16, which lead to his first record deal. Berliging quickly became one of the most popular electronic dance-music artists of all time. At the peak of his success in 2016, Bergling was forced to retire from performing due to long-term health problems. In April, he was found dead due to a self-inflicted injury. His family released a statement saying, “He struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, and Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace.”

Mac Miller 

Only last month, Malcolm James McCormick died. McCormick was a rapper known by his stage name Mac Miller. McCormick quickly became very popular because of his deep and creative lyrical style. In 2012, he became addicted to lean, which is a combination of promethazine and codeine, as a coping mechanism during an intense time period of touring. His recent death is suspected to be from a drug overdose though no cause of death has officially been assigned. McCormick’s death affected many people, especially the younger generation who enjoyed and connected with his music. 

Aretha Franklin

One of the most shocking celebrity deaths from this year has been the death of the queen of soul music, Aretha Franklin. Franklin topped the R&B charts in the 60s and 70s and was the most laudable female musicians of her time. Her music was untouchably powerful and emotionally deep. Franklin was the first female to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making history in the music industry. She passed last month after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

John McCain

An American war hero and political maverick died this year. John McCain died at the age of 81 in August from an aggressive brain tumor. He faithfully served his country for 60 years. As a Vietnam War veteran, he chaired the Senate Armed Services Committee. McCain became an important voice of reason in the Senate in recent years, which caused him to face a lot of criticism, but was important to his political beliefs.

Kate Spade 

Famed fashion designer, Kate Spade, died this year at the age of 55 after committing suicide. She was the creator of her own handbag company which expanded to clothing, jewelry, shoes, stationary, eyewear, and bedding. Along with her colorful, creative, and eye catching designs, Spade was also known for her kind, sensitive, and generous personality.

Paul Junger Witt

Everyone knows The Golden Girls. It is a classic that can be found playing on TV at almost anytime. The best part of the show are the hilarious characters, Blanche, Sophia, Dorothy, and Rose, but there had to be a creative mind behind it all to put it together. Paul Junger Witt was the producer of The Golden Girls and a number of other TV shows and movies, like Dead Poets Society. Witt died of cancer this year at the age of 77.

Barbara Bush 

In April, Barbara Bush died at the age of 92. She was the first lady of the United States during the term of President George H.W. Bush. Barbara Bush was an outspoken first lady, openly supporting the Equal Rights Amendment and pro-choice policies. She was also very involved in combating literacy issues. Mrs. Bush continued to do service for years after her husband’s time in office, leaving a lasting mark on our country.

Stephen Hawking 

One of the greatest minds and most notable scientists of the last century died in March. Stephen Hawking was a legendary theoretical physicist who made numerous advances in the fields of physics and cosmology. He made all of these advances despite a motor neuron disease, which he was diagnosed with at age 21 and given only a 2 year life expectancy that he greatly surpassed. He died at the age of 76.

Billy Graham

Billy Graham, a charismatic TV evangelist died in February at the age of 99 in his home in Montreat, NC. Graham had a broad reach in American culture during the peak of his success. He preached a non-denominational form of Christianity that was widely accepted and endorsed across the world. Graham had met with every president since Harry Truman and was even made an honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth in 2001.