The year 2026 saw the passing of many notable figures from diverse fields, including media, sports, entertainment, and civil rights. Among them was Ted Turner, the media mogul who revolutionised news with CNN, who died in May. Turner built a vast empire encompassing TNT, the Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies, and was also a philanthropist, conservationist, and owner of the Atlanta Braves.
May also claimed Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player. After a 13-year career with six teams, Collins came out in 2013 and became an advocate for inclusion. He received the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award shortly before his death, with his twin brother Jarron accepting on his behalf. Other May deaths included French singer Claudine Longet, hockey star Claude Lemieux, congressman Barney Frank, and Gap co-founder Doris Fisher.
The year began with the loss of Diane Crump, the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race and the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby, on January 1. South Korean cinema icon Ahn Sung-ki, known as 'The Nation's Actor', died on January 5, as did CIA turncoat Aldrich Ames in prison. Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr, celebrated for works like 'Sátántangó', passed on January 6.
Hockey Hall of Famer Glenn Hall, whose 502 consecutive starts as a goaltender remains an NHL record, died on January 7. Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir, a key figure in 1960s counterculture, died on January 10. Musician John Forté, known for his work with the Fugees, died on January 12. 'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams, whose comic strip was dropped in 2023 for racist remarks, died on January 13.
Civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat in 1955, died on January 13. Fashion designer Valentino Garavani, famous for his 'Valentino red' gowns, died on January 19. Olympic weightlifting gold medallist Ota Zaremba, who later admitted to doping, died on January 23. Dr William Foege, a leader in the eradication of smallpox, died on January 24.
Canadian comic actor Catherine O'Hara, known for 'Home Alone' and 'Schitt's Creek', died on January 30. 'Sanford and Son' star Demond Wilson, who became a minister, also died on January 30. Poet and educator X.J. Kennedy died on February 1, and Three Dog Night founding member Chuck Negron, who sang 'Joy to the World', died on February 1.
