Celebrity deaths in the summer of 2009.

The summer of 2009 will be remember in pop culture history for the amount of deaths it brought with it. Now that September is underway let's hope we don't loose any more beloved icons.

The deaths began early in the summer with actor David Caradine. Caradine was best known for his role on "Kung Fu" and his work in the "Kill Bill" films. The actor was found on June 3rd hanging from in his closet. He was 72 years old.

Just twenty days later on June 23rd we lost another pop culture icon. Ed McMahon. Remembered for being Johnny Carson's side kick on the "Tonight Show." Also for hosting the very popular "Star Search," and his work with "Publishers Clearing House." He was 86 years old at the time of his death.

Then game the day that rocked the country. June 25th. Just two days after Ed McMahon had passed, reports came in that "Charlie's Angels" star, Farrah Fawcett had died, ending her long struggle with cancer. Her trials were documented in her television special "Farrah's Story." The beauty was surrounded by friends, family, and long time love, Ryan O'neil. She died at the age of 62.

Later that very same day the nation was shocked and saddened by the breaking news that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson had passed away in his L.A. home at the age of 50. The singer was rushed to the hospital after a 911 call came in saying that the star was in cardiac arrest. Jackson was in the middle of intense rehearsals for his latest and final tour, "This is it." In August Jackson's death was official ruled a homicide with the anesthetic propofol and other drugs causing the singers death. The King Of Pop was just laid to rest on Thursday, two months after his death.

Three days later 50 year old Billy Mays was found dead by his wife. The infomercial guru who brought the world products such as Oxy Clean, died from heart disease. But traces of cocaine were also found in the tv personalities toxicology report.

July 4th, Football great, Steve McNair was shot and killed by his mistress, Sahel Kazemi. Kazemi then killed herself. The 36 year old baller was a three time pro bowler.

Walter Cronkite, age 92 died on July 17th. The influential journalist and news anchor died at his New York home from cerebral vascular disease.

John Hughes, age 59 died on August 6th. The director and  master of the 80's teen movie scene died from a heart attack in New York City. His most popular films include; "The Breakfast Club," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Pretty in Pink," and "Home Alone." 

August 11th, Eunice Kennedy Shriver died at the age of 88. Mother of Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife, Maria Shriver and sister to the famous Kennedy bunch, John F, Ted, and Bobby, Eunice helped with charities and the popularization of the movement that later became the Special Olympics. Her work still lives on.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver's brother, Ted Kennedy died just two weeks later on August 25th. He was 77 years old. Ted Kennedy had been battling brain cancer. The politician has spent many many years as a senator on Capital Hill become a most influential and liberal voice for our country.

The last of the summer deaths was Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein,36. The popular DJ who was once engaged to Nicole Richie was found dead at his New York City home on August 28th. The famous spinner had survived a fatal plane crash that took the lives of four leaving himself and Blink 182 drummer, Travis Barker, the sole survivors. The cause of death has yet to be determined but reports are looking at drug overdose. He was laid to rest on September 3rd.