The List of Iconic Deaths in 2016 is Stunning

Hard to believe all in one year.
By
Managing Editor

Christmas day saw 2016 claim another iconic life, once again gone too soon. Superstar singer George Michael died yesterday at his home at the age of just 53.

People are flocking to his London home to memorialize the late singer.

Flowers and candles left in memory of George Michael outside his London home, as the pop superstar has died at the age of 53 from suspected heart failure. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau/PA Images via Getty Images)
Flowers and candles left in memory of George Michael outside his London home, as the pop superstar has died at the age of 53 from suspected heart failure. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau/PA Images via Getty Images)
GORING, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: A woman carries flowers to lay outside the Oxfordshire home of British pop singer George Michael on December 26, 2016 in Goring, England. Singer George Michael died on Christmas day in his country home in Oxfordshire at the age of 53 on December 25. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
GORING, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: A woman carries flowers to lay outside the Oxfordshire home of British pop singer George Michael on December 26, 2016 in Goring, England. Singer George Michael died on Christmas day in his country home in Oxfordshire at the age of 53 on December 25. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
GORING, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: A message is left with flowers and tribute outside the Oxfordshire home of British pop singer George Michael on December 26, 2016 in Goring, England. Singer George Michael died on Christmas day in his country home in Oxfordshire at the age of 53 on December 25. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
GORING, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: A message is left with flowers and tribute outside the Oxfordshire home of British pop singer George Michael on December 26, 2016 in Goring, England. Singer George Michael died on Christmas day in his country home in Oxfordshire at the age of 53 on December 25. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

People are also taking to social media to mourn the latest sudden and unexpected loss of life.

People are understandably ready for 2016 to come to a close.

https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/813164926105751552

Every year always comes with the tragic loss of some well known and loved people. But 2016 saw an unusual amount of iconic names fall.

Athletes:
Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer (87)
Boxing and cultural icon Muhammad Ali (74)
Street fighting legend Kimbo Slice (42)
“Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe (88)
Pat Summitt, the greatest women’s college basketball coach in NCAA history (64).
Craig Sager, long time NBA-on court reporter. (65)

Musicians:
Pop icon Prince (57)
Legend David Bowie (69)
Eagles frontman Glenn Frey (67)
Jefferson Airplane’s Paul Kantner (74)
“Hallelujah” songwriter Leonard Cohen (82)
Merle Haggard (79)

Influencers:
Elie Wiesel (87). Holocaust survivor whose story and humanitarian career became the most prominent example of the horrors of the Nazi regime.
Harper Lee (98). “To Kill a Mockingbird” author whose novel became a mandatory, classic read. Also made into an Oscar-winning movie.
Nancy Reagan (94). President Ronald Reagan’s wife, first lady of the United States.
Phyllis Schlafly (92)
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia (79)
Egyptian diplomat Boutros Boutros-Ghali (93)
First woman U.S. attorney general Janet Reno (78)
Long time PBS host, two-time VP debate moderator Gwen Ifill (61)
First U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth, John Glenn (95)
Inventor of the Heimlich maneuver, Henry Heimlich (96)
Cuban dictator Fidel Castro (90)

Actors:

Carrie Fisher (60)
Gene Wilder (83)
Garry Shandling (66)
Patty Duke (69)
Abe Vigoda (94)
Alan Thicke (69
Alan Rickman (69)
Doris Roberts (90)

These are just a few of the prominent names. You can check out a full list HERE.

Overall, it’s been a tough year for American and global icons. Here’s to a less tragic 2017.