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26 sports personalities we sadly lost in 2023

Be Interactive

2023-12-05 13:43:39

Chris Snow, assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames, has died from complications related to ALS. He was 42 years old. His wife Kelsie praised his courage in the face of illness.

Roman Cechmanek

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Former Flyers NHL star goaltender Roman Cechmanek has died, reports Czech media. He was reportedly found dead by one of his sons. Cechmanek is survived by his three children, sons Jakub and Roman and daughter Kateřina.

Bob Knight

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Bob Knight, a brilliant and fiery coach who won three NCAA titles at Indiana, has died. He was 83 years old.

Adam Johnson

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Former Pittsburgh Penguins player Adam Johnson has died after a horrific accident during a game in England between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers. Players from both teams had to go to the locker room after Johnson received a skate to the neck. The 8,000 supporters at Utilita Arena Sheffield were also asked to leave the arena. Screens were brought onto the ice rink to ensure the player's privacy while he received appropriate medical treatment from paramedics, according to The Sun. Sadly, Johnson's death was later confirmed. Adam Johnson was 29 years old.

Dick Butkus

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Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, widely considered one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, has died, the Chicago Bears team confirms. Butkus died "peacefully in his sleep" at his home in Malibu, California. He was 80 years old.

Tim Wakefield

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Tim Wakefield, the former Boston Red Sox star who helped end the team's long curse and finally win the World Series, has died. He was 57 years old.

Terry Funk

Credit: Capture

Wrestling legend Terry Funk has died at the age of 79, according to his daughter. Mick Foley announced it to the world.

Rick Jeanneret

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Legendary Buffalo Sabers commentator Rick Jeanneret has died at age 81. The news has left many hockey fans in mourning, sharing iconic highlights of Jeanneret over the years.

Bobby Baun

Credit: Purina Company, Wikipedia

Legendary Maple Leafs player Bobby Baun has died at the age of 86. He was one of the last Leafs to win the Stanley Cup. He became a legend for his courage, even scoring an important playoff goal in overtime despite a fractured ankle.

Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda)

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Professional wrestler and former WWE Champion Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) has died. News of his death was confirmed by WWE manager Triple H. He was only 36 years old.

Mike Ivie

Credit: Doug McWilliams/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Mike Ivie, the former 1970 MLB No. 1 pick selected by the San Diego Padres, is dead. He also played during his career for the Giants, Astros and Tigers. Mike Ivie was 70 years old.

Rodion Amirov

Credit: Capture

Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov died after a battle with brain cancer. He was just 21.

Darren Drozdov

Credit: WWE

Former NFL player and WWE star Darren Drozdov, also known as Puke and Droz, has died. His career had come to an end after a terrible neck injury, which left him quadriplegic. Many paid tribute to him, including Dwayne Johnson. Darren Drozdov was 54 years old.

Petr Klima

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Former NHL player Petr Klima has died at the age of 58. He won the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers.

Iron Sheik

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Legendary wrestler Iron Sheik has died at the age of 81. Fans were still very loyal to him and have been in mourning since the announcement of his death. He left his mark on the WWF (WWE now), notably with his rivalry with Hulk Hogan. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Tori Bowie

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Star athlete and Olympic medalist Tori Bowie has been found dead in Florida. Her family, team, friends and fans are in shock. She was only 32 years old.

Owen Davidson

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Tennis doubles legend Owen Davidson, who won 8 Grand Slam tournaments with Billie Jean King, has died aged 79. In the 1960s and 1970s, he and King dominated mixed doubles tournaments.

Gino Odjick

Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN

Former and larger-than-life Canucks (and Canadiens) field hockey player Gino Odjick died of a heart attack at the age of 52 on January 15. The NHL, fans and many communities are in mourning.

Shalie Lipp

Credit: Shalie Lipp/Instagram

Complete shock in the MMA world, as rising star Shalie Lipp suddenly dies in a terrible car accident. She was only 21 years old. Even UFC leader Dana White speaks of her death as a heartbreaking and traumatic event.

Vida Blue

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Vida Blue, who won the World Series three years in a row with the Oakland A's, has died. He was 73 years old. He also played for San Francisco and Kansas City.