The entertainment industry suffered multiple losses in the early days of 2023. From musicians to sports professionals, the world mourned the passing of beloved celebrities. Here are some of the stars we lost in 2023:
1. Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell
Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell, hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia’s former member, was found dead in her home on New Year’s Day at the age of 43. The Associated Press confirmed the news of her death. The “Mafia” artist’s family released a statement thanking everyone for their condolences and asking for privacy during their time of grieving. The rapper was known for hits such as “Where Dem Dollas At” and will be forever remembered for her contribution to the music industry.
2. Fred White
The music industry lost one of its greats with the passing of Fred White, the drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire. White’s brother, Verdine White, announced the musician’s death on Instagram, sharing throwback photos of the artist. He described White as a “child protégé” and a “member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old!” White was 67 at the time of his passing.
3. Alan Rankine
Alan Rankine, one of the founding members of the Scottish band The Associates, passed away peacefully at home after spending Christmas with his family. His two sons announced his death via Facebook, stating that they would keep his social media accounts active as the “community meant a lot to our dad.” Rankine was a well-known ’80s pop star and will be remembered for his significant contribution to the music industry.
4. Ken Block
The sports world suffered a great loss with the passing of rally driver and YouTuber Ken Block. Block was killed in a snowmobile accident while riding down a slope in Utah. His Hoonigan Racing team released a statement describing him as a “visionary, a pioneer and an icon,” adding that he would be incredibly missed. Block was 55 at the time of his passing.
5. Lance Reddick
Lance Reddick, known for his role in The Wire and his recent appearance in John Wick: Chapter 4, passed away at the age of 60 due to natural causes. A representative confirmed his death in a statement to Us Weekly. Reddick’s John Wick costar Keanu Reeves and the film’s director, Chad Stahelski, paid tribute to the late star in a joint statement, describing him as a “consummate professional and a joy to work with.” They dedicated the film to his memory.
Conclusion
The entertainment industry has lost some of its brightest stars in 2023. From Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell’s contribution to hip-hop to Fred White’s drumming skills for Earth, Wind and Fire, these celebrities will be forever remembered for their talents. Alan Rankine’s pop music legacy and Ken Block’s contribution to the sports world will always be cherished. Lance Reddick’s acting skills in The Wire and John Wick: Chapter 4 will always be remembered. Their memories will live on through their work, always holding a special place in the hearts of their fans.
Voyage NY is an entertainment and showbiz publishing company based in the city that never sleeps—New York. From entertainment to fashion, food, lifestyle, and modeling, we cover the latest local news online. Read more celebrity news on our website.
