Celebrities deaths in 2014

Oscar de la Renta  

The fashion designer died in his home in Kent, Connecticut in the US. He was 82 years old.  Fashionistas all over the world sent their tributes. Even our own Bonang Matheba posted a picture on her Instagram in one of the designer’s dresses.

Modisa Gaorekwe “Babes” Mphatseng    

The late Modisa Gaorekwe “Babes” Mphatseng. Picture: @iKay_Mo Twitter

Mphatseng, who was most recently on the sitcom Moferefere Lenyalong on  SABC2, died on his way to hospital. He complained of flu-like symptoms before he passed.

Joan Rivers 

American personality Joan Rivers passed away on 4 September 2014, her family said in a statement. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

The controversial comedian and entertainer died at the age of 81 after she stopped breathing during throat surgery.  There were mixed reactions to her death — while many people expressed sadness, others considered it karma for comments she made a few weeks before passing that Palestinians deserved to die.

Senzo Meyiwa 

FILE PICTURE: Senzo Meyiwa of Orlando Pirates FC. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

The Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper lost his life in what was reportedly a robbery gone wrong at the home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo. It is said he died protecting her.

Robin Williams 

US actor Robin Williams, pictured during his visit to London, on November 20, 2011

The actor and comedian committed suicide. His passing at 63 left the world in shock. His daughter Zelda had to deactivate her social media accounts following cyber bullying when the circumstances of his death were known.

Thuli “Tjovoo” Simelane

Thuli ‘Tjovoo’ Simelane. Image courtesy of Facebook.

The Zone 14 actress died at the age of 37 from heart failure. She had been in and out of hospital due to her heart condition.

James Garner 

US actor James Garner starred in the 1957-1960 cowboy series “Maverick” and also as a private detective in the 1970s show “The Rockford Files”

The award-winning actor passed away at the age of 86. He will be best remembered for his role in Maverick and playing the older version of Ryan Goslings character in The Notebook.

Moshoeshoe Chabeli

FILE PICTURE: Moshoeshoe Chabeli in a still from “The Forgotten Kingdom”

The veteran actor passed away after a battle with cancer. His most recent role was Richard on SABC2 sitcom Mponeng alongside actress Lilian Dube. He also worked on Muvhango as a script writer and acted in other South African dramas such as Gaz’lam and 90 Plein Street.

Maya Angelou   

Celebrated African-American author, poet and human rights activist Maya Angelou is pictured November 21, 2008

The American author, poet, dancer, actress and singer  died at the age of 86 in May. She published seven autobiographies — the first and most famous, I know why the caged bird sings, put her on the map. She is also known for several anthologies, and she also worked on a list of plays, movies and TV show spanning 50 years.

Paul Walker

Paul Walker. Image courtesy movies.insing.com

The Fast and Furious actor died in a car crash in which he was a passenger. He was 40 years old when he died. Fans of his work were devastated and, as he had died in the middle of filming Furious 7, his brother Caleb Walker, who closely resembles Paul, agreed to film certain scenes in his place.   

Mbulaeni Mulaudzi   

FILE PICTURE: Mbulaeni Mulaudzi on his way to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in the 800m. Picture: Duif du Toit / Gallo Images

The Olympic silver medalist long-distance runner and former world 800m champion died in a car crash at the age of 34. His passing stunned the athletics community.

This is unfortunately not a complete list of people we have lost this year. We express our condolences to the families of all the people who left us. May their souls rest in peace.