Another year flies by and far too many beloved celebrities passed away. Here are a few for us to remember: 

January

• Derek Draper: The author and former political adviser, died aged 56 from extreme complications from Covid since contracting the disease in March 2020. Probably most famous for being TV presenter Kate Garroway’s husband. 
• David Soul: Soul is best known for his role as one half of the ’70’s buddy cop duo “Starsky & Hutch.” Soul would later reprise his role alongside partner Paul Michael Glaser in the 2004 big-screen remake starring Owen Wilson as Hutch and Ben Stiller as Starsky. Outside of acting, Soul was also a chart-topping singer who reached #1 on the Billboard charts with “Don’t Give Up on Us” and “Silver Lady.” He was 80.
• Glynis Johns: British actress Glynis Johns has appeared in over 60 films in a career spanning eight decades. Her most notable role came as Mrs. Banks opposite Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in “Mary Poppins.” Her TV roles included appearances on “Cheers,” “Murder She Wrote” and “The Love Boat.” Johns died at her home of natural causes. She was 100.
• Franz Beckenbauer: German and World Cup football legend Franz Beckenbauer was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. A talented defender, he won an array of trophies and honours across his glittering career, including a World Cup with West Germany as both a player and a manager, and two Ballon d’Or awards. He died aged 78.
• Annie Nightingale: Nightingale was Radio 1s first female DJ. She first appeared as a panelist on the BBC’s Jukebox Jury before joining the station as a mainstay seven years later. She was awarded an MBE in 2002, a CBE in 2020. 

February

• Carl Weathers: After playing for the Oakland Raiders for two seasons, Carl Weathers retired from pro football in 1974 to pursue acting. His breakout role came in 1976, when he played Apollo Creed in the movie “Rocky.” He would reprise that role in three “Rocky” sequels. He also starred in the movie “Predator”and the hit streaming series “The Mandalorian.” He died at the age of 76.
• Jonnie Irwin: The presenter of A Place In The Sun and Escape To The Country died on 2nd February, aged 50. He announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020.
• Ian Lavender: Lavender was the last surviving member of the main cast of the BBC sitcom Dad’s Army, which ran from 1968 to 1977, playing “stupid boy” Private Pike. He also appeared in EastEnders, Yes Minister and the 1970s TV version of The Glums and the film Carry On Behind. He died on 2nd February 2024, aged 77.
• Steve Wright: He hosted shows for the BBC for over 40 years and hosted his popular show Steve Wright in the Afternoon from 1981-2022. He died at the age of 69 and the BBC’s director of music was among those paying tribute, saying: “He loved radio, and he loved the BBC, but most of all… he loved his audience.”
• Robin Windsor: The Ipswich-born Latin and ballroom dancer and Strictly Come Dancing professional died on 19th February 2024, aged 44.
• John Savident: Savident arrived on the famous cobbles in 1994 and was quickly established as a fan favourite, known for playing the booming-voiced butcher Fred Elliott. Fred’s disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals, provided many of the character’s most memorable storylines on the soap. He also had a secret son, Ashley, played by Steven Arnold, and the two later developed a close bond as they worked as butchers together. He died aged 86. 

March

• Dave Myers: Myers met his on-screen cooking partner Si King on the set of an ITV drama back in 1995. The pair then starred together on TV in 2004, on The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook in 2004. Over almost 30 years, the two became British TV cooking favourites and published more than 25 books.
• Tony Green: The popular darts commentator became known to a wider audience by co-hosting the TV quiz show Bullseye with the late Jim Bowen. He died on 4th March 2024, aged 85.
• Louis Gossett Jr.: Gossett Jr. is best known for his role in the 1982 film, “An Officer and a Gentleman,” a role that earned him a Golden Globe and a best supporting actor Oscar. He was the first African American actor to win in the category. He was 87.

April

• Peter Higgs: Nobel Prize-winning physicist Professor Peter Higgs died this year, age 94. His pioneering theory led to the discovery of the Higgs boson particle. This particle, also known as the “God particle”, explains why matter has mass and holds the universe together.
• O. J. Simpson: The former American football great who was accused of and ultimately acquitted of the brutal 1994 slayings of his ex-wife and her friend. He had a second career as an actor, appearing in the Naked Gun series, The Towering Inferno, Capricorn One and many other movies and TV shows. He was 76. 
• Terry Carter: 

May

• Bernard Hill: Hill, famed for his role as King Theoden in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic, died earlier this year at age 79. He also featured as Yosser Hughes in the iconic drama series Boys From The Blackstuff.
• Dabney Coleman: Perhaps best known for his role as the boss in the movie “9 to 5,” Dabney Coleman also had supporting roles in the hit movies “Tootsie” and “You’ve Got Mail.” He appeared in TV shows such as “The Fugitive,” “Bonanza,” and, more recently, “Broadway Empire,” for which he won two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was 92. 
• David Wilkie: The Scottish athlete was the only person to have held British, Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic swimming titles simultaneously. He died on 22nd May 2024, aged 70.
• Morgan Spurlock: The American documentary maker, who was best known for his 2004 fast food film Super Size Me, died on 23rd May 2024, aged 53.

June

• Rob Burrow: Former Rugby League player, campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) following his own diagnosis of the illness. He played for Leeds Rhinos throughout his entire league career, and played internationally for England and Great Britain. He was celebrated for his bravery in living with his illness and was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List before dying at age 41.
• Michael Mosley: TV Doctor Michael Mosley died earlier this year age 67 after going missing on holiday on the Greek island of Symi. Michael was known for his commitment to medical journalism and for the documentary Infested! Living With Parasites on BBC Four, he lived with tapeworms in his gut for six weeks. 
• Jeannette Charles: The Queen’s most famous lookalike, who enjoyed a long career in film and television thanks to their uncanny resemblance. Alongside chat shows, corporate events, fete openings and other appearances, she appeared in Motörhead’s music video promoting their version of the Sex Pistols song God Save the Queen in 2000. She died at the age of 96. 
• Donald Sutherland: Sutherland’s big break came when he starred in the 1970 movie comedy “M*A*S*H.” Other films included the 1978 remake of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and the Oscar-winning 1980 drama “Ordinary People.” He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011 and an Honorary Academy Award in 2017. More recently, he appeared in “The Hunger Games” film series. Sutherland died at the age of 88.

July

• Shelley Duvall: Was an actress best known for her performance in The Shining alongside Jack Nicholson. She also starred in Popeye with Robin Williams, and Jane Campion’s Portrait of a Lady. Duvall was a regular figure of director Robert Altman, having appeared in seven of the director’s films, she was 75. 
• Ruth Westheimer: Known as Dr. Ruth, was hired for a weekly 15-minute radio show called “Sexually Speaking,” in 1980. The show became so successful that it was expanded to an hour and became the most popular radio show in NY by 1983. That same year, her book, “Dr. Ruth’s Guide to Good Sex,” was published. She went on to publish more than 40 books. She died aged 96.
• Shannen Doherty: Actress Shannen Doherty, best-known for her roles on TV’s “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed” series and movies like “Heathers,” “Mallrats,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” Doherty lost her battle with cancer at the age of 53.
• Richard Simmons: Simmons was a fitness personality who, after going through his own weight-loss journey, wanted to motivate others. He opened a gym in Los Angeles in 1974 and released popular workout videos, such as “Sweatin’ To The Oldies.” He appeared on the soap opera “General Hospital,” and starred in his own TV series, “The Richard Simmons Show”. He died at the age of 76.
• Ray Reardon: The Welsh six-time World Snooker Championship winner died on 19th July 2024, aged 91. 

August

• John Anderson: “Contenders, ready! Gladiators, ready!” For those who grew up in the 1990s, Anderson’s was one of the most familiar voices of Saturday night TV. He was best known as the umpire in the original ITV series of Gladiators, which aired between 1992 and 2000, and the revamped Sky series in 2008. But the Scottish sports coach also trained more than 100 Olympians and was inducted into the Coaching Hall of Fame in 2002. He died at the age of 92
• Graham Thorpe: The Surrey cricketer, who represented England in 100 Test matches and 82 One Day Internationals sadly took his own life on 4th August 2024. He was 55.
• Gena Rowlands: Actress Gena Rowlands made her TV debut in 1954. After years of working in television, she started making movies, most notably, “Woman Under The Influence“, and “Gloria”. More recently, she appeared in the 2004 hit movie “The Notebook” as well as TV shows such as “Monk” and “NCIS.” She died aged 96.
• Alain Delon: The French actor and star of films such as The Leopard, The Yellow Rolls Royce and Girl On A Motorcycle died on 18th August 2024, aged 88. 
• Phil Donahue: Famed TV talk show host Phil Donahue was known for “The Phil Donahue Show,” which aired for nearly 30 years. He died aged 88. 
• Dewi “Pws” Morris: Best known for his leading role in the 1978 rugby comedy film Grand Slam, Morris died in August, aged 76.

September

• Sven-Göran Eriksson: The football manager was the England team’s first foreign manager and he coached football icons such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard back in 2001. During his tenure, the England team beat Germany 5-1 in 2001, reached the quarter-finals in 2004 and again for the World Cup in 2006. He died of cancer aged 76.
• James Earl Jones: Jones’s signature deep, rumbling voice gave life to iconic movie characters, such as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s The Lion King. He also starred in classics such as Conan the Barbarian, Coming to America and The Hunt for Red October. He also achieved EGOT status, winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. He died at age 93 surrounded by family and Mark Hamill, who played his son Luke Skywalker, paid tribute to the actor saying: “RIP dad.”
• Clive Everton: Was known to millions worldwide as the calm, authoritative voice of televised snooker, but of even greater importance was his work as a campaigning journalist for better governance of the game. He died aged 87.
• Dame Maggie Smith: Maggie Smith performed in theatre, movies and television during her over 60-year career. Having appeared in more than 50 films, Smith is known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” films and “Downton Abbey.” In addition to winning two Academy Awards, Smith earned five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes. In 1990, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She was 89.

October

• Kris Kristofferson: Kris Kristofferson was more than just a country music icon and formidable actor, he was also a Rhodes scholar, Army veteran and Golden Gloves boxer. However, he’s most known for his roles in “Blade”, “Convoy” and “A Star is Born,” which won him a Golden Globe. He was 88.
• John Amos: Actor John Amos starred in the hit TV show “Good Times,” that aired from 1974 to 1976, and in the iconic 1977 miniseries “Roots.” His movie credits include  “Coming To America,” and “Die Hard 2.” He died at the age of 84.
• Alex Salmond: Salmond led the Scottish National Party between 1990 and 2000, befoe serving again from 2004-2014. He was a prominent figure in the Scottish nationalist movement and went on to form his own party. At the time of his death at 69, he had been the leader of the nationalist Alba Party since 2021.
• Liam Payne: Payne rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. The band released five albums and won numerous awards. Payne died Oct. 16 after falling from his hotel room in Buenos Aires. He was 31. 
• Geoff Capes: The British Olympic shot putter and strongman died aged 75. Capes set the record for the longest shot put by a British man with a distance of 21.68m in 1980. 

November

• Janey Godley: The Scottish comedian found viral fame with her dubbed imitations of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s COVID-19 news briefings during the pandemic. She also appeared on shows including Have I Got News For You, the Scottish soap opera River City, and crime drama Traces. She died of cancer aged 63. 
• Quincy Jones: Music legend Quincy Jones died on November 3 at age 91. He was a 28-time Grammy winner, working with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles and many more. 
• Tony Todd: The Washington-born actor was best known for the title role in the 1992 horror film Candyman and 1986’s Platoon. He also appeared in the remake of Night of The Living Dead, The Crow, Final Destination and the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. He died on 6th November, aged 69.
• Timothy West: West was a star of stage and screen and was known for his roles in soaps Coronation Street and Eastenders. He was married to Prunella Scales who played Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers. He died peacefully aged 90 “after a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage”. 
• John Prescott, Baron Prescott: Prescott was the longest-serving deputy prime minister in British history, serving in Neil Kinnock’s shadow cabinet before becoming Tony Blair’s deputy. He was a former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman, who served as MP for Kingston upon Hull East for 40 years. He died at the age of 86 and former prime minister Tony Blair paid tribute saying John was: “One of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics.”

December

• Barbara Taylor Bradford: The author of best-selling novels including A Woman of Substance, died at the age of 91. Published in 1979, A Woman of Substance sold 30 million copies and spawned seven sequels and a TV adaptation, which is still the most-watched programme in Channel 4’s history.
• Terry Griffiths: The Welsh snooker player, who won the world championship in 1979, died from complications from dementia aged 77. In 2007 was made an OBE for his services to the sport.
• Jimmy Carter: Former President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work to end conflict and advance human rights. Born to a peanut farmer in Georgia, he faced a daunting era of rising energy costs, inflation, and world crises during his White House years. He died aged 100 and was often called “the best former president in history.” 

So, some housekeeping before we come to the end of this years competition. I missed that Neil had Alwen Hughes listed as his Woman. As Rolf Harris’ wife she was a good bet, sadly for Neil, she didn’t get a Wiki listing when she died, so nil points I’m afraid! Other than that, I actually kept on top of things this year! 

With only a couple more days to go, I’m still the points leader, at the moment… In the 33 years I have been running The Dead Pool I have never come close to winning and I promise that I didn’t send out the Flying Monkeys after the people I listed! Honest! 

Look Who You Could Have Had:

• Art Evans, 82, American actor (Die Hard 2, A Soldier’s Story, Fright Night), complications from diabetes. 
• Hudson Meek, 16, American actor (Baby Driver), traffic collision. 
• Geoffrey Deuel, 81, American actor (The Young and the Restless, The F.B.I., Chisum), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 
• Maria Farrugia, 112, Maltese supercentenarian, oldest known person ever from Malta^. 
• Burt, c. 90, Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodile Dundee). 
• Manmohan Singh, 92, Indian politician, prime minister (2004–2014), heart disease. 
• Dayle Haddon, 76, Canadian model and actress (North Dallas Forty, Cyborg), carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Olivia Hussey, 73, British actress (Romeo and Juliet, Black Christmas, Jesus of Nazareth), breast cancer. 
• Charles Shyer, 83, American screenwriter and film director (Private Benjamin, Father of the Bride, The Parent Trap). 

In Other News

Former US President Bill Clinton has been discharged from the hospital after being treated for the flu, a spokesperson said on Tuesday. “He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received,” Angel Ureña wrote on Twitter. Clinton was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center on Monday evening for tests and observation after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was last admitted to the hospital for six days in 2021 in California after developing an infection that reached his blood. The 42nd US president, who served in the White House from 1993 to 2001, is also known to have suffered with heart issues in the past. In 2004, aged 58, he had a quadruple bypass surgery after doctors found signs of extensive heart disease and, ten years later, he had a clogged artery opened after complaining of chest pains. He has been active since leaving office, starting what later became known as the Clinton Foundation, which partnered with American Heart Association to form the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Not long after his second surgery, the ex-president – known for his love of fatty foods – went vegan. He told Politico in 2016, “I might not be around if I hadn’t become a vegan. It’s great.”  

One of the stars of Crocodile Dundee, who appeared alongside Paul Hogan in the 1986 blockbuster, has died at an estimated age of 90, the reptile’s caretakers have confirmed. Burt, the five-metre-long, 700kg saltwater crocodile, died in captivity at Crocosaurus Cove, a crocodile herpetarium and aquarium in Darwin, Australia, where he had been living since 2008. In a statement, the zoo said on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee. Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.” The average saltwater crocodile typically lives for about 70 years but some may live for up to 100 years. The species is the largest reptile on the planet and is capable of eating any animal that strays too close to it. Burt became one of the world’s most famous reptiles thanks to the worldwide success of the Peter Faiman-directed film Crocodile Dundee, which remains the highest-grossing Australian film of all time. Paying tribute to the titular crocodile, the zoo reflected on Burt’s inspiring story and rise to fame, when he was captured in the early 1980s before his big screen debut. “Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife.” The zoo remarked that Burt was a “confirmed bachelor” and was fiercely independent, judging by his lack of enthusiasm to meet a mate on the crocodile farm.  

Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts has revealed he does not know how long he has left to live. The 61-year-old, who has presented the popular BBC property auction series since 2017, has undergone a series of health complications in that period. In 2022, the TV host revealed doctors had told him he had just hours to live after he suffered a pericardial effusion, a condition caused by too much fluid build up around the heart, and was rushed into emergency life-saving surgery. At the time, he had thought the chest pains were the effects of long Covid. Following the operation, Roberts admitted he still has “twinges” in his chest, which cause him to worry. He admitted “I don’t know how much time I’ve got left”, as he went against advice to “slow down”. “The physical side of things took a lot longer than we thought to get around, I still get twinges and every single time I get a twinge in my chest, I panic. As anyone who has had any kind of problems with their heart would attest to it.” He explained that he was only told much later that he “probably had maybe two or three hours to live” when he underwent emergency surgery, according to a consultant. “That was two to three hours from dying and not being here and not seeing the kids anymore and not fulfilling all my ambitions and doing all the things I want to do,” he explained. “So that’s sort of the psychological side of that. It takes a lot longer to get over than the physical side.” However, Roberts said that despite medical advice to slow down, he has taken the opportunity to do more than ever. “I was told I need to slow down and take things easy and all that kind of stuff, and I’ve gone completely the other way,” he said. “I don’t know how much time I’ve got left, so I just want to do as much as I possibly can.” he said. 

On This Day

• 1913 – Cecil B. DeMille starts filming Hollywood’s first feature film, The Squaw Man.
• 2006 – The UK settles its Anglo-American loan, post-WWII loan debt.
• 2013 – Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher suffers a massive head injury while skiing in the French Alps.

Deaths

• 1170 – Thomas Becket, English archbishop and saint (b. 1118).
• 1986 – Harold Macmillan, English politician, Prime Minister of the UK (b. 1894).
• 2003 – Bob Monkhouse, English comedian, actor, and game show host (b. 1928).
• 2020 – Pierre Cardin, Italian-French fashion designer (b. 1922).
• 2022 – Pelé, Brazilian footballer (b. 1940).
• 2022 – Vivienne Westwood, English fashion designer (b. 1941).

Last Week’s Birthdays

Jude Law (52), Ted Danson (77), Jon Voight (86), Danny McBride (48), Lilly Wachowski (57), Denzel Washington (70), Sienna Miller (43), Noomi Rapace (45), Joe Manganiello (48), Timothée Chalamet (29), Olivia Cooke (31), Gérard Depardieu (76), Kit Harington 38), Jared Leto (53), Temuera Morrison (64), Sissy Spacek (75), Annie Lennox (70), Carol Vorderman (64), Finn Wolfhard (22), and Harry Shearer (81).

Another strange week. I could have sworn Eddie Stobart was already dead, but apparently it was his son Edward Stobart who died a while back. One week to go, get your lists sorted for next year and ask your morbid friends to join in.  

Look Who You Could Have Had:

• Jean Adamson, 96, British writer (Topsy and Tim). 
• Mary Keir, 112, British supercentenarian, oldest person in Wales (since 2021). 
• Joseph Edward Corcoran, 49, American convicted mass murderer, execution by lethal injection. 
• John Marsden, 74, Australian writer (Tomorrow, When the War Began, So Much to Tell You).
• Steve Lewinson, 60, British bass guitarist (Simply Red). 
• Kevin Ray Underwood, 45, American convicted murderer, execution by lethal injection. 
• Eddie Stobart, 95, British businessman.

In Other News

A bizarre hunting accident ended in the deaths of both a bear and a father in Virginia. A group of hunters were reportedly tracking a bear in Lunenburg County, between Richmond and Danville, Virginia, on December 9th when the animal ran up into a tree to escape its pursuers. A hunter shot the bear, which fell out of the tree, crushing and killing another member of the party. The man has been identified by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources as Lester Harvey, 58, of Phenix, Virginia. The bear fell approximately 10 feet and landed on Harvey, who was standing under the tree, according to the Flying Monkeys. A member of the hunting party provided first aid until Harvey could be transported to a nearby hospital, but he ultimately died from his injuries on Friday, according to the wildlife department. According to his obituary, Harvey was a married father of five and had eight grandchildren. He worked as a self-employed contractor and reportedly loved the outdoors. A funeral for Harvey has been scheduled for Thursday.  Josh Harvey, one of his sons, said in a Facebook post that his dad was “injured extremely badly” doing what he loved the most along with his good friends. The post included photos from the hunting trip along with the dead bear and videos from his time in hospital. Despite the odd circumstances leading to Harvey’s death, it’s not unheard of for hunters to die or sustain severe injuries in the chaos of trying to kill a fleeing animal. In Alaska in 2018, a hunter was critically injured after his hunting partner shot a bear that was standing on a ridge. The bear fell down a slope next to the ridge, dislodging rocks that tumbled down and struck the man. A year later, another hunter in North Carolina was injured when his partner shot a bear in a tree. The bear fell out, but wasn’t dead; it defended itself and began attacking the hunter. The man and the bear then tumbled off a cliff together. The hunter was rushed to a nearby hospital, and the bear was later found dead.  

Police looking for a Britain’s Got Talent comic who has been missing since Monday have found a body. Officers looking for missing man Martyn Crofts, who impressed BGT judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon in the show’s sixth series in 2012, issued the update. He made it through to the semi-final stage as his oddball act with a saucepan on his head earned him the nickname ‘The Pan Man’ . In another round he sang a song while impersonating a Dalek from Doctor Who.  Police found a body on the Whinny Gill reservoir in Skipton, North Yorkshire on December 16th. While identification is still ongoing, the family has been informed and are being supported, North Yorkshire said. Following this, tributes have been pouring in for the 55-year-old on social media saying he was was ‘a light in everyone’s life’ who ‘put smiles on our faces while the world was at uncertainty’.  

A girl with a very rare genetic condition which causes rapid bodily aging has died at the age of 19 in South Africa. Influencer Beandri Booysen had been diagnosed with Progeria – also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) – an incredibly rare condition which affects only around one in four million babies in the world and causes children to rapidly age. Babies born with the condition tend to appear healthy at birth, but tend to start showing signs of premature aging within the first two years of life. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Progeria slows a person’s growth rate and hampers their weight gain as well as leading to a number of other symptoms including hair loss, wrinkled skin and a loss of fat underneath the skin. Booysen, from South Africa, had gained a significant following on social media after she and her family shared her journey with thousands of people. However, earlier this month (18th December), her family released a statement on Facebook announcing that she had sadly died. In the group ‘Beandri, Our Inspiration’, which was created by her family 15 years ago, they said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspiring young women. Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh but also as the last surviving individual in South Africa living with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age prematurely. Despite the challenges she faced, Beandri radiated hope and joy. She became a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs, using her unique spirit to inspire thousands of people worldwide. The Booysen family kindly requests privacy during this profoundly difficult time as they mourn the loss of their beloved Beandri.” Her mother shared on 8th October that Beandri had gone in for heart surgery and had thanked fans for their support. 

On This Day

• 856 – Damghan earthquake: An earthquake near the Persian city of Damghan kills an estimated 200,000 people, the sixth deadliest earthquake in recorded history.
• 1965 – In the United Kingdom, a 70 miles per hour speed limit is applied to all rural roads including motorways for the first time.
• 2001 – Richard Reid attempts to destroy a passenger airliner by igniting explosives hidden in his shoes aboard American Airlines Flight 63.

Deaths

• 1880 – George Eliot, English novelist and poet (b. 1819).
• 1943 – Beatrix Potter, English children’s book writer and illustrator (b. 1866).
• 2014 – Joe Cocker, English singer-songwriter (b. 1944).
• 2018 – Paddy Ashdown, British politician (b. 1941).

Last Meals

Joseph Edward Corcoran was an American convicted mass murderer who was executed for a 1997 quadruple murder case in Indiana. Corcoran was found guilty of the 1997 murders of his brother, his sister’s fiancé, and two of their friends at his house, and sentenced to death in 1999. Prior to this, Corcoran was previously charged in 1992 with murdering his parents when he was nearly 17 but was acquitted of all charges.

On April 14, 1992, four days short of reaching his 17th birthday, Joseph Corcoran allegedly murdered his parents – 53-year-old Jack Corcoran and 47-year-old Kathryn Corcoran.

At around 8.30am, Corcoran’s parents were found dead inside their Ball Lake home at Steuben County, Indiana, sustaining gunshot wounds caused by a shotgun. Evidence showed that Corcoran likely murdered his parents with a 12-gauge shotgun. He allegedly believed they were too strict with him, had sold a car he thought would belong to him, burned his music tapes, and made him go to church. The timing of the discovery of his parents’ bodies was an hour after Corcoran boarded the school bus to school. His friends had testified that Corcoran had offered them $200 and a shotgun to kill his parents, and their conversations revolved around killing people and animals. However, the evidence against Corcoran was circumstantial and no direct evidence was found to prove Corcoran guilty of the double murder. 

On July 26, 1997, five years after allegedly killing his parents, Joseph Corcoran committed the quadruple murder of his brother and three other men.

Corcoran was inside his house in with his 30-year-old brother James Corcoran. They shared the house with their sister Kelly Nieto and her 32-year-old fiancé Robert Scott Turner. Friends 30-year-old Timothy G. Bricker and 30-year-old Douglas A. Stillwell were also inside the house that day. Corcoran’s sister was absent from home and at a nearby store at that time.

According to court and media sources, James, his friends, and Turner were together in the living room, watching television and eating pizza. Corcoran, who was upstairs on the second floor, purportedly overheard the four men talking about him in the living room. Prosecutors claim Corcoran overheard those in the living room talking about his alleged involvement in the murder of his parents. Enraged at this, Corcoran confronted the men with a gun. Before he did so, Corcoran took his seven-year-old niece into an upstairs bedroom to protect her from the gunfire and then loaded a semi-automatic rifle and moved to the living room with the weapon. Corcoran shot his brother, Turner, and Bricker. Stillwell was able to evade the initial onslaught and attempted to escape, but Corcoran shot and killed Stillwell before he could leave the house.

After murdering the four men, Corcoran stepped out of the house and asked a neighbour to call the police. When the police arrived, they found the bodies of the four men, and found Corcoran’s niece unharmed inside her bedroom. Authorities also discovered about 20 to 30 weapons inside the attic of Corcoran’s house. 

When Corcoran’s sister received word of the murders, she told the press that the truth of Corcoran murdering her other brother and fiancé made her completely view the murders of her parents in a different light. She was now certain that Corcoran was guilty of their parents’ murders in 1992. Previously, she and James defended him fiercely in court. Corcoran’s sister stated that she cried over the case and blamed Corcoran for ruining her life with the loss of their parents and James. 

Unsurprisingly, the then 22-year-old Joseph Corcoran was arraigned in court on four counts of murder, one for each of his victims. On May 22, 1999, Corcoran was found guilty of murder on all four counts. The jury returned with their verdict two days later, unanimously recommending Corcoran receive four death sentences for all the four killings. 

After being sentenced in 1999, Joseph Corcoran spent more than two decades on death row at Indiana State Prison.  

Early on the morning of December 18, 2024, Corcoran was executed by lethal injection at the Indiana State Prison. He was pronounced dead at 12:44 am, eight minutes after he received a single dose of pentobarbital. No media attendees were permitted, although Corcoran chose a reporter with the Indiana Capital Chronicle as one of his witnesses.

Corcoran reportedly requested ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s for his last meal, without specifying a particular flavour. Corcoran was granted a final meeting with his family, including his wife Tahina, whom he married while in prison. Corcoran’s last words were “Not really. Let’s get this over with.” 

Corcoran was the first condemned inmate to be executed in Indiana after a 15-year moratorium on executions since 2009. Corcoran was the 24th death row prisoner to have his death sentence carried out in the U.S. in 2024.

Last Week’s Birthdays

Ralph Fiennes (62), Vanessa Paradis (52), Samuel L. Jackson (76), Kiefer Sutherland (58), Jane Fonda (87), Jenny Agutter (72), Jonah Hill (41), Jake Gyllenhaal (44), Kristy Swanson (55), Alyssa Milano (52), Jennifer Beals (61), Richard Hammond (55), Emily Atack (35), Christina Aguilera (44), Steve Austin (60), Sia (49), Keith Richards (81), Brad Pitt (61), Steven Spielberg (78), Katheryn Winnick (47), Milla Jovovich (49), Bill Pullman (71), Laurie Holden (55), Eugene Levy (78), Ernie Hudson (79), Miranda Otto (57), and Krysten Ritter (43).

With little over two weeks left, we seem to have hit a quiet period for celebrity deaths. I hate to do this before Xmas, but the Flying Monkeys have been deployed! 

Look Who You Could Have Had:

• Tom Voyce, 43, English rugby union player (Bath, Wasps, national team), drowned. 
• Sir David McMurtry, 84, Irish metrology industrialist, co-founder of Renishaw plc. 
• Arnold Yarrow, 104, British actor (Doctor Who, EastEnders), screenwriter and novelist. 
• Michael Cole, 84, American actor (The Mod Squad, General Hospital, It). 
• María Socas, 65, Argentine actress (The Warrior and the Sorceress, Wizards of the Lost Kingdom, Deathstalker II). 
• Duncan Norvelle, 66, English comedian.

In Other News

The Wanted musician, Max George, will spend Christmas in hospital after medical tests have revealed problems with this heart. The 36-year-old has been a part of the band alongside Siva Kaneswaran, Nathan Sykes, Jay McGuinness, and the late Tom Parker, since 2009. George’s news comes two years after the death of Parker following an 18-month experience with brain cancer. He revealed he was rushed into hospital and some issues were found with his heart. “Hey everyone, Yesterday I felt really unwell and was taken in to hospital,” George wrote in a post on Instagram on Thursday night, wearing a hospital gown. “Unfortunately after some tests they’ve found that I have some issues with my heart.” Although he did not confirm the nature of the diagnosis, he said, “I have a lot more tests to determine the extent of the problems and what surgery I will need to get me back on my feet. It’s gonna be a difficult few weeks / months… and Christmas in a hospital bed wasn’t exactly what I had planned!” He thanked his loved ones and his girlfriend and Eastenders actor Maisie Smith for their support. “As always, I’m surrounded with love and support by my wonderful partner Maisie, her family, my family and friends.. and I’m 100 per cent in the best place. Although this is a huge shock and no doubt a setback, it’s something I’ll take on with all I’ve got! I count myself very lucky that this was caught when it was. Apologies if I bore you with updates in the coming weeks.. I’ve probably got a month in a bed and there’s not THAT much to do! Let’s do this! Much love, Max x”. 

Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke has revealed that his neighbours “saved” him from his home as he attempted to evacuate due to the devastating Malibu Franklin Fire. The Franklin Fire, another late-year wildfire fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Officials confirmed nine structures were destroyed and six had been damaged. Evacuations in Malibu displaced thousands of residents, including celebrities Dick Van Dyke and Cher. According to the Flying Monkeys, the Mary Poppins star, who turned 99 on Friday, admitted that he had a lucky escape from the fire and was thankful to his neighbours. Van Dyke said: “The fire was coming from the hill, you could see it. And oh my God, and we got out of here. I was trying to crawl to the car, I had exhausted myself, I couldn’t get up.” He added: “Three neighbours came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house and saved me.” The actor had previously posted on Facebook on Tuesday to announce that he and his wife, Arlene Silver, were safe, but that they were not able to locate one of their pets. “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving,” he wrote about their cat at the time. “We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.” The actor later updated his followers when they found Bobo, writing: “We found Bobo as soon as we arrived back home this morning. There was so much interest in his disappearance that Animal Control was called in to assist. But, thankfully he was easy to find and not harmed.”  

Ian Hislop has been injured after he was struck by an electric bike as he was crossing a road. The 64-year-old hurt his head in the accident and has been seen wearing a large bandage on the place he was hit by the bike. The star was given medical attention and medics applied the dressing. According to reports, he is now said to be “OK”. The incident was confirmed in a statement from Private Eye. His bandage was on show as he went to an event that same evening with his wife of 36 years, Victoria Hislop. The incident comes just months after he was in a taxi when the rear window smashed. Ian was in the back of the vehicle at the time, but no injuries were reported. It happened on Oxford Street near where Private Eye’s office is based. The Metropolitan Police confirmed there was “no evidence of a firearms discharge at this time” after it was initially believed the taxi had been hit by a bullet. “I always say at this point I’m glad to be here, but this week I really mean it,” Ian stated during an episode of Have I Got News For You in October. Ian also shared a little about what police officers asked him during their investigation. He said: “There was one high point when a policeman investigating me said, ‘This may be a silly question, but is there anyone who might have a grudge against you?’

On This Day

• 1890 – Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull is killed on Standing Rock Indian Reservation, leading to the Wounded Knee Massacre. 
• 1914 – A gas explosion at Mitsubishi Hōjō coal mine, in Kyushu, Japan, kills 687.
• 1973 – The American Psychiatric Association votes 13–0 to remove homosexuality from its official list of psychiatric disorders.
• 1981 – A suicide car bombing targeting the Iraqi embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, levels the embassy and kills 61 people, including Iraq’s ambassador to Lebanon. The attack is considered the first modern suicide bombing.

Deaths

• 1944 – Glenn Miller, American bandleader and composer (b. 1904).
• 1966 – Walt Disney, American animator, director, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1901).
• 2011 – Christopher Hitchens, English essayist, literary critic, & journalist (b. 1949).
• 2013 – Joan Fontaine, British-American actress (b. 1917).
• 2017 – Heinz Wolff, scientist and TV presenter (b. 1928).

Robot Feelings

A surprising incident happened in South Korea. For the first time in history, a robot committed suicide. The robot was found dead after it leaped down a six-and-a-half-foot flight of stairs.

Before the event, an official saw the robot “circling in one spot as if something was there.” The robot was designated as a municipal council officer and could autonomously navigate floors by utilising an elevator.

The cutting-edge bot, created by California-based Bear Robotics, was the first of its type to occupy such a role. It helped with information sharing, city promotion, and daily document deliveries. It even held a card as a civil service officer who worked regular hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It remains unclear why the robot took the action. Authorities in Gumi City Council are looking into the event because they think the robot may have been “depressed,” presumably due to its workload. The sudden demise of the robot has spurred discussion about the mental health of even the most sophisticated technologies.

Headlines are ablaze with conjecture on whether the robot committed suicide due to “work stress” as reality begins to resemble a dystopian science fiction story. This scenario uncannily resembles the plot of the 2004 science fiction movie “I, Robot,” in which an advanced robot can “dream,” just like a human.

The robot’s alleged suicide received mixed responses on social media. One said it would be dangerous and scary if robots started to think like humans. Another suggested it was just an “accidental fall.” A different user believed it was just a technical failure and not an act comparable to human suicide.

Experts think that the incident was most likely a technological error or a bug, despite others sensationalising it as “robot suicide.” Since its deployment in August 2023, the robot, which was a member of the city hall staff, has been operating “diligently.”

It is said to have aided in routine duties like delivering documents, informing locals, and promoting the city. Investigations are ongoing to determine what caused the fall.

Officials said there could have been a programming problem, sensor failure, or navigational error. The company has collected the pieces and will analyse them.

The council is collaborating with Bear Robotics, the manufacturer, to investigate and prevent such occurrences in the future.

Gumi City Council is not considering replacing the deceased officer with another robot.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, South Korea has the highest robot density in the world, with one industrial robot for every ten human employees. The country is renowned for its quick adoption of robotic technology.

Last Week’s Birthdays

Helen Slater (61), Paul Kaye (59), Charlie Cox (42), Garrett Wang (56), Adam Brody (45), Don Johnson (75), Natascha McElhone (55), Miranda Hart (52), Vicki Michelle (74), Emma Corrin (29), Dick Van Dyke (99), Steve Buscemi (67), Jamie Foxx (57), Taylor Swift (35), Jennifer Connelly (54), Bill Nighy (75), Mädchen Amick (54), Mayim Bialik (49), Sarah Douglas (72), Connie Francis (87), Kenneth Cranham (80), Hailee Steinfeld (28), Kenneth Branagh (64), Fionnula Flanagan (83), Susanna Reid (54), John Malkovich (71), Judi Dench (90), Beau Bridges (83), Michael Dorn (72), and Donny Osmond (67).