Celebrity Obituaries from 2021. Our hearts are broken and we grieve for his family who are so devastated by this shocking tragedy." Later, she appeared on "Growing Pains" as Alan Thicke's character's mother as well as on the soap operas "Loving" and "As the World Turns" in the '80s and '90s and made guest appearances on all the major now-classic TV shows including "Fantasy Island," "Love Boat" and "Murder, She Wrote," Variety added. Though John appeared on dozens of shows over the decades including the original "Dallas," "Paper Dolls" and "Beverly Hills, 90210," he was best known for playing retired spy Sean Donely on "General Hospital." "Al was truly a gift from God," his wife, Rosa Harrington, said in a statement. Hollywood's Golden Age actress Jane Powell died of natural causes at her home in Wilton, Connecticut, on Sept. 16, Deadline reported. Siegfried, 81, was preceded in death by his performing partner, Roy Horn, who passed away from complications of COVID-19 in May 2020. ", Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis passed away at 89 on May 1. Steve's Dead Rock Stars HOME: Deaths by Year To view the Dead Rock Star listings on this website by year, click on one of the links below. According to the Riverside County Coroner, Page Six reported, he died from "cardiovascular disease with other significant conditions of chronic alcohol abuse." As an Icon for Hawai'i, our islands and her people are mourning his loss." "Before I went to see him, I needed him to know how I felt. Found insideThis is a book for those who know and love the songs, from "American Girl" and "Refugee" to "Free Fallin'" and "Mary Jane's Last Dance," and for those who want to see the classic rock and roll era embodied in one man's remarkable story. Explore Life Stories, Offer Condolences & Send Flowers. The family matriarch had been suffering from dementia. William Smith, who was known for playing tough guys, passed away at 88 on July 5 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House in Los Angeles, his wife confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Norm was a pure comic. The Glee star was at first declared a missing person on July 8 when her son was found alone on the boat. He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. Millersville University Police and law enforcement agencies from the area had been searching for him since that time. Reuters. ", On April 1, former reality TV star Linda Torres — a close friend of the late Angela "Big Ang" Raiola who appeared on the VH1 reality series "Big Ang" and "Mob Wives" — died at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, where she spent nine weeks, from complications of the coronavirus, Big Ang's sister Janine Detore told People magazine. Saginaw Grant — a Native American character actor with dozens of credits in films and television shows including "Breaking Bad" and "The Lone Ranger" — died on July 28, rep Lani Carmichael told CNN. Charlie Robinson — who's perhaps best known for playing court clerk and Vietnam vet Mac Robinson on the sitcom "Night Court" — died in Los Angeles on July 11 from cardiac arrest with multisystem organ failures due to septic shock and metastatic adenocarcinoma, which is a type of glandular cancer, his manager confirmed to Entertainment Weekly. Bush in 1984) — and praised him for changing the role of VP and turning it into what it is today. The company behind the Moroccan-born Israeli designer's latest venture, AZ Factory, confirmed the news to The New York Times. Fellow rockers mourned Joey, with Korn guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer telling TMZ that his former tourmate — who in 2016 revealed he'd been diagnosed with the neurological disorder transverse myelitis a few years earlier, around the time he left Slipknot — was a "warrior," adding that Joey "loved drums, loved music, loved playing … It's very sad that he's gone so young … What an amazing f****** drummer. Quit worrying about all the conspiracy theories,'" Mark told The Tennessean in July. "There is no official explanation for the cause of his death but it appears to have been a heart attack." "The depth of my love for this brother, can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss," Wendell wrote in part, calling Michael an "immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth.". The Ronco founder, who sold consumers everything from the Veg-O-Matic and the Pocket Fisherman to the Showtime Rotisserie & BBQ and the Inside-the-Shell Egg Scrambler — was 86. It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform or otherwise, do so. Joe Long, born Joseph Louis LaBracio — who played bass with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons — died at 88 on April 21 from complications of COVID-19, NJ.com reported. Actress Tanya Roberts died on Jan. 4 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Found insideWashington, D.C.-based rock 'n' roll antihero Ian F. Svenonius provides an unparalleled and exquisitely provocative how-to guide for rock bands. and more. "Goonies" actor Corey Feldman called Richard "the closest thing I ever had 2 a real father." "Perry was a pioneer in the 1970s' development of dub music with his early adoption of studio effects to create new instrumentals of existing reggae tracks," Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared in a statement. Grammy winner Jim Steinman — the songwriter and producer known for his work with Meat Loaf, Celine Dion, Air Supply and more — died on April 19 in Connecticut at 73, TMZ reported. "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica. She was a true giver…always serving, always sharing her talent and her time. The medical examiner is working to determine a cause of death. Many of you will know of Sarah's battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day. Filmmaker Judd Apatow in 2014 called John "an awesome actor and the reason the other John has a C" in his professional name, referring to famed comedy and character actor John C. Reilly. "Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire," heartbroken wife Kay wrote on Facebook. Tom and Richard, who during his long career wrote for publications including New York Magazine, Women's Wear Daily and Vanity Fair, were a couple since 1986 and wed in 2014. He was 70. Norman Lloyd — who appeared in everything from TV's "St. The renowned fashion journalist worked for titles including Vanity Fair and Mirabella magazine. This page is a tribute to the rock-and-roll musicians whose deaths came to the attention of my fellow police-pathologists. Paul was best known for his 1999 single "Get Get Down," which hit No. Your grandma was a . Frank also carved out a career as a director, working behind the camera on shows including "WKRP" and its '90s reboot as well as "Saved By the Bell: The New Class," "Head of the Class," "Harry and the Hendersons," "City Guys," "Who's the Boss?" President Carter mourned his colleague — the first major party presidential candidate ever to select a woman, Geraldine Ferraro, as his running mate (they lost to Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Actor Peter Mark Richman, who's best known for his recurring role as Reverend Snow on "Three's Company" and Carrington attorney Andrew Laird on "Dynasty," died of natural causes at home in Woodland Hills, California, on Jan. 14, his rep told People magazine. Mary Wilson — a founding member of The Supremes, known as Motown's most successful act in the 1960s and the No. Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding died on Sept. 5 a little more than a year after sharing that she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer, which had spread to other parts of her body. Sid Vicious. Privacy Notice December 28, 2017. This edited collection explores the reception of dead rock stars, 'rock' being taken in the widest sense. "He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Hal Holbrook passed away on Jan. 23 at his home in Beverly Hills, his assistant confirmed to The New York Times on Feb. 1. Jaymes moved with her family to Arizona at age ten. He then, TMZ reported, suffered breathing issues and was hospitalized again before he passed away. Former bandmates Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio also confirmed Joe's passing in a statement. Jamaica's Observer newspaper reported that he had been in declining health since suffering a second stroke in July 2020. Tim Denning. While not an actual metal or rock artist, Tawny Kitaen was an Icon to the rock/metal world thanks to several Whitesnake videos and her modeling for covers of Ratt self titled EP an Ratt out of the cellar. — died from a cardiac arrest on April 17 amid a health battle with lupus, kidney failure, diabetes and multiple strokes, Entertainment Weekly reported. 23 December 1941. He also wrote the film "Elvira: Mistress of the Dark" with frequent collaborator Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson. Found inside" Striking that balance, The Glen Rock Book of the Dead presents snapshot portraits of The Jeweler, The Driving Instructor, The Bad Influence, The Queen of New Jersey—and roughly fifty others who have touched Winik's life, from her son's ... The New York "it" boy died of an accidental prescription drug overdose after battling addiction issues for years, according to his family. The Academy Award-winning film "Terms of Endearment" was based on his novel of the same name. The two-time Tony Award nominee, 74, also notably appeared in the original cast of Broadway's "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Pippen" in the early '70s, turned in a Tony-nominated performance in "The Tap Dance Kid" in the '80s and starred as the Scarecrow alongside Whitney Houston in the 1995 Apollo Theater revival of "The Wiz" in the '90s. He was 71. Though boxer Thomas "Hitman" Hearns made headlines when he claimed on Instagram that Marvin was in the ICU "fighting the after effects of the [COVID-19] vaccine," that allegation does not appear to be backed up by the legend's family. "Don lived by what he felt in his heart," his family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. In the lead-up to his death, the rapper had been "in a vegetative state, [with] lung and brain failure and no brain activity," former manager told Buzzfeed News. "The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. 271m Followers, 443 Following, 6,032 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from @therock "We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the 'Top.' Drummer with rock band Iron Butterfly. "34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip-hop band and take on the world through it all," Underground co-founder Jimi "Chopmaster J" Dright wrote on Instagram in tribute. ", RELATED: Oscars in memoriam: Big stars we've lost since the last Academy Awards. Phil had made headlines as he was a vocal vaccine skeptic and himself wasn't vaccinated, but after he was moved into a critical care unit, brother Mark Valentine said the radio host regretted that he wasn't a stronger advocate for COVID-19 vaccination. Our thoughts of comfort and peace are with his friends and family during this difficult time," Millersville University president Daniel A. Wubah said in a statement. Charlie, who did a lot of work in the theater, also appeared in movies like "Set It Off," "Antwone Fisher" and "The House Bunny" and TV shows including "Buffalo Bill," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "House," "Grey's Anatomy" and more. Johnny Hallyday. Way too soon. who was knighted for his fundraising efforts by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2020, making her the first Black woman ever to do so, took to social media to mourn as they learned the news, hospitalized amid a battle with the coronavirus, Lisa Marie Presley, Robert Redford and more stars who buried their children in 2020, passed away from complications of COVID-19, Take a look back at birthday girl Heather Locklear's wildest retro fashion and beauty moments. Brian Travers, the saxophonist and founding member of the British reggae-pop band UB40, died Aug. 22 at 62, following a "heroic battle with cancer," his band said in a statement. Marvin's website posted a statement saying the boxer died of "natural causes near his home in New Hampshire. Roger was 93. ", Actor Paul Ritter — who's best known for his work on the British sitcom "Friday Night Dinner" and notably appeared in "Chernobyl," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and the James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace" — passed away on April 5 following a brain tumor battle. She was 96. Rock music developed from the rock and roll music that emerged during the 1950s, and includes a diverse range of . Here is the list of musicians and artists who passed away. He was 79. He was an amazing and much loved brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.". X, his family said, "was a warrior who fought till the very end." TMZ reported that, according to law enforcement sources, no foul play is suspected and no illegal drugs were found at his home. Character actor Bruce Kirby — who was perhaps best known for his work on "Columbo" and "L.A. Law" — died in Los Angeles on Jan. 24. He was "pronounced deceased of natural causes at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at an outside hospital. He was 76. Bowie released his final album, Blackstar (2016), on his 69th birthday, two days before he . I love you always!". Turns out, she’s awakened more than just Philip, and Stormy will have to do battle against a cast of strange characters to keep herself and her new undead boyfriend safe. hr This series is best enoyed in the following order: Book 1: Dead ... He was a beautiful and fascinating man with many talents and skills. Classic TV fans will remember Constantine from his Emmy-winning role as high school principal . They share one son, Brentt. They found out she had COVID," Janine told People. From lonely childhoods marred by loss to groundbreaking music and turbulent careers that ended tragically and suspiciously, David Comfort explodes the myths as he probes: • The sinister roles of Hendrix's manager and girlfriend in his ... "His work continues to be essential and is being celebrated at the New York Film Festival this weekend with a 50th anniversary screening of his landmark film 'Sweet Sweetback's Baadas**** Song'; a Criterion Collection box set, 'Melvin Van Peebles: Essential Films,' next week; and a revival of his play 'Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death,' slated for a return to Broadway next year. Ron Popeil — the inventor and TV salesman known for his infomercials and catchphrases like "But wait! He was 52. Porn star Olivia Lua, 23, was found dead in a California rehab center on January 18. On Jan. 29, ABKCO Music & Records announced that guitarist Hilton Valentine — a founding member of the rock band The Animals — had died at 77. People magazine reported that the star — who was mourned by co-stars and celebrity friends in the wake of the sad news — had been battling pancreatic cancer, and that he was surrounded by family when he passed. With Peter Falk, Shera Danese, Cheryl Paris, Julian Stone. She even scored her own spinoff, "Phyllis," for which she won two Emmys and a Golden Globe. She brought out the best in all of us, especially our father. "I know if he were able to tell you this, he would tell you, 'Go get vaccinated. was repeated by kids (and adults) everywhere — passed away on April 3 in Palm Springs, California, at 66, it was revealed in mid-June. RELATED: "Sex and the City" cast: Where are they now? In more recent years, the beauty — whose real first name was Julie — was known for her reality TV show appearances on series including "The Surreal Life," "Botched" and VH1's "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. She slipped away peacefully this morning," her mum, Marie, wrote. "We are all heartbroken over Sekou's tragic passing," read a statement from Turner Sports, which operates NBA TV and NBA.com — where Sekou worked for the last decade-plus. Travis added that "Everyone present tried as hard as they could to keep him alive. From the point of view of the fans, this is perfectly cool. Reggae music icon Bunny Wailer died in a Kingston, Jamaica, hospital on March 2 at 73. or as Jewish patriarch Albert "Pops" Solomon on ABC's "The Goldbergs" — was 87. English actor Ronald Pickup, who starred in 2011's "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and its 2015 sequel and notably played the archbishop of Canterbury on the first season of "The Crown" in 2016, passed away after a long illness on Feb. 24, his agent told the BBC. Jessica Walter — who famously starred as Lucille Bluth on "Arrested Development" and voiced Malory Archer on "Archer" for more than a decade — died at her home in New York on March 24. "#SarahDash was an awesomely talented, beautiful, and loving soul who blessed my life and the lives of so many others in more ways than I can say. His family announced the sad news in a statement on Ed's Twitter account, writing, "We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully. The following is a list of notable performers of rock and roll music or rock music, and others directly associated with the music as producers, songwriters, or in other closely related roles, who died in the 2020s decade.The list gives their date, cause and location of death, and their age. ", Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images, ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images, KMazur/WireImage for American Civil Liberties Union, Stephane Cardinale / Sygma via Getty Images, Bob D'Amico /Walt Disney Television via Getty Images, Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives / Walt Disney Television via Getty Images, Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images, Eric Charbonneau/WireImage for Paramount Pictures, Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images, Jonathan Wiggs / Boston Globe via Getty Images, Angela Weiss / Getty Images for SAG Foundation, Harry Benson/Express/Hulton Archive / Getty Images, Terry Lott/Sony Music Archive via Getty Images, Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock, Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella, Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos / MLB via Getty Images, Cyrus McCrimmon / Denver Post via Getty Images, mourned by co-stars and celebrity friends. He was 65. R.I.P. All the time.". Actor Jay Pickett, who was best known for his work on soap operas including "General Hospital," "Port Charles" and "Days of Our Lives," died on the Idaho set of the film "Treasure Valley," colleagues announced on Aug. 1. Famed novelist and screenwriter Larry McMurtry passed away on March 25 at 84. She also memorably played the mother of Cameron Diaz's character in "There's Something About Mary." RIP Anne Douglas.". He'll long be remembered for becoming the heavyweight champion of the world in 1978 when, in only his eighth professional fight, he beat Muhammad Ali in a split decision — delivering one of the greatest boxing upsets ever. Several of the father of eight's children with wife Elaine — including actors Blake Lively (pictured), Eric Lively, Robyn Lively, Lori Lively and Jason Lively — followed in his footsteps. Check out Megan Fox's wildest fashion and beauty moments! "He regrets not being more adamant about getting the vaccine. This edited collection explores the reception of dead rock stars, ‘rock’ being taken in the widest sense. Actor and singer-songwriter George Gerdes, 72, died on Jan. 1 in a Glendale, California, hospital, after suffering a brain aneurysm a day earlier, his partner, Judy Johns, told The Hollywood Reporter. It was his greatest honor to represent his people on-screen, and to serve them off-screen. I'm not great. TV writer Heidi Ferrer, who wrote for "Dawson's Creek" and penned the Paris Hilton movie "The Hottie and the Nottie," died by suicide on May 26, husband Nick Guthe, a fellow writer, confirmed on social media. Willard Scott passed peacefully at the age of 87 surrounded by family, including his daughters Sally and Mary and his lovely wife, Paris. Doc Rock Presents, The 1980s Welcome to The Dead Rock Stars Club. 1.7K. In some cases, I have examined the death investigation paperwork and/or autopsy reports. The list gives their date, cause and location of death, and their age. Knocking On Heaven's Door is the definitive book of rock 'n' roll, pop, R&B and blues deaths. Often, only the biggest selling artists are written about and sometimes it is the death of a personality that cements their iconic status. Born. Officials later announced that she was presumed dead, and her body was recovered five days . On April 24, fashion designer Alber Elbaz died from complications of COVID-19 in Paris at 59. Found insideDead for several years by then, this apparition inspired me to begin work on a new novel, which I called Channeling Dead Rock Stars. Croatian actress Mira Furlan — who's best known for her performance as Minbari Ambassador Delenn on the 1990s sci-fi TV series Babylon 5 — died on Jan. 20. Rock music isn't dead, but it's barely hanging on. He was a champion until the end." "My angel. There's more" and "Set it and forget it" — died from a brain hemorrhage at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on July 28, The New York Times reported. Hard rock is the genre of choice for giant stadiums of people but can also be intimate and emotional. "We were just on-stage together on Saturday and it was such a powerful and special moment!" "), whose career covered decades — many know him best for his work as fashion magazine owner Jack Gallo on TV's "Just Shoot Me!" The following is a list of notable performers of rock and roll music or rock music, and others directly associated with the music as producers, songwriters or in other closely related roles, who have died.The list gives their date, cause and location of death, and their age. Chick left a message for fans that read, in part, "I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright. "It's with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away. Fellow weather forecaster Al Roker mourned Willard on Instagram. Norm Macdonald, the actor, comedian and influential former star of "Saturday Night Live" who manned the "Weekend Update" desk in the '90s, died on Sept. 14 at 61, his management firm confirmed to Deadline. Here is the list of musicians and artists who passed away. Celebrity deaths, illness, divorce and remembrance. Actress Cicely Tyson passed away on Jan. 28, her manager confirmed. And I could always count on her to have my back! I will always love you, but I think it's time for you to go on an adventure of your own. Willie Garson — who portrayed Stanford Blatch on "Sex and the City" and is set to return to the role on the upcoming reboot "And Just Like That…" — died at 57, his son, Nathen Garson, announced on Instagram on Sept. 21, captioning a slideshow of photos of the actor, "I love you so much papa. She suffered from a urinary tract infection that spread and caused sepsis, longtime partner Lance O'Brien and spokesman Mike Pingel told NBC News. "Paul was an exceptionally talented actor playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill. Downey Sr. is known for directing the Madison Avenue advertising satire "Putney Swope" and myriad projects including episodes of TV's "The Twilight Zone." "I'd like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. Keep reading to see more stars who died this year…, RELATED: Stars we lost to the coronavirus, Melvin Van Peebles — a pioneer of modern Black cinema — died on Sept. 21 at his home in New York City. Three separate shootings took place in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on March 26, making national headlines — and a former reality star was killed in one of them. The former Marine and gold-medal-winning Olympic boxer was 67. # 1. This is a tribute to them. Rock 'n' roll used to be synonymous with sex and drugs, but these days, it's all about the money. There will never be anyone quite like him," Al wrote. "She lit up a room with her laughter, but she especially radiated joy and thankfulness when talking about the career she so loved and how lucky she was. "Drug overdose suspected in death of former Weezer bass player". He was 78. Chadwick Boseman. "Steel Magnolias" co-star Dolly Parton told "Today" that Olympia was "one of my favorite people that I have ever known or worked with," while another "Magnolias" co-star, Sally Field, tweeted that "Everyone loved her. By Megan French. "In an unparalleled career distinguished by relentless innovation, boundless curiosity and spiritual empathy, Melvin Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape through his films, novels, plays and music," said a statement from his family, The Criterion Collection and Janus Films, as reported by, . In the '60s and '70s, she notably played Josephine the Plumber in TV ads for Comet cleanser. Clarence got his start in the theater and earned a Tony nomination for his performance in "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground" in 1964. website music player. The Roots' Questlove wrote a long message that began, "Biz built me man. He certainly never pandered. Early in his career, Gavin also notably appeared on "McHale's Navy" and "Hawaii Five-O" in the 1960s and in movies including "Operation Petticoat" and "Kelly's Heroes." ", Comedian Jackie Mason passed away at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City on July 24. His manager told TMZ that Mark was being treated for a heart issue. Wonderwall.com is taking a look back at the bold-faced names we lost in 2021, starting with this '70s TV star… Samoan-American actor Al Harrington, who made his acting debut as Detective Ben Kokua on the original "Hawaii Five-O," died on Sept. 21 after suffering a stroke the previous week, a rep confirmed to TheWrap. Pat Hitchcock — the only child of famed director Alfred Hitchcock and his wife, screenwriter and film editor Alma Reville — died in Thousand Oaks, California, on Aug. 9, one of her daughters confirmed to Variety. Wife Collette shared the devastating news on Facebook, writing in part, "It is with unimaginable heartbreak that I am sharing with you, that my beloved husband, Cliff Simon, passed away at 12:30pm on Tuesday March 9, 2021. "Bosch" co-star Titus Welliver described him as "an actor's actor and deeply kind man" and pal Michael McKean called him "a wonderful songwriter, poet, and actor, much beloved by everyone who knew him. He was 89. He was 84. Jahmil French, who played Dave Turner on the hit series "Degrassi: The Next Generation" and Dante Mendoza on the Netflix series "Soundtrack," died on March 1, his agent confirmed to Variety. This book helps readers learn inside information about the world's most popular bands that translates directly and memorably into actionable business practices. Conservative talk radio host Phil Valentine, who in July was hospitalized with COVID-19, died from complications caused by the illness in August. He also famously starred opposite daughter Blake as her character's father in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and its sequel. To date they have sold over 30 million records, and Hutchence's death in 1997 has become something of a strange legend. Beautiful soul. Another former Four Seasons bandmate, Tommy DeVito, also died from coronavirus complications in September 2020. On Feb. 18, Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales of The Fat Boys passed away in a Miami hospital — one day before his 53rd birthday. Stars Who Died In 2021: Willie Garson, Norm Macdonald, DMX & More. Her thoughts and those of the Royal Family are with them.". The terms "rock and roll" and "rock" each have a variety of definitions, some narrow and some wider. You would have liked him, too. The acclaimed character actor was 91. The Black Panther star died at the age of 43 in August 2020 at his Los Angeles home after secretly battling colon cancer for four years. . Retrieved 8 December 2017. "Heaven just got even more Wonderful.". The college student had been reported missing days earlier. Captain Sir Tom, who was knighted for his fundraising efforts by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2020, was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 31 after being treated for pneumonia and testing positive for the coronavirus the previous week, Sky News reported.