Tragic and Heartbreaking: Celebrities Who Committed Suicide

Everyone remembers the collective sorrow felt when the news of Robin William’s death by suicide was reported.  It was shocking—this bright, funny, clever comedian/actor was the last person you’d think would take his own life.  But how we perceive each other, based on outward appearances and demeanor, is sometimes completely inaccurate.

Many who struggle with depression—both celebrities and regular folk—are very adept at hiding their interior battles.  It isn’t until news of a suicide that awareness of the anguish and despair they suffered is revealed.  Sadly, there are a number of celebrities who have committed suicide.

Depression and Suicide

In the U.S., rates of suicide have risen dramatically, to the highest levels since the 80s, according to a recent study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).  In 2014 42,773 Americans died by suicide, compared with 29,199 in 1999.  Overall, from 1999 to 2014, suicide rates have risen 24%.  The NCHS reported that rates among middle-aged women, aged 45-64, have surged by 63% during the study period.  In addition, disturbing increases among teens and young adults have tripled in some groups within this age bracket.

Depression is a wily foe, sometimes very difficult to treat effectively.  While stunning news of celebrity suicides can be jarring, many have close friends or family members who have chosen suicide as well.  Regardless of one’s station in life, getting help for persistent depression is imperative, especially if suicidal ideation becomes obsessive.  Imagine if these celebrities who committed suicide had just reached out for help—possibly their story would not have ended that way.

In some cases, there may be notable suicide warning signs that a loved one may be in need of psychiatric intervention, possibly admission to a psychiatric facility.  If a loved one becomes extremely depressed and isolated, withdraws from work and family, has recently been dealing with a serious health or financial setback, or openly comments about how his family would be better off without them, it is time to intervene.

List of the Celebrities who Committed Suicide

In no particular order, here are some of the most famous deaths by suicide:

• Anthony Bourdain, age 61. Anthony, chef and best known for his show “No Reservations“, died from suicide on June 8th, 2018.
• Kate Spade, age 55. Kate Spade was an iconic fashion designer and mother that died by hanging in her Manhattan, NY apartment on June 5th, 2018.
• Chester Bennington, age 41. Chester Bennington was the lead singer of Linkin Park and hanged himself July 20^th, 2017.
• Chris Cornell, age 52. Chris Cornell was the lead singer of Soundgarden who died by hanging in 2017.
• Aaron Hernandez, age 27. Former NFL star who died by hanging in his jail cell in 2017.
• Robin Williams, age 63. Robin Williams was a comedian and actor who hanged himself in 2014.
• Mindy McCready, age 37. Mindy McCready was a country music singer who died by a self-inflicted gunshot in 2013.
• Junior Seau, age 43. Junior Seau was a 10 time NFL pro who died by a self-inflicted gunshot in 2012.
• Don Cornelius, age 75. Don Cornelius was the creator and host of Soul Train who died by a self-inflicted gunshot in 2012.
• Dana Plato, age 34. Dana Plato played Kimberly Drummond on the hit sitcom, Diff’rent Strokes, who died by intentional prescription drug overdose in 1999.
• Michael Hutchence, age 37. Michael Hutchence was the lead singer of the rock band INXS who hanged himself in 1997.
• Kurt Cobain, age 27. Kurt Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvana who died by a self-inflicted gunshot on April 5, 1994.
• Marilyn Monroe, age 36. Marilyn Monroe was an actress and sex symbol who died by an intentional overdose of barbiturates in 1962.

Suicide Prevention and Treatment

 When you or a loved one is struggling with serious depression, it is vital to get help right away. Like any other health conditions, the longer it is left untreated the worse it can become. With proper depression treatment, the darker thoughts that may have clouded the mind, may be lifted and replaced with positive and healthier thoughts.

Urgent Help: If you or someone you know has expressed thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 800-273-8255

Treatment Options and Guidance: Call The Treatment Specialist to learn about resources to rehab for depression, addiction and mental health inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, call The Treatment Specialist for free treatment and rehab options at 866-644-7911.