Heath Ledger, remembered for one of the most chilling takes on the Joker, died at 28 from an accidental prescription drug overdose. (Photo: WENN)
Rapper Lil Peep, who blurred the lines of hip-hop and emo music, was found dead at the age of 21, consequence of an accidental fentanyl overdose. (Photo: Instagram)
The world lost Amy Winehouse’s jazzy tones and powerhouse vocals when she died of alcohol poisoning at 27. (Photo: Instagram)
“The Fast and the Furious” star Paul Walker died at age 40 in a terrible car crash. (Photo: WENN)
Selena was still a star in the rise for her Tejano music and unique style when she was murder at the young age of 23. (Photo: Instagram)
K-pop singer Kim Jong-hyun died at age 27. Investigators believe he died from inhaling either toxic fumes or smoke. (Photo: Instagram)
Uptown girl Brittany Murphy died suddenly of pneumonia at the age of 32, consequence of a toxic mold in her home. (Photo: WENN)
Nirvana frontman and songwriter Kurt Cobain died at 27 of a reportedly self-inflicted gunshot wound. (Photo: WENN)
Aaliyah was only 22 when she was killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas after filming the music video for her single “Rock the Boat.” (Photo: WENN)
“Glee” star Core Monteith was found dead in a hotel room at age 31 consequence of a toxic combination of heroin and alcohol. (Photo: WENN)
Playmate Anna Nicole Smith died when she was only 39 as a result of an overdose of prescription drugs. (Photo: WENN)
One of the most influential electric guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix, died at the age of 27 when he overdosed. (Photo: WENN)
Princess Diana died at age 36 from injuries sustained during a Paris car crash that occurred while the car was being followed by paparazzi. (Photo: WENN)
One of the best-selling hip hop artist of all time, Tupac Shakur, was fatally shot and killed at age 25. (Photo: WENN)
The iconic Marilyn Monroe was found dead as a result of a self-administrated overdose of sedative drugs when she was only 36. (Photo: WENN)
Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, was 28 years old when he died of a fatal gunshot wound after an accidental shooting on set of “The Crow”. (Photo: WENN)
Today marks 10 years since the tragic death of Heath Ledger. But even a decade since he passed away after an accidental overdose, the world is still hunted by the thoughts of a life and career that could’ve been.
A star in the rise, having earned an Oscar for his role in “Brokeback Mountain” and cementing his status as superb actor with his legendary performance as The Joker in “The Dark Knight Rises”, Ledger died at the young age of 28 as a promising star.
And just like Heath, a devastating high number of celebrities have unfortunately died well before their time. From Lil Peep and Kim Jong-hyun’s recent untimely deaths to Heath Ledger and Selena Quintanilla, here’s a list of 16 celebrities who have passed away before 40, but continue to live through their iconic movies and beloved music.
