All the Stars We’ve Lost in 2023

1 year ago

Unfortunately, the new year has already brought with it some heart-breaking celebrity deaths. In the early days of 2023, we’ve already lost three beloved celebrities: Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White, Three 6 Mafia member Gangsta Boo, and rally car driver Ken Block. Their deaths came right after 2022 ended with a few shocking celebrity deaths in its last days, including legendary news anchor Barbara Walters, soccer legend Pelé, retired Pope Benedict XVI, Pointer Sisters member Anita Pointer, and Modest Mouse drummer Jeremiah White.

In the past year, the world was rocked by some massive deaths, including the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September; before her death, she was the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Hollywood also lost many stars far too soon, including “Full House” star Bob Saget and beloved comedian Leslie Jordan. The music world was also rocked by the death of Migos rapper Takeoff and PnB Rock.

Ahead, these are the celebrities we’ve lost so far in 2023 and how their loved ones are remembering them after their deaths.

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Ken Block

Ken Block, 55, was a celebrated Rally car driver and lover of extreme sports, including skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. On Jan. 2, Block died in a fatal snowmobile accident in Utah.

Hoonigan Industries, Block’s apparel company, released a statement on Jan. 2, writing, “It’s with deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”

Block cofounded DC Shoes in 1984, and after selling the company in 2004, he moved into motorsports full time. He won five X-Game medals for his RallyCross driving.

Getty Images / Maury Phillips

Gangsta Boo

Lola Mitchell, better known by her stage name Gangsta Boo, died on Jan. 1 at 43. She was a member of the rap group Three 6 Mafia, joining in 1995. She released six albums with the group, plus three solo albums and numerous mixtapes. More recently, she collaborated with Eminem, Latto, GloRilla, and Run the Jewels.

Her mother, Veronica Mitchell, said in a statement to Variety, “The Mitchell family would like to thank everyone for their condolences regarding the untimely death of Lola ‘Gangsta Boo’ Mitchell. The family is asking you for your continued prayers and privacy as we process the loss of our loved one.” Her cause of death is not currently known.

Redferns / Rob Verhorst

Fred White

Fred White, the drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire, died at 67 on Jan. 1. Fred was with the band from 1974 to 1984 and was inducted as a member into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He performed in the band alongside his brothers Maurice and Verdine White.

Verdine posted on Instagram on Jan. 1, “Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White.”

“He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels!” he continued. “Child protégé, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number 4 in the family lineup. But more than that at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous! And we could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more light hearted!”

He added, “He will live in our hearts forever, rest in power beloved Freddie!! We thank you all for your love, blessings and support at this time. Soar high baby bro, we love you to the shining ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️and back!”