Memorial to Michael Jackson (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Summer 2009 has earned an un-welcomed nickname of “The summer of death”, due the the large number of celebrities who have passed away during the past 3 months. The deaths have ranged from those due to natural causes, to the recent homicide results found in Michael Jacksons’s autopsy results. "Kung Fu" star David Carradine’s death, and later speculations and reports of his suicide were the first big shocker of the summer.
Johnny Carson’s famous co host Ed Mc Mahon also passed after a long battle with illness he is remembered most for his catch phrase “ Heeeer’s Johnny”. Thought to be a "hoax" fans soon realized that the"King of Pop" singer Michael Jackson had indeed died on June 25th. The subsequent rollercoaster of events, and accusations has been neverending
We also lost “America’s Angel” with the passing of former Charlies Angel star Farrah Fawcett. Fawcett had been bravely battling with colon cancer for years leading up to her death. She and close personal friend Alana Stewart, documented her fight in “Farrah’s Story” before her passing.
The next shocker came with the sudden death of TV pitchman Billy Mays who passed away in Florida suddenly from a reported case of “heart disease”. “America’s most trusted newsman” Walter Cronkite, also passed away this summer at the age of 91, due to natural causes. This summer also brought the end to "Camelot" as we saw the passing of Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy to brain cancer.
JUNE 2009 Deaths
6/3 -- Koko Taylor, Blues queen age 80, reported complications from stomach surgery.
6/3 -- Shih Kien, 'Enter the Dragon' villain “, age 96, due to kidney failure.
6/4 -- David Carradine, “Kung Fu” Star 72, from asphyxiation.
6/23 -- Ed McMahon, “Tonight show” co host, age 86, of natural causes.
6/25 -- Farrah Fawcett, “Charlies Angel” star62, from colon cancer.
6/25 -- Michael Jackson, “King of Pop”, age 50, homicide caused by acute propofol intoxication.
6/28 -- Billy Mays, TV pitchman , age 50, reported heart disease.
6/28 -- Fred Travalena, Entertainer , age 66, cancer.
6/29 -- Gale Storm,1950s sitcom star, age 87, of natural causes.
JULY 2009 Deaths
7/1 -- Karl Malden, Actor 97, of natural causes.
7/1 -- Harve Presnell, 'Fargo' actor, from pancreatic cancer.
7/4 -- Brenda Joyce, 'Tarzan' actress, from pneumonia.
7/17 -- Walter Cronkite, TV Anchorman, age 92, of natural causes.
7/19 -- Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes' author 78, melanoma.
7/19 -- Gordon Waller, British invasion singer , age 64, cardiovascular disease.
7/21 -- 'Les Lye, You Can't Do That on Television' star , age 84.
7/22 -- Alexis Cohen, 'American Idol' contestant, age 23, struck by car.
AUGUST 2009 Deaths
8/6 -- John Hughes, Director , age 59, heart attack.
8/10 -- Mike Seeger, Folk music revivalist ,age 75, cancer.
8/26 --Senator Ted Kennedy, died from brain cancer
8/13 -- Les Paul, Guitar innovator , age 94, from pneumonia
8/ 28 -- Adam Goldstein (known as DJ AM), age 36, cause of death is pending autopsy results.
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