In memory of those who “died suddenly” in the United States, June 26-July 3, 2023
Julian Sands; pro footballers Cedric Killings, Scott Pelluer, Darren Drozdov; rocker Rick Froberg; philanthropist R’ Avrohom Moshe Melohn; high school footballer Nik Sperounis (19, cancer), & more
UNITED STATES
Oscar Actor Julian Sands Dead At 65
June 27, 2023
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's post, the actor Julian Sands, who had been missing since mid-January, has been found dead in a devastating turn of events. Hikers near Los Angeles discovered the human remains earlier this week in the Mount Baldy area. Investigation into Sands' cause of death is ongoing, although he was known to be an accomplished hiker who loved being outside. The body has been positively identified after six months of diligent search efforts. Sands' acting career included a variety of standout parts in films like "The Killing Fields," "A Room with a View," "Leaving Las Vegas," "Warlock," "Arachnophobia," "Boxing Helena," "Smallville," and "Banshee." A region noted for its steep terrain and difficult access, particularly during the winter, Sands went missing in January close to Mount Baldy. A portion of the San Gabriel Mountains is less than 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles and has one of the tallest peaks in the region, rising to a height of more than 11,000 feet. The hunt for Sand had been put on hold because of the harsh winter weather, including the deep snow that covered some of the forests.
Rick Froberg Dies: Guitarist For San Diego’s Drive Like Jehu Was 55
July 2, 2023
Rick Froberg, a singer, guitarist and visual artist who was part of several national acts, most notably Drive Like Jehu, died suddenly on Friday in San Diego. He was 55. His death was confirmed by his longtime friend and bandmate John Reis, who wrote on Instagram that he “passed away suddenly last night from natural causes.”
No cause of death reported.
‘A Man’s Man’: Cowboys Draftee Scott Pelluer Dies
June 29, 2023
Dallas Cowboys 1981 draft pick linebacker Scott Pelluer died late Monday. He was 64. Pelluer’s brother Steve, the former Cowboys quarterback, told the Seattle Times that Scott Pelluer was placed in a medically induced coma at a Seattle hospital following a cardiac arrest late last week. “There was just something about him — a vibrancy, a passion,” Steve Pelluer, a quarterback for the Cowboys and Chiefs, told the newspaper on Tuesday. “He was a man’s man.”
Former NFL player Cedric Killings, who fractured vertebra in 2007 game, dead at 45
June 29, 2023
Cedric Killings, who played in the NFL from 2000-2007 before a fractured vertebra ended his career, died at 45 from lung cancer on June 21, according to his alma mater. “My love, my best friend, my husband of 21 years is no longer physically with me but he lives in my heart and in the hearts of our 3 children,” his wife Shavon posted on Facebook June 23.
Darren Drozdov, NFL player turned pro wrestler, dies at 54
June 30, 2023
Darren Drozdov, who had a brief career as an NFL player and then became much more famous as a professional wrestler, has died at the age of 54. Drozdov played college football at Maryland and made the Broncos as a defensive tackle in 1993, the only year he got on the field in the regular season. He also spent time with the Jets and Eagles, as well as in the CFL. During the 1993 preseason, Drozdov got a measure of notoriety when he threw up on the football during a nationally televised game. Drozdov explained to reporters that vomiting was a problem he had no control over. After his pro football career ended, Drozdov’s bad stomach actually helped his career. He was featured in the wrestling documentary Beyond the Mat meeting Vince McMahon and throwing up in his office on command, as McMahon egged him on and called him by the nickname “Puke.” Drozdov’s family released a statement today attributing his death to “natural causes.”
No cause of death reported.
Correction to our earlier report:
Naomi Judd’s Cause Of Death Revealed As Suicide: Autopsy Report
June 26, 2023
The mother of Wynonna Judd and Ashley Judd passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the age of 76 as a result of suicide. HollywoodLife obtained a copy of the autopsy report shortly after Naomi Judd‘s death in 2022, which stated that the country music superstar died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. It also stated that she left a suicide note.
Chelmsford High grad, 'tough as nails' athlete Nik Sperounis dies of cancer
July 1, 2023
Chelmsford, MA — Nik Sperounis experienced all the milestone moments of high school life: playing football under the Friday night lights, attending his senior prom surrounded by friends and accepting his diploma at graduation. The Chelmsford High School three-sport athlete did it all while battling a rare cancer, but despite his diagnosis, he served as a leader on and off the field. The summer before his junior year (2021), Nik was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, cancer in the lining of lymph and blood vessels. His cancer had metastasized, and tumors had formed in his back, neck, collarbone and rib. Nik had pushed through the aches and pains he felt during his spring wrestling season, his father, Chuck said, which now stands as a testament of his endurance and perseverance. "He had cancer all throughout his body, but we never knew it," his father told The Sun in February. "He wrestled that whole season with the cancer in his body, with a broken back and a fractured collarbone. He was tough. (But his toughness now) is just unbelievable." Shortly after his commencement, on June 18, Nik passed away. He was 18 years old.
Renowned Manhattan philanthropist dies of sudden heart attack
June 30, 2023
R’ Avrohom Moshe Melohn, a noted community leader and philanthropist from Manhattan, has passed away at the age of 62. The Monsey Scoop reports that while visiting a friend in Monsey, Rabbi Melohn suffered a heart attack and passed away shortly thereafter. The deceased, who lived in Manhattan, was a fervent follower of several leading Jewish sages, among them the late Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky. He was also connected to the Pinsk Karlin hasidic court. His sudden death from a heart attack has shocked all his many acquaintances and friends, as well as the Torah institutions that were helped by him.
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Five first responders “died suddenly”:
Kevin Tighe
July 2, 2023
Silver Spring, Maryland - Master Firefighter/EMT, and retired Metropolitan Police detective Kevin Tighe passed away on June 27, 2023, as a result of complications from a stroke suffered while on duty at the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department.
No age reported.
St. Louis County Rescue Squad 'matriarch' dies suddenly at age 63
June 30, 2023
The St. Louis County Rescue Squad said its "matriarch" Debra "Deb" Slatten suddenly passed away at the age of 63. Debra died of a "cardiac event," according to the rescue squad's Facebook. She was a member of the squad and also the wife of the squad's captain, Rick Slatten. The post said Debra "was thin, athletic and seemingly in perfect health when something went catastrophically wrong." Debra was a 36-year retired sheriff's deputy sergeant and came up with ideas to further improve the rescue squad. She is also remembered as an "accomplished seamstress, stained glass artist, sand carver and laser cutter."
No cause of death reported.
Johnson City firefighter passes away after battling cancer
June 29, 2023
Johnson City, Tenn. — A Johnson City firefighter has died after a battle with cancer. Ryan Cradic died on June 21 following a 17-month battle with glioblastoma. He was 42 years old. Cradic was an Army veteran who served in the Iraq War. After returning home, he graduated from Northeast State Community College and East Tennessee State University before joining the Johnson City Fire Department where he served for more than six years.
New Haven-Berger firefighter dies in line of duty Monday
June 27, 2023
The New Haven-Berger Fire Protection District on Monday announced the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Lloyd Reudiger. Ruediger died Monday from a presumed duty-related heart attack after responding to a house fire on Sunday evening, according to a Facebook post from the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team.
No age reported.
OH Firefighter Stricken at Drill, Dies of Heart attack
June 27, 2023
An Ohio firefighter died earlier this month after he fell ill while attending a drill with his department. On June 5, Vermilion Township FF/First Responder William 'Bill' McCale, 50, pulled a five-inch hose from the hose bed to connect it when he was stricken, the U.S. Fire Administration reported. Fellow firefighters immediately treated him and he was transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center. He was released after treatment on June 8. Two days later, he was found in his backyard. He was rushed back to the hospital where he died of an apparent heart attack. He had been with the department for 13 years.
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Three policemen “died suddenly”:
Hero Down: Fort Worth Police Officer Robert Guerrero Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency
July 1, 2023
Fort Worth, TX – Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Officer Robert Guerrero died unexpectedly on June 21 after suffering a medical emergency. Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes confirmed the 57-year-old officer’s death in a Facebook post the following afternoon. “I am incredibly saddened to bring you the news that Officer Robert Guerrero #3072 passed away yesterday evening after suffering a sudden medical event while off-duty,” Chief Noakes wrote. “Events like this remind us of the deep bonds that bind us together as brothers and sisters in blue.” His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
Hero Down: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Reynolds Dies After Suffering Cardiac arrest
June 26, 2023
Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Deputy Thomas Reynolds died unexpectedly on June 9 after suffering cardiac arrest. Deputy Reynolds leaves behind his wife, Yoojin, as well as his sons, 17-year-old Tommy, nine-year-old Tristan, and three-year-old Hunter, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their tragic loss.
No age reported.
Former Kent County deputy acquitted of assault dies from sudden illness
June 28, 2023
Kent County, MI -- A former Kent County sheriff’s deputy recently acquitted of misdemeanor assault has died following a brief illness. Marcelo Aranda, 45, died June 19 in Leon, Mexico, according to a fundraiser page organized to benefit his family. The cause of his death was not immediately known. Aranda was fired from his Kent County Sheriff’s Department job last year, not long after an Aug. 19 incident at an I-96 rest stop near Lansing. Aranda Aranda was off-duty, driving west on the freeway when some type of altercation occurred with another driver. Both Aranda and the other driver pulled off at a rest stop. The other driver, who was partially paralyzed, claimed Aranda then assaulted him and pulled him from his vehicle. At trial, Aranda’s attorney claimed the off-duty deputy was among many motorists who witnessed the other vehicle speeding and moving erratically on the freeway. Aranda believed the other driver to be drunk and wanted to keep him from driving. The other driver was, in fact, charged with drunken driving. Aranda was acquitted of an assault and battery charged in May following a trial.
An ER doctor “died suddenly” in the ER where he worked:
Dr. Bradley Middleton
July 1, 2023
New York - Dr. Bradley Middleton collapsed at his home on Monday and was rushed to the Upstate Emergency Room where he worked, according to Dr. William Paolo, the chair of emergency medicine at SUNY Upstate. His colleagues, Dr. Paolo said, are staying "Upstate Strong" as their motto says, wrapping their arms around Dr. Middleton's family and each other as they deal with this sudden loss. The Upstate University Hospital ER is where Dr. Bradley Middleton, or Brad as his colleagues knew him, came to work every day to save lives. Dr. Paolo said his own colleagues rushed to save him, but couldn't.
No age or cause of death reported.
A professor “died suddenly”:
More than $100K raised for family of UND professor who died unexpectedly
June 22, 2023
More than $100,000 has been raised to bring the parents of a University of North Dakota professor to Grand Forks to attend his funeral, after he unexpectedly died. Tao Yu, an assistant professor of chemistry, died on June 13, after officers from the Grand Forks Police Department responded to a call for medical service at his residence at the 400 block of Burdick Court. The investigation is still ongoing and police have not received a death report. After funeral and considerable travel costs, remaining funds will be used to support Yu’s father and mother, Kaiming Yu and Yonlan Huang. Huang has late stage cancer and Yu had been supporting his parents in their retirement, helping with medical expenses, to the point where he had foregone purchasing a home for himself. Yu, 39, was not married and had no other family members in the United States.
No cause of death reported.
Three coaches “died suddenly”:
Wanda Ward-MacLean, longtime Leavitt field hockey coach, dies after cancer battle
June 30, 2023
Longtime Leavitt Area [Maine] High School field hockey coach Wanda Ward-MacLean died late Friday night after a battle with metastatic breast cancer. A post on a CaringBridge.org page for Ward-MacLean announced her death Saturday morning. There is no mention of when she was initially diagnosed but the caring bridge site was created in June 2023 with the following story, “In lieu of screen time, we are welcoming friends and family to use this CaringBridge forum to stay updated on Wanda.
On Friday, June 2, we received some incredibly unfortunate news regarding Wanda’s hard-fought battle with this ugly disease. The metastatic breast cancer has wreaked havoc on her liver and her liver is now categorized as being in the highly moderate stage of dysfunction and liver failure is probable. She and her supporters are forging forward living every day to the absolute best that we can and bringing joy wherever possible! Feel free to post pictures, comments and memories so we can celebrate everything Wanda has given to so many people!”
No age reported.
Joseph J. Reyda, 55
June 29, 2023
Joe passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at his home in Kensington, MD. He served as Gonzaga College High School's dedicated Athletic Director for the past 22 years, during which Gonzaga won 183 championships. He spent a total of 34 years working at his alma mater ('85), including 18 years coaching football and 9 coaching golf.
No cause of death reported.
Starting in 2021, Covid “vaccination” was mandatory at Gonzaga until May 2023, when the mandate was dropped:
"A total shock to everybody:" Longtime Riverdale coach Myron Keppy passes away
June 29, 2023
Port Byron, IL — Four weeks ago, Myron Keppy was starting to settle into a peaceful life of retirement. After a 35-year career as a teacher and coach in the Riverdale School District, the 58-year-old Keppy was ready for the next chapter of his life as a grandfather and continued supporter of Ram athletics. Sadly, that chapter will never be written. Keppy suddenly passed away at his Port Byron home on Wednesday, leaving the entire Riverdale community in a state of shock. “He dedicated 35 years to this school district, he just retired at the end of May, and he was looking forward to the next chapter as a grandpa and living out the rest of his life," said Riverdale athletic director Guy Dierikx. "Nobody expected it to be that short. “It's tough. 58 years old. He was taken too soon. Nobody deserves this."
No cause of death reported.
‘Beloved' Father, Computer Administrator From Springfield Suddenly Dies At 53
June 29, 2023
Momoh Kamara embodied what it meant to truly live life to the fullest. The 53-year-old, who was born in Freetown in Sierra Leone and lived in Springfield [MA], was a beloved husband and father as well as a "respected computer/network administrator," a GoFundMe reads. Unfortunately, Momoh's life was suddenly cut short on Sunday, June 18, "leaving behind a void that will be felt by all who knew him," the campaign continues.
No cause of death reported.
A soldier “died suddenly”:
Fort Liberty soldier dies at Fort Jackson
June 27, 2023
The fiancée of a Fort Liberty soldier who died while in training at drill sergeant school in South Carolina is mourning his death, while questioning what happened. During a June 14 news conference, Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, Fort Jackson’s commander, said Sgt. 1st Class Jaime Contreras was in his eighth week of a 10-week drill sergeant candidate course at Fort Jackson when he “went missing during land navigation training.” He was posthumously promoted to sergeant first class, officials said. Contreras, 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was found unresponsive about nine hours after failing to return from the June 12 course and later died, Fort Jackson officials said. Land navigation is an Army course in which soldiers use compasses, maps and other tools to navigate terrain. Contreras had 12 years of service and has served with the 82nd Airborne Division since January 2014 as a food service operations noncommissioned officer and advanced culinary NCO, according to Tuesday’s news release.
No cause of death reported.
Since Contreras had been in the military for over a decade, he would have been subject to the mandatory covid “vaccine” policy implemented by the Army in 2021 which granted no exemptions.
Woman dies after suffering medical emergency at Lake Sara
June 27, 2023
A Frankfort [IL] woman appears to have died from natural causes, not drowning, after the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an unresponsive female at Lake Sara at approximately 1:53 p.m. Saturday, according to the Effingham County Coroner’s Office. A press release from Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes states the female and her friends were staying at a private residence along Shumway Cove. The friends advised the female was entering the water from the dock ladder when she suffered a medical emergency. Her friends who were on the dock at the time assisted in getting her on a water mat and called 911. The female was transported to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 3:01 p.m. The female was identified as Urianus L. Gray, 54, of Frankfort, Illinois. Preliminary information revealed no injuries or trauma to the deceased individual. Information from her friends and husband indicated she had several medical issues. According to Rhodes, Gray did not drown at Lake Sara but appears to have died of natural causes.
No cause of death reported.
Her Heart Was Big': Everett Wife, Mother Of 5 Dies Unexpectedly At 53
June 20, 2023
The large family of an Everett [MA] woman is trying to give her a proper burial after she died unexpectedly last week. Annarita Petrosillo-McNeeley, formerly of Somerville, suddenly passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 14. She was 53 years old. Annarita "loved her big family dearly and adored her five children," according to her obituary.
No cause of death reported.
Stephen J. Kennedy, 63
July 2, 2023
Stephen J. Kennedy, 63, died peacefully on June 24, 2023, at his home in Lynnwood, WA, after a courageous year-long struggle with pancreatic cancer.
Emma Maria Serrano, 62
July 1, 2023
Emma Maria Serrano, 62, of Baton Rouge, LA passed away unexpectedly on June 18, 2023 in the company of friends in Baton Rouge. Born in Cuba, she was very proud of her Cuban heritage and loved her family immensely. Emma was a loving and proud mother, grand‐mother, and friend.
No cause of death reported.
James O. Jones, 70
July 1, 2023
James O. Jones, 70, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on June 27, 2023.
No cause of death reported.
Damon "Brock" Poole, 46
July 1, 2023
Damon "Brock" Poole, 46, of Bargersville, Indiana, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
No cause of death reported.
Robert Bourne
July 1, 2023
Fluvanna, VA - After a short battle with cancer, Rob's final days were spent at the University of Virginia Medical Center with his family by his side. He was lovingly cared for by the 5 Central team of Doctors and Nurses and is now resting peacefully in his new eternal home. Rob had a big heart and everyone who met him knew what a sweet soul he was.
No age reported.
Lisa Catherine Rude-Greve, 58
July 1, 2023
Lynwood, WA - Lisa Catherine Rude-Greve, with family by her side, passed away peacefully May 31, 2023, after a brief but hard fought battle with cancer.
Grover William Copple, 63
June 30, 2023
Kent, WA - On Monday, June 26th, 2023, Grover William Copple, age 63, suffered a major heart attack and left us to be with his parents James Edward and Grace Marie Copple and his older brother, Ronald Lloyd Copple.
Barney Mark 'Frog' Altazan, 67
June 29, 2023
Barney Mark ''Frog'' Altazan, entered heaven peacefully at his home in Port Allen, La., surrounded by his loving family on Monday, June 26, 2023 after a hard fought battle with an extremely rare cancer, at the age of 67. He was a native and lifelong resident of Port Allen. Frog served his community for 35 years in the West Baton Rouge Parish Assessor's Office, serving as Assessor for 20 years. Frog had a servant's heart, he served in numerous civic organizations and did so with a happy heart.
Christy Iverson, 63
June 28, 2023
Port Orchard, WA - It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the very sudden and unexpected loss of Christy L Iverson. She passed away on May 13, 2023 at the age of 63.
No cause of death reported.
Jeffrey Paul "Jeff" Cordray, 66
June 28, 2023
Jeffrey "Jeff" Paul Cordray, 66, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2023.
No cause of death reported.
Byron Robert Moses, 39
June 27, 2023
Enumclaw, WA - In loving memory of Byron Robert Moses, who passed away on June 22, 2023, at his home.
No cause of death reported.
Robert "Bob" Malnoske, 68
June 28, 2023
Robert "Bob" Malnoske Age 68 of Horseheads, NY, passed away on Tuesday June 27, 2023. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the special care given to Bob by the Wilmot Cancer Center, and a special thank you to the ICU staff at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center for their care and support.
Shane Matthew Ryan, 49
June 27, 2023
Seattle, WA - Shane Matthew Ryan, well known Seattle area chef, died unexpectedly at his Burien home on June 5, 2023.
No cause of death reported.
Timothy John Devine, 46
June 27, 2023
Timothy John Devine died unexpectedly in his Washington, DC, home on June 11, 2023.
No cause of death reported.
Bruce Kevin Friend, 61
June 27, 2023
Bruce Kevin Friend of Springfield, VA, sadly left us on June 22, 2023 following a stroke.
Deborah Sipe, 73
June 26, 2023
Deborah Sipe, 73, from Grand Forks, ND, died comfortably in her Apache Junction, AZ, home. Her unexpected passing of natural causes was discovered on June 10, 2023.
No cause of death reported.
David Earl Sumby, 69
June 26, 2023
Our beloved father David Earl Sumby, unexpectedly passed away on May 10, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia, at the age of 69.
No cause of death reported.
Reported on June 25:
Duncan D. Miller Sr., 65
June 25, 2023
Unexpectedly passed away on June 16, 2023, in Gold Canyon, AZ.
No cause of death reported.
Reported on June 23:
Lauren Rebecca Sherwood, 26
June 23, 2023
Scottsdale, AZ - Lauren Rebecca Sherwood passed away surrounded by her family on June 11, 2023 at the age of 26.
No cause of death reported.
Allen J. Springer, 57
June 23, 2023
Youngtown , AZ - Allen J. Springer passed away on 3/7/23 at the age of 57 at home after a year-long battle with cancer.
Reported on June 20:
Colynns Mae Nash, 5 days
June 20, 2023
Murfreesboro, TN - Colynns Mae Nash, infant, was born on Sunday, June 11, 2023 to parents Dwight Dale Nash III and Claryssa Madison Eason. Colynns’ family was blessed with five precious days before the Lord called his angel home on Thursday, June 15 ,2023 at 7:05 am.
No cause of death reported.
Diamond Jean McClanahan, 24
June 20, 2023
Diamond Jean McClanahan of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 12, 2023. She was 24 years old.
No cause of death reported.
Reported on June 17:
Paul J. Field, 66
June 17, 2023
Paul J. Field, 66, died suddenly and unexpectedly at Brookdale South Bay, Wakefield, RI, on June 10, 2023. Paul was a graduate of Classical High School and the University of Rhode Island where he studied forestry and wildlife management. Paul was a self-employed landscape gardener in the South County area for many years.
No cause of death reported.
From a reader:
"Paul had two original Moderna jabs, two Moderna boosters, and, in December 2022, the Moderna Bivalent jab."
Reported on June 16:
Christine ‘Chris’ Ann Johnson (nee Simpson), 57
June 16, 2023
Christine ‘Chris’ Ann Johnson (nee Simpson), 57, of Georgetown, Ky, passed away on June 11, 2023 due to complications of Pulmonary Embolisms. She strived in her career working at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, in 2009 she moved to Kentucky, where she worked for the University of Kentucky as a Human Resource Manager. She loved her work friends from Rainbow to the University of KY. Chris was always smiling, laughing or playing Candy Crush where she was an expert player. An independent, strong, intelligent women. She found peace and satisfaction making cards, crafts and reading.
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Reported on June 14:
Michael Eugene Ellis, 68
June 14, 2023
Michael Eugene Ellis, age 68, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.
No cause of death reported.
😢😡 I am so beyond words of my horror and sorrow of all these unnecessary deaths. It’s going to keep getting worse. Now “unvaccinated” blood is showing processes as jabbed blood in dark field microscopy. So scary.
Thank you Mark, for all your work.
I never used to read obituaries before Covid. Question: Before Covid, was a cause of death usually stated in most obituaries?