In memory of those who "died suddenly" in the United States, May 31-June 6 (Part 1)
Five young athletes (two mysteriously drowned), four musicians, four dead in strange "accidents," a law school dean, a country music DJ, an assistant fire chief, a Marlboro Man, and all too many more
UNITED STATES
Four musicians “died suddenly”:
Original Bon Jovi Bassist Alec John Such Has Died
June 5, 2022
There's sad news to report as original Bon Jovi bassist Alec John Such has died. The news was confirmed by Bon Jovi, who shared the news of his passing via their social media in a tribute to the musician. Details surrounding the cause of Such's death were not provided
"We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Alec John Such. He was an original," said a statement on the band's social media. "As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band. To be honest, we found our way to each other thru him. He was a childhood friend of Tico [Torres] and brought Richie [Sambora] to see us perform. Alec was always wild and full of life. Today those special memories bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. We'll miss him dearly."
No age or cause of death reported.
https://loudwire.com/original-bon-jovi-bassist-alec-john-such-died
Deborah McCrary, Member of the Vocal Group the McCrary Sisters, Dead at 67
June 2, 2022
Deborah McCrary, a member of the sibling vocal group the McCrary Sisters, died Wednesday. She was 67. A spokesperson for the Nashville-based group confirmed McCrary’s passing; no cause of death was given.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/deborah-mccrary-mccrary-sisters-dead-obit-1361928/
Kelly Joe Phelps, blues and country musician, dies aged 62
June 3, 2022
Kelly Joe Phelps, the celebrated singer and guitarist whose music traversed blues, country and jazz, has died aged 62. A post on his Facebook page said he died “quietly at home in Iowa”.
Born in Washington state, Phelps was raised in a musical family and first trained as a jazz musician, but broadened his playing after being inspired by artists such as Mississippi Fred McDowell. “I wanted to figure out a way to improvise like a jazz musician would, but at the same time play a style of music that was more closely linked to folk forms,” he explained.
His debut album, Lead Me On, was released in 1994 and has endured, earning millions of streams. With spartan arrangements that put Phelps’s skilful slide guitar and earnest, soulful voice to the fore, it is much admired and appears in The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings.
No cause of death reported.
Dave Smith Death Sudden: Synth Pioneer. 72, Dead Before NAMM Appearance
June 2, 2022
Dave Smith, a synth pioneer, has "suddenly" died. He was 72.
Smith's synth brand, Sequential, first confirmed the heartbreaking news on the company's website and Instagram. It asked fans to share their thoughts and memories with the late musician to honor him.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Dave Smith has died. We're heartbroken, but take some small solace in knowing he was on the road doing what he loved best in the company of family, friends, and artists," the post said.
It did not disclose Dave Smith's cause of death. But his passing was sudden as he was still scheduled to appear at the California trade show, NAMM, this week.
https://www.musictimes.com/articles/85226/20220602/dave-smith-death-sudden-synth-pioneer-72-dead-before-namm.htm
KISS Album Cover Artist Ken Kelly Has Reportedly Died at 76
June 4, 2022
The visual artist who created the iconic KISS album covers for the rock band's Destroyer (1976) and Love Gun (1977), Ken Kelly, reportedly died on Friday (June 3) at the age of 76, as Blabbermouth and Ultimate Classic Rock have said.
Kelly, a prolific painter behind rock and metal albums in the '70s, '80s and beyond, also created Rainbow’s Rising (1976) and multiple Manowar album covers — Manowar's Fighting the World (1987) and Kings of Metal (1988) among them. But his colorful KISS creations might well have been his calling card.
See multiple remembrances of the artist near the bottom of this post.
Kelly's death reportedly was confirmed on Friday by his friend Danny Stanton, president and founder of the concert agency Coallier Entertainment. Stanton wrote on Facebook, "RIP KEN KELLY. You will always be a legend in the KISS world. Such a great guy, artist, friend."
No cause of death reported.
https://loudwire.com/kiss-ken-kelly-dead-rock-metal-album-cover-artist-rip/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Three student athletes “died suddenly”:
Port Jefferson High School alumnus, star athlete passes away at 19
June 1, 2022
News 12 Long Island has learned a 19-year-old star athlete from Port Jefferson, NY, has died unexpectedly. Aiden Kaminska graduated from Port Jefferson High School two years ago. Kaminska played football and lacrosse there - even set a Long Island record for receptions in a high school football game.
Kaminska just finished his sophomore year at the University of Massachusetts where he played lacrosse. Kaminska died Monday at his parents' home, according to Newsday. So far no cause of death has been released.
https://connecticut.news12.com/port-jefferson-high-school-alumni-star-athlete-passes-away-at-19
Alabama men's basketball manager Charlie Wilson dies unexpectedly [at 20]
June 1, 2022
Alabama basketball manager Charlie Wilson has died, the program announced Wednesday.
Wilson passed away unexpectedly Monday while in Pensacola, Fla. He was 20 years old.
Wilson joined the Crimson Tide’s men’s basketball team as a manager last summer and spent the 2021-22 season within the Alabama program, which made the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year under head coach Nate Oats. Oats said Wilson was a great kid.
https://247sports.com/college/alabama/Article/Alabama-Crimson-Tide-Basketball-manager-Charlie-Wilson-dies-unexpectedly-188220574/
The University of Alabama implemented a COVID “vaccination” requirement on Oct. 22, 2021, but suspended it after a Nov. 30, 2021 federal court order:
https://healthinfo.ua.edu/news/ua-employee-vaccine-requirement-suspended/
Dayton Shares Statement on Death of Coach Anthony Grant’s Daughter
June 3, 2022
Jayda Grant, the daughter of Dayton basketball coach Anthony Grant, died Friday, the university announced. The 20-year-old attended Dayton and was pursuing a degree in psychology. She was also a member of the women’s track and field team in 2020 and ’21 at the university, despite the program’s recent seasons being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Erica Spina, the president of Dayton, and Neil Sullivan, the university’s director of athletics, released a joint statement sharing their condolences on Jayda’s death and for the Grant family.
“It is with devastating heartache we mourn the passing of Grant,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Anthony, Chris and their entire family. They have our unconditional love and support. We pray for their comfort and peace, and support their need for privacy during this period of immeasurable grief.”
No cause of death reported.
University of Dayton "vaccination" policy:
The University strongly encourages everyone on campus to be fully vaccinated. In addition to our commitment to the common good and the need to protect vulnerable populations, the level of vaccination in our campus community will shape COVID-19 protocols for fall semester governing events and activities as well as room capacities and guest policies, among others.
https://udayton.edu/studev/health_wellness/healthcenter/coronavirus/vaccine_faqs.php
Two young athletes—one in Phoenix, one in Omaha— mysteriously drown on the same day:
Colorado teenage football player Darryl Blackmon died after drowning in an Arizona pool
June 1, 2022
Darryl Blackmon stood 5 foot 11 inches tall, which is big for 13 years old, and he had dreams of playing in the National Football League someday.
That dream was cut short this week. Darryl’s football team, the Jr. Buffs, are from Denver and traveled to Phoenix to play in a tournament. After a big win Saturday, the team wanted to celebrate with a swim in the pool at Embassy Suites.
People were able to get him from the pool and start chest compressions. He would be taken to the Children’s Hospital where he would remain in critical condition until the night. The young football player died from his injuries.
https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2022/06/football-player-died/
Police identify 18-year-old found in Omaha pool
June 1, 2022
An 18-year-old pulled from the bottom of the Hitchcock Park swimming pool Sunday night has been identified by Omaha police.
Komi Olympio, who also is known as Pedro, was found about 11:20 p.m. Sunday by first responders at the bottom of the pool at 5005 S. 45th St. When officers arrived, several teenagers were inside the pool area, which is closed. The pool is scheduled to open Monday.
https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/police-identify-18-year-old-found-in-omaha-pool/article_9dac64b7-6173-5d7c-b5d8-ab8dc4afe671.html
Two healthcare workers “died suddenly” in California:
Celebrity doctor dies while hiking in Los Angeles park
June 4, 2022
A celebrity Hollywood doctor died while hiking in a Los Angeles park last weekend, a report said.
Jay Goldberg, an OBGYN at a Cedar-Sinai’s Beverly Hills, was found dead Sunday by first responders inside Will Rogers State Park, Fox News reported.
It was determined that Goldberg, 53, died of a heart attack.
Goldberg’s celebrity clients took to social media on Friday to mourn the beloved doctor’s untimely death after he was identified as the hiker.
https://nypost.com/2022/06/04/california-celebrity-doctor-jay-goldberg-dead-after-hiking-in-los-angeles-park/
“Vaccination” policy at Cedar-Sinai’s:
As a healthcare institution and one of the largest employers in L.A. County, our decisions continue to be guided by the latest science and recommendations from federal, state, county and public health officials. We follow all mandates for vaccination and boosters of healthcare personnel. Additionally, regardless of vaccination status, we continue to adhere to strict pandemic safety protocols, including health screenings, masking requirements, physical distancing and diligent hand hygiene. The people of Cedars-Sinai remain committed to their patients, and we are proud to serve as role models in protecting the community we serve.
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/covid-19/faq.html
Michelle Lee
July 19, 1981 - June 1, 2022
June 6, 2022
Michelle Yun-Yen Lee, 40, passed away unexpectedly in her home in Union City on June 1, 2022. She is survived by her mother, Yue Yen Lee, sister, Helen Lee, and her cats Ping and Itsy. She is predeceased by her father Mike Lee….
Michelle has spent the last 14 years working in various administrative roles in the Stanford Healthcare System with the last 11 years at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
From the TriCity Voice, Fremont, CA, June 6.
Stanford Healthcare System “vaccination” requirement:
Stanford already requires all faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and students (undergraduate, graduate and professional students) coming on-site to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. As a result of the Sept. 9th executive order, the university announced an expanded vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States, and applicable subcontractors. Compliance with the federal mandate requires that proof of vaccination status be uploaded to Health Check by Jan. 4, 2022. (The initial federal deadline of Dec. 8, 2021 has since been delayed.)
https://healthalerts.stanford.edu/covid-19/staff/
Former Wayzata, U of M football star Marion Barber III found dead
June 1, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS — Former Wayzata High School and University of Minnesota football star Marion Barber III has died.
Officials with the Gophers football team confirmed Barber's death Wednesday on Twitter. He was 38 years old, just days from his 39th birthday.
A cause of death has not been released.
https://www.kare11.com/article/sports/report-former-football-star-marion-barber-found-dead/89-d93ff8bf-23b2-4415-9ada-f65b582b65a2
Brad Johnson, ‘Melrose Place’ actor and former Marlboro Man, dies at 62
June 6, 2022
“Melrose Place” actor and former Marlboro Man Brad Johnson is dead at age 62.
Johnson died Feb. 1 in Fort Worth, Texas, of complications from Covid-19, his representative told USA TODAY over the weekend. No other details were announced.
https://www.syracuse.com/celebrity-news/2022/06/brad-johnson-melrose-place-actor-and-former-marlboro-man-dies-at-62.html
Co-founder of HealthDay News “died unexpectedly”:
Barry Hoffman, Co-Founder of HealthDay News, Dead at 79
June 3, 2022
FRIDAY, June 3, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Barry Hoffman, a founding member of HealthDay, one of the world's largest daily online health and medical news services, died unexpectedly at his home in Dallas on May 26. He was 79.
Barry took with him an insatiable curiosity about life, along with unparalleled news judgment and an ability to awe colleagues through his sheer enthusiasm for getting the story right.
Across the years, he mentored many journalists at many organizations, all of whom never forgot what he taught them.
During his 50 years in the news business, Barry worked as a reporter and editor for major news organizations including the New York Tribune, WNEW Radio in New York City, and United Press International Audio Network News Service.
He held top editorial positions with Gannett and Times Mirror newspapers. And as a veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in Vietnam from 1968-69 as a broadcast specialist and combat reporter.
But HealthDay may have been his best inspiration. Always looking to the future, Barry saw the internet as the new "news highway" — and he was taking a drive on it, come what may.
https://consumer.healthday.com/b-6-3-barry-hoffman-co-founder-of-healthday-news-dead-at-79-2657442730.html
HealthDay was strictly pro-”vaccine,” as here:
It's the Number of COVID Shots You Get, Not Combination, That Brings Immune Boost
June 2, 2022
https://consumer.healthday.com/b-6-2-it-s-the-number-of-covid-shots-you-get-not-combination-that-brings-immune-boost-2657421288.html
Two seventh-graders “died suddenly” in Maryland:
Baltimore City Public Schools student dies while on field trip in Cecil County
June 3, 2022
A Baltimore City Public Schools student died Tuesday while on a field trip in Cecil County, the school system said.
Andre Riley, a spokesman for the school system, said the seventh-grade student at Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School had a medical emergency while attending a field trip at NorthBay Adventure Camp in Northeast.
Riley said he could not disclose medical details about the students, but said the student did not die in an accident.
Autopsy could explain what caused sudden death of student at summer camp
June 6, 2022
Baltimore - An autopsy could hold the key to what caused the sudden death of a Baltimore City seventh-grade student at summer camp in Cecil County.
Athumani Brown's parents told 11 News on Friday they had no reason to suspect the worst when they sent their 13-year-old son on a field trip to the NorthBay Adventure Camp. "This is a kid that loved to do everything and had an exuberance for life. He played flag football after school, he was healthy, he was smiling," said Athuman's mother, Dionn Brown.
The 11 News I-Team has since learned Athumani suddenly became ill during an activity at the camp and collapsed. A source familiar with the incident said medics were called but were unable to revive him. He was taken to a hospital in Elkton, where he died.
The camp is operated by a nonprofit educational foundation in North East. According to its tax return, the camp focuses on teaching underprivileged youth about the environment and developing leadership skills. It serves as many as 300 students a week with three- or five-day overnight stays.
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/athumani-brown-death-investigation/40208142
Shaw High School football coach and athletics director Al Pellegrino dies
June 2, 2022
Shaw High School head football coach and athletics director Al Pellegrino has died. Pellegrino died Monday while on vacation in Orlando, Florida, Muscogee County School District athletics director Jeff Battles told the Ledger-Enquirer. Battles said he was notified by Pellegrino’s wife, Ashlee. Pellegrino’s age, cause of death and exact location weren’t available.
Battles said his understanding is that Pellegrino died from a natural cause, but he wasn’t aware of any health problems Pellegrino might have had. Funeral arrangements are pending. “It’s sad,” Battles said. “It’s unbelievable. He was such a presence at Shaw High School. Losing him is going to hurt.”
https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports/high-school/article261976535.html
Muscogee County, GA, School District staff COVID "vaccination" policy:
Effective September 13, 2021 employees demonstrating proof of being fully vaccinated but who still test positive for COVID-19 and are thus required to be absent from work pursuant to Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance will be eligible for paid time-off during their required absence and will not have to use accrued leave time. Unvaccinated employees will be assessed accrued leave time for such an absence just as any other absence.
Employees who can provide a statement signed by a physician indicating that the physician recommends the employee not receive a COVID vaccine will be considered for an exemption. This practice will remain in effect through December 21, 2021, when it will be re-evaluated for an extension.
https://sites.muscogee.k12.ga.us/covid-19/employee-resources/
Four mysterious accidents:
Driver died of medical episode prior to Bethlehem Township crash, police say
June 2, 2022
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. - A man suffered a medical episode before crashing his truck into a pole in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County last month, police said.
Richard Hetzel, 71, was driving a pickup truck on William Penn Highway on May 17 when he suffered the medical emergency, causing him to cross traffic and hit two utility poles at the "T" intersection with Sheridan Drive, police said.
The Northampton County coroner determined he died of the medical episode, said Bethlehem Township police.
Late-morning accident claims the life of St. George woman
June 2, 2022
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Kan. (KAKE) - A St. George, Kansas, woman has died after a vehicle crash Thursday morning.
The accident happened on Military Trail Road west of Wamego. 28-year-old Tyra A. Anderson of St. George was traveling eastbound when her vehicle left the road and struck a tree.
https://www.kake.com/story/46616681/latemorning-accident-claims-the-life-of-st-george-woman
Young pilot who died in crash honored with flyover over his funeral
June 2, 2022
BROOKFIELD, Wis. —Family and friends are remembering 18-year-old Daniel Perelman of Brookfield who was pursuing his passion as a new pilot when life suddenly ended.
The aviation community honored Daniel Perelman in the way they know best -- a flyover at his funeral at 2:56 p.m.
It was the same time he took off one week earlier at Timmerman Airport for what would prove to be his final flight.
His plane crashed just south of the runway. The cause remains under investigation.
https://www.wisn.com/article/young-pilot-who-died-in-crash-honored-with-flyover-over-his-funeral/40181608#
Cyclist Dies on Cathedral Oaks Road in Goleta
May 31, 2022
A man died after falling while riding his bicycle on the 6200 block of Cathedral Oaks Road in Goleta, CA, in what the Sheriff’s Office describes as a “solo accident” on Tuesday morning.
The rider — William Poehler of Santa Barbara — was cycling when he suddenly went down around 11 a.m., according to the individual who called for emergency response. Poehler, who was 80 years of age, had not been hit but simply fell, said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Raquel Zick. Found by medics to be unconscious, Poehler was immediately taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
https://www.independent.com/2022/05/31/cyclist-dies-on-cathedral-oaks-road-in-goleta/
Woman collapses, dies after road rage incident in Oklahoma City
June 6, 2022
Oklahoma City — A woman collapsed and died after a road rage incident in Oklahoma City. On Monday evening, officials responded to a scene on Northwest 22nd Street and North Blackwelder Avenue where two vehicles had turned onto the street. According to authorities, the woman driver pulled in front of the male driver, causing him to rear-end the vehicle.
Officials said both the male and female got out of their cars and started to argue. According to authorities, the woman suddenly collapsed. Officials said they tried to perform life-saving measures but the woman died.
Authorities said the male driver is cooperating.
No age or cause of death reported.
https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-woman-collapses-dies-road-rage-incident/40211269
Kentucky Country Broadcasting Veteran Karl Shannon Dies At 68
June 2, 2022
Country radio veteran Karl Shannon died unexpectedly Wednesday night at age 68. Shannon’s career spanned 50 years, including runs as the top-rated morning host in Lexington, KY, on two different country stations. Shannon joined Clarity Communications “105.5 Hank FM” WLXO Lexington in 2014 as morning co-host. Though he retired from the role four years later, he continued to host “Honky Tonk Saturday Night” on weekends.
“Karl's name became synonymous with Country music for generations of Kentucky radio fans,” WLXO said in a website post announcing his passing.
No cause of death reported.
NC Central mourns death of law school dean, who died unexpectedly in Colorado
June 3, 2022
The North Carolina Central University community is mourning the sudden death of law school dean Browne C. Lewis.
Lewis, an accomplished legal scholar, attorney and author, died unexpectedly Thursday while attending a conference in Colorado with colleagues, NCCU Chancellor Johnson Akinleye announced Friday morning.
The university did not share other details about the cause of death.
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article262117967.html#storylink=cpy
North Carolina Central University’s “vaccination” advisory:
The most effective way to keep yourself and others healthy is to get vaccinated. Student Health continues to offer vaccinations on campus that serve both students and employees by providing access to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Following CDC guidance, which expresses a clinical preference for individuals to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine over the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, NCCU no longer has the J&J vaccine available.
https://www.nccu.edu/covid-19/vaccination
Hundreds pay tribute to beloved Canton poet, environmentalist and public servant David Leff, 67
June 2, 2022
Canton, CT — Hundreds of people encircled the Collinsville Green on Tuesday evening to memorialize the life of David Leff, a former deputy commissioner for the Department of Environmental Protection whose contributions as an environmentalist, lawyer, author, poet, public servant, historian, volunteer firefighter, friend and family man are an enduring legacy.
Leff died suddenly last weekend as a result of a stroke, according to family members. He was 67.
“My father was a man who lived a life greater than any of us could individually understand,” Leff’s son, Joshua Leff, said. “He lived life to the fullest.”
Hyde Park Woman Who Died At 58 Remembered For Her 'Loving Spirit'
June 5, 2022
A lifelong resident in the region who worked for nearly two decades at an area surgical center has died at the age of 58.
Dutchess County resident Elizabeth "Tiki" Rodgers, of Hyde Park, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 29, in Poughkeepsie, according to her obituary.
No cause of death reported.
‘Sorely missed and never forgotten’: Leawood city administrator dies suddenly at home
May 31, 2022
Leawood City, KS, Administrator Scott Lambers died suddenly at home Tuesday, city officials announced. Capt. Brad Robbins, a spokesman for the Leawood Police Department, announced the death Tuesday afternoon in a news release. The release said Lambers’ death will not impact the city’s day-to-day services to the public.
“Scott was an extraordinary leader who cared deeply about his family and the community he served,” Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn said in a written statement. “His many accomplishments during his 20-plus years as Leawood City Administrator were countless. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.”
Lambers began working for the city in 2001 after working in city management elsewhere in Kansas and in California. He was a champion of Leawood’s employees during his years of service, the statement said. Robbins said the city will have no further comments until the City Council has met to discuss this unforeseen event.
No age or cause of death reported.
https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article261997145.html
Vandergrift mourns sudden death of Assistant Fire Chief Frank Morton
June 30, 2022
Frank L. Morton III is being remembered by fellow firefighters, friends and community members for his unwavering dedication and service to the citizens of Vandergrift.
Morton, of East Vandergrift, served nine years with Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 2.
Morton died Tuesday at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison from a medical condition after responding to a call reporting natural gas in a structure.
He was 55.
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrift-mourns-the-sudden-death-of-assistant-fire-chief-frank-morton/
New Jersey man dies trying to climb Denali in Alaska
June 4, 2022
A New Jersey man attempting to summit Denali in Alaska died less than 1,000 feet from the peak. Fernando Birman, 46, collapsed suddenly at 19,700 feet on Friday, the National Park Service said in a statement. Denali rises 20,310 feet above sea level, making it the tallest peak in North America.
Birman’s official cause of death has not been determined, but the park service said it was “consistent with sudden cardiac arrest.” Guides leading Birman and others attempted CPR, but it was unsuccessful. His body was flown down the mountain by a helicopter. He was part of a 12-person expedition.
Birman is at least the third person to die in Denali National Park this year. Climbers from Austria and Japan died last month. Denali’s climbing season traditionally runs from May through July.
Funds raised for family of cyclocross racer who found ‘the love of his life’ at Ski to Sea
June 3, 2022
A cross-border romance that started more than a decade ago at a Ski to Sea race ended tragically this week as Becky Lawrance waited for her husband Rob to arrive on his cyclocross bike and toss the timing chip to a teammate waiting with her kayak for the final leg of this year’s 93-mile multi-sport relay.
But Rob never arrived, and Becky learned from police that he had suffered an apparent heart attack and died near Squalicum Creek Park, about a mile short of Zuanich Point.
“We don’t believe Rob suffered prior to his collapse because he was doing so well. He was probably smiling, looking forward to seeing Becky and handing off to me,” said teammate Dawn Groves, who started a GoFundMe page to pay for Rob’s funeral and other expenses.
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article262094712.html#storylink=cpy
It’s all very SADS apparently. A novel mystery disease striking down, strangely, only the vaccinated. Hmmm... nope I’m stumped.
my goodness, it's all so fng unbelievable .. :(