Celebrities Who Died In 2020

Alien Huang's tragic and sudden passing on September 16 is the latest in a string of shocking and heartbreaking celebrity deaths this year. One could argue that 2020 is indeed a cursed year.

In little over nine months, we’ve lost the likes of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, who died following a very private four-year battle with colon cancer, Taiwanese celeb dancer Serena Liu, who passed away while waiting for a heart transplant and Terrace House star Hana Kimura who committed suicide after facing relentless criticism online.

Here are some of the stars we lost this year. They may be gone but they are definitely not forgotten.

Died on: Jan 26 at age 41

The NBA legend was killed when the helicopter he was in crashed into the side of a mountain in California. Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine that died in the accident.

Died on: Feb 7 at age 24

Korean actress Go Soo Jung, who is best remembered for her role in the hit K-drama Goblin, was allegedly diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly before her death. However, her agency has never confirmed the speculation. Her label only announced her passing on February 12 in a statement that read: “We will always remember her and her radiant smile that lit up the world.”

Died on: Mar 22 at age 44

Taiwanese celeb dancer Serena Liu was undergoing heart valve repair surgery when her heart stopped beating. She had been in a coma for over a month and was waiting for a heart transplant when her condition deteriorated and she passed away.

Died on: May 23 at age 22

The Indonesian-Japanese professional wrestler and Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020 cast member took her own life after being a victim of cyberbullying. Hana was found in her living room in cardiac arrest, and was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Paramedics found a note that said “toxic gas is forming” on her front door, and a container of a chemical agent was found beside her bed. Japanese lawmakers are now seeking to propose new laws against cyberbullying.

Died on: May 26 at age 98

Macau casino king Stanley Ho passed away after years of deteriorating health. He is survived by three wives, 17 children, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Although Stanley’s funeral was held on July 10, he will only be laid to rest next year as there is no auspicious date for him to be buried this year. His body will remain at the Hong Kong Funeral Home before he is buried at the Chiu Yuen Cemetery on Mount Davis.

Died on: Jun 16 at age 28

When Yohan's agency, KJ Entertainment, confirmed the sad news of the K-pop idol's passing, they shared that his family requested for his cause of death not to be revealed. However, Korean media outlets reported that he had taken his own life. This was supported by fellow idol, SNUPER’s Suhyun’s comment on Yohan’s IG. It read: “It was really tough for you Yohan, I hope you’ll have nothing but happiness over there. I’ll pray a lot [for you].”

Died on: Jul 8 at age 33

The Glee star was presumed dead after she went missing while on a boating trip with her four-year-old son. Investigations suggested that she pushed her son out of the water and into the boat to save him, but couldn’t muster enough energy to hoist herself up. He was later found alone and asleep on the boat. Naya’s body was found after six days of searching and the official cause of death was drowning by accident.

Died on: Aug 1 at age 59

Taiwanese veteran actress-host Luo Peiying was found dead in her home on August 3 after a friend lodged a police report, saying that the star was unreachable for days. Reports stated that she had been dead for two days before she was discovered. Investigations have ruled out foul play as there were no injuries found on her body.

Died on: Aug 23 at age 58

Hongkong director Benny Chan was in the hospital for months after he was diagnosed with nose cancer. His condition then took a turn for the worse. During his illustrious career, Benny worked with some of Asia's biggest stars, including Andy Lau, Louis Koo, Shu Qi, Donnie Yen and Aaron Kwok.

Died on: Aug 28 at age 43

The Black Panther star passed away after a very private four-year battle with colon cancer. He had kept his condition a secret, and continued working on projects, including Black Panther and Da 5 Bloods, while undergoing treatment and chemotherapy for his illness.

Died on: Sep 14 at age 36

The Korean actress was found unconscious in her home in the wee hours of September 14. It was reported that a police spokesman was quoted saying that In Hye had tried to take her own life. According to reports, she was unconscious and in cardiac arrest, and had to be stabilised before she was transferred to a hospital. She died later that night without regaining consciousness.

Died on: Sep 14 at age 36

The Japanese actress reportedly hung herself in her Tokyo apartment and was discovered by her brother, who had dropped by after she did not respond to any of his messages and phone calls the previous day. Both her agency and the police have confirmed that she died by suicide, although the reason for taking her own life has not been determined as she did not leave a note.

Died on: Sep 16 at age 36

Alien was found unresponsive on the floor outside the bathroom of his master bedroom by his father, who immediately called emergency services. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial investigations have suggested that he died after suffering a heart attack and falling down.

Photos: PBE Media, BANG, Marvel Studios

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