12 Of The Most Shocking Celebrity Deaths of 2024

Throughout 2024, Hollywood was shaken by the unexpected and profound loss of some major celebrities. Over the course of the past year, the entertainment world lost a handful of stars that came as a major shock to family, friends and fans. From unexpected accidents to heartbreaking battles with illness, these celebs were taken from us far too soon. While they’re no longer with us, the legacies of these celebrities are sure to live on through the touching music and movies they left behind. Take a look back at the stars we lost this year… 1. Liam Payne In October, One Direction fans around the world were shocked to learn that Liam Payne had unexpectedly passed away after fatally falling from his hotel balcony during a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. While there continues to be mystery surrounding his death, it’s believed that Liam may have been acting erratically in the hotel lobby in the time before his death and was escorted to his hotel room to prevent him from causing a disturbance. Back in his room, he stepped on to the balcony and fell to his death. Since his death, toxicology results have shown that Liam had traces of “alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants” in his body and may not have been “fully conscious” during his fall. Three people have also been arrested in connection with Liam’s death including a person who accompanied him during his stay in Buenos Aires. A second suspect is a hotel employee accused of supplying Payne with cocaine, and a third is an alleged “drug supplier.” 2. Morgan Spurlock Filmmaker and Super Size Me director Morgan Spurlock passed away in March at age 53 following a battle with cancer. His family shared that he “passed away peacefully in New York surrounded by family and friends.” “It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan,” Morgan’s brother Craig said in a statement. “Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas and generosity. Today the world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him.” 3. Shannen Doherty Shannen Doherty sadly passed away in July at age 53 after a years-long fight against cancer. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and although she eventually went into remission, in 2019 she learned her cancer had metastasized as Stage 4 in her brain and bones. While she continued to seek treatment and was maintaining a positive outlook, she unfortunately ultimately lost her battle. “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” Shannen’s rep Leslie Sloane said, per TMZ. “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.” 4. Toby Keith In February, 62-year-old country music star Toby Keith lost his battle with stomach cancer, after fighting “with grace and courage” for several years. Toby opened up about his diagnosis in 2022 and was taking time to “breathe, recover and relax” after undergoing chemo and radiation therapy. Though he said he was doing “well” later in 2022, he made his final public appearance at the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2023, where he took home the Country Music Icon Award. He died just five months later. “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” his family shared in a statement on social media. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.” 5. Richard Simmons In July, beloved fitness guru Richard Simmons passed away just one day after turning 76. While he had spent much of the past few years out of the public eye, his family, as well as his close friend and house manager Teresa Reveles, say he was happy in his final years. He spent much of his time writing to fans and often left the house in disguise. Teresa noted that his death came unexpectedly as Richard was planning to take part in an ABC documentary about his life and was in the middle of writing a Broadway musical. Despite his surprising passing, Richard’s brother encouraged fans to celebrate his life. “I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help,” Lenny wrote on X. “So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life! He was very excited about all of the upcoming ventures he was working on. We are in shock. Please respect the family at this difficult time.” 6. Johnny Wactor General Hospital fans were shocked in May to hear of the murder of Johnny Wactor in Los Angeles. Johnny, who was ju