While it’s easy to think that celebrities are immortal demi-gods, the truth of the matter is, they’re just like us: human. Beneath the glamour, the fame, and the money, famous people hurt and bleed just like us. And they ultimately get collected by the Grim Reaper, too. Here, we showcase 15 photos of celebrities that were taken before their deaths.
The Grim Reaper Collection: Eerie Last Images of Celebrities Before Their Deaths
Mar 26, 2018
Robin Williams. Just 20 days before he died, this image of Robin Williams — with his monkey, Crystal — was uploaded to his Instagram. After being misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (he actually had dementia), the renown comedian committed suicide by hanging. He was 63 years old.
Freddie Mercury. In 1991, this snapshot was taken of Freddie Mercury. Although the lead singer of Queen always denied having AIDS, the day before his death, he released the following statement: "Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me."
Freddie Mercury. The statement went on to say: "However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue.” Just a day later, Mercuy succumbed to bronchopneumonia, a condition that was brought on by AIDS.
Carrie Fisher. The day before she boarded a flight to Los Angeles, Carrie Fisher snapped this sweet photograph with a fan in London. During the voyage back, the actress suffered a heart attack. Just four days later, she passed away in the hospital, according Bored Panda.
Nikola Tesla. In 1943, Nikola Tesla died in the New Yorker Hotel— he was 86 years old and completely alone. The Siberian-American inventor and physicist was best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current electricity supply system.
David Bowie. The night of December 7, 2015, would turn out to be David Bowie’s final public appearance. The acclaimed musician had struggling with cancer for over a year, and by this point in time he was fully aware that it was terminal. In fact, his final album “Blackstar” was full of reference to death, making it crystal clear that he had accepted his own fate.
Chester Bennington. Just days before his suicide, this photo was taken of Chester Bennington. Even though the musician had always been open about his battles with addiction and depression, his passing came as a shock to those close to him. At the time of his death, he was just 41 years old.
Jimi Hendrix. Snapped in 1970 by his partner Monika Danneman, this image is of Jimi Hendrix with his favorite guitar, Black Betty. The photograph was taken in the garden behind Monika’s apartment; Jimi died the next day from a barbiturate-related asphyxia. Though there is no evidence to suggest that the 27-year-old’s death was a suicide, rumors abound that it was.
John Lennon. In this photograph, you can see Mark David Chapman getting an autograph from John Lennon— yes, that Mark David Chapman. After signing the album for Chapman, Lennon allegedly ask, “Is this all you want?” Chapman reportedly smiled and nodded.
John Lennon. Only four hours later, Chapman shot and killed Lennon when he was returning to his home from a recording session. It is reported that Chapman “dropped onto one knee and fired five bullets into Lennon’s back from close rage,” according to Bored Panda. Upon arrival at the hospital, the Beatles star was pronounced dead. He was 40 years old.
Alan Rickman. In 2015, Alan Rickman was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas. This was something he kept totally private until his passing in January 2016. This is the last image of the actor before losing his battle to the disease.
James Dean. This image of James Dean was taken the very day he died. As everyone may know, one of the actor’s passions was to race cars. While driving on Route 466 in California, Dean swerved his Porsche to avoid an oncoming car and caused an accident. On September 30, 1955, the actor died at just 24 years old.
Heath Ledger. This image of Heath Ledger was taken during the filming of “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.” Just a few days on January 22, 2008, the actor was found dead in his New York apartment. His cause of death? An accidental overdose from prescription medication.
Anne Frank. This snapshot of Anne Frank was taken in 1942; it’s one of the last images of the teen alive. As most know, Frank died in 1945 in the Bergen-Belson concentration camp after her — and her family — were discovered and arrested in 1944. She was 15 years old.
Marilyn Monroe. Taken in 1962, this image shows Marlyn Monroe embracing jazz pianist Buddy Greco— it was photographed days before her death. Monroe — who suffered from various mental health problems — was discovered dead in her L.A. residence by her psychiatrist. Her death was ultimately ruled a probable suicide due to the significant amount of barbiturates she had consumed, and previous overdosing.
