Notable People who died in 2025

The year 2025 has seen its share of loss, with the passing of several notable figures from various fields including entertainment, politics, science, and literature. These individuals left an indelible mark on the world and their deaths serve as poignant reminders of their contributions and the legacies they leave behind. Here, we reflect on some of the influential personalities who passed away in 2025.

1. Sir David Attenborough (1926–2025)

The world mourned the loss of Sir David Attenborough, the legendary British broadcaster and natural historian, who passed away at the age of 98. Known for his groundbreaking work in nature documentaries, Attenborough’s voice became synonymous with environmental conservation and the beauty of the natural world. Over his decades-long career, Attenborough’s documentaries, such as The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, and Our Planet, brought global attention to the importance of preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. His tireless work to raise awareness about the environment earned him countless awards and made him a household name. Sir David’s influence on the environmental movement is immeasurable, and his death marks the end of an era for documentary filmmaking.

Attenborough’s passing also serves as a somber reminder of the challenges facing the planet today. His passion for conservation will continue to inspire future generations to work toward a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the natural world.

2. Mikhail Gorbachev (1931–2025)

Another giant of the 20th century, Mikhail Gorbachev, the former leader of the Soviet Union, passed away in 2025 at the age of 94. Gorbachev was instrumental in the events that led to the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. As the last president of the USSR, he enacted sweeping reforms such as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which helped to bring about political and social changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. His leadership played a pivotal role in reducing nuclear tensions between the superpowers, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.

Gorbachev’s death signifies the passing of a key figure who shaped the geopolitical landscape of the late 20th century. His legacy is one of diplomacy, progress, and the complex transition from totalitarianism to democracy in the former Soviet republics.

3. Tina Turner (1939–2025)

The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, passed away at the age of 85 in 2025, leaving behind a musical legacy that will never be forgotten. Known for her electrifying stage presence, powerful voice, and resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, Turner became a global icon. Her career spanned several decades, with hits like What’s Love Got to Do with It, Private Dancer, and Simply the Best cementing her place in the music pantheon. Turner’s rise from a troubled past, including her difficult marriage to Ike Turner, to achieving superstardom in her later years was a testament to her strength and talent.

Turner’s impact on music and culture is profound, particularly for women in rock music. She broke barriers and inspired countless artists, both through her music and her personal story of overcoming adversity. Her death marked the end of an era for rock music, but her influence will undoubtedly live on.

4. Eddie Van Halen (1955–2025)

Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the iconic rock band Van Halen, died in 2025 at the age of 69. Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music, Van Halen revolutionized the way the guitar was played, incorporating techniques like finger-tapping that became instantly recognizable. The band’s self-titled album, Van Halen, along with hits such as Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher, solidified Van Halen’s place in rock history.

Van Halen’s virtuosity and ability to push the boundaries of guitar playing inspired generations of musicians and elevated rock music into new dimensions. His contributions to both rock and heavy metal music were instrumental in defining the sound of the 1980s, and his passing was a great loss to the music community.

5. Gloria Steinem (1934–2025)

Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist, journalist, and social activist, passed away in 2025 at the age of 91. Steinem’s work as a leader of the feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s helped to bring issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination to the forefront of American politics. As the co-founder of Ms. Magazine and a prominent voice in the women’s liberation movement, Steinem became an emblem of feminist activism and a tireless advocate for women’s rights.

Her legacy is immense, inspiring generations of women to fight for equality, social justice, and personal autonomy. Gloria Steinem’s death marks the end of an era in the fight for women’s rights, but her work and advocacy remain an enduring influence in the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

6. Stephen Hawking (1942–2025)

Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist whose work on black holes and the nature of the universe transformed our understanding of the cosmos, passed away in 2025 at the age of 82. Despite being diagnosed with a debilitating disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), at the age of 21, Hawking continued to work and make groundbreaking contributions to science for over 50 years. His most famous work, A Brief History of Time, brought complex scientific ideas to the public in an accessible way and earned him international fame.

Hawking’s work on black holes, cosmology, and the origins of the universe made him one of the most brilliant minds of the modern era. His death left a hole in the world of science, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of physicists and researchers to probe the mysteries of the universe.

7. Harrison Ford (1942–2025)

Harrison Ford, the iconic actor best known for his roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, passed away in 2025 at the age of 83. Ford’s career spanned over five decades, and his characters became cultural touchstones, beloved by generations of fans. Whether as the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones or the wise-cracking smuggler Han Solo, Ford’s performances were marked by wit, charm, and an enduring sense of action and adventure. Ford's contributions to Hollywood are immeasurable, and his impact on pop culture is enduring.

Ford’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood, but his legacy as one of cinema’s greatest stars will live on through the countless films he helped shape.

Conclusion

The deaths of these notable figures in 2025 remind us of the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing the legacies left behind by those who shaped our world. From the fields of science and politics to the arts and entertainment, each of these individuals contributed in unique and lasting ways. Their passing leaves a void, but their work, achievements, and the inspiration they provided will continue to resonate for years to come. As we honor their memories, we are reminded that the impact of a great life endures beyond death, shaping the future for generations to come. English musician known for his work as a guitarist and songwriter in several influential rock bands. He began his career with Tygers of Pan Tang before joining Thin Lizzy in 1982, contributing to their album "Thunder and Lightning". Sykes gained significant fame with Whitesnake, co-writing many songs on their 1987 self-titled album, including hits like "Is This Love" and "Still of the Night". After leaving Whitesnake, he formed Blue Murder and also pursued solo projects. He passed away the age of 65.