As we move through April 2025, we take a moment to honor the lives of notable individuals who passed away during its second week. From Hollywood legends to war heroes and cultural pioneers, their legacies continue to inspire generations.
In Memoriam: Those We Lost
Jean Marsh (Age 90)
The acclaimed British actress, beloved for her roles in Return to Oz, Willow, Upstairs Downstairs, and Doctor Who, passed away due to complications from dementia. Her performances left a lasting mark on fantasy and period drama television.
Ted Kotcheff (Age 94)
Renowned director of First Blood (the first Rambo film) and Weekend at Bernie’s, Kotcheff died of heart failure. He was celebrated for shaping iconic moments in action and comedy cinema.
Joan Brown Campbell (Age 93)
A groundbreaking religious leader, Campbell was the first woman to lead the National Council of Churches. Known for inviting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak at her church, she leaves behind a legacy of courage and inclusion.
Jed the Fish (Age 69)
The legendary KROQ DJ from Los Angeles helped define the rock and alternative scene of the 1980s and 1990s. He died from lung cancer, but his influence on American radio lives on.
Joe Harris (Age 108)
A decorated World War II veteran and member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, Harris was the oldest surviving WWII paratrooper. His life represented a living chapter of American history.
Vaughn Drake (Age 106)
Also a WWII veteran, Drake survived the Pearl Harbor attack and carried those memories for over a century. His passing marks the loss of another voice from that defining moment in U.S. history.
Elaine Wynn (Age 82)
Co-founder of iconic Las Vegas resorts such as The Mirage and Bellagio, Wynn was a powerful force in business and philanthropy. She is remembered not only for her success but also for her dedication to community causes.
Nikki Katt (Age 54)
Known for his roles in Dazed and Confused and Boston Public, Katt tragically died by suicide. His performances captured the essence of complex and edgy characters in American film and TV.
Wink Martindale (Age 91)
A beloved TV game show host, Martindale became a household name with shows like Tic-Tac-Dough. A member of the American Game Show Hall of Fame, he died of lymphoma, leaving behind decades of television history.
Tragedy in Columbia County, New York
A private plane crash claimed six lives, casting a shadow over the week. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims as investigations continue.
Tributes and National Recognition
Everyday Heroes Remembered
Legacy.com and TributesAmerica.com continue to share tribute stories honoring individuals whose lives made quiet, powerful impacts in their communities and families.
Half-Staff Flag Honors
Flags were flown at half-staff in multiple U.S. states this week, a symbolic gesture of national mourning and respect for those we’ve lost.
Anniversaries of Notable Losses
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Edward Gorey—remembered for his unique literary and visual storytelling.
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Josephine Baker is a celebrated artist and civil rights icon.
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David Cassidy—On what would have been his 75th birthday, we remember the Partridge Family star and beloved singer.
For more stories, tribute articles, and video reports, visit the Tributes section of TributesAmerica.com.
Let us continue to honor the lives behind the headlines—because every life tells a story worth remembering.
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