Remembering those we’ve lost: All the heartbreaking celebrity deaths in 2019

Roxette’s Marie Fredriksson

In December, Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson died “following a 17-year long battle with cancer”, according to a statement from the Swedish star’s manager. She was 61.

Home and Away’s Ben Unwin

Former Home and Away star Ben Unwin, who played Summer Bay fan favourite Jesse McGregor, passed away in tragic circumstances in August this year aged 41.

In a statement, NSW Police said they were called to Minyon Galls in the Whian Whian State Conservation area, near Byron Bay, after locals “responded to a concern for welfare”.

“The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious,” police said in a statement.

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Annalise Braakensiek

Australian model Annalise Braakensiek was sadly found dead in January aged 46.

Police officers were called to her Sydney home after close friends and family became concerned for her welfare after a series of concerning and cryptic Instagram posts. The former Home and Away and Fat Pizza actress had also stopped replying to texts and “hadn’t been heard from for a few days”, prompting her close network to call for help.

Following news of her passing, her friends and former colleagues posted touching tributes to the late star, including TV presenter Sophie Falkiner and Fat Pizza’s Rob Shehadie.

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Luke Perry

Iconic 90s heartthrob, Luke Perry, tragically passed away in March a week after suffering a stroke in his Los Angeles home. The actor, who was known for his roles on Beverly Hills 90210 and Riverdale was aged just 52.

In a statement to Variety at the time, Luke’s rep said: “[Perry] was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder, and other close family and friends.

“The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time.”

Doris Day

On May 13, the world lost Hollywood icon, Doris Day, who died from pneumonia aged 97.

In the 1950s and 60s, the blonde bombshell was one of the world’s biggest movie stars, finding fame and fortune from her wholesome persona on the silver screen.

Doris went on to become an animal rights advocate and the Doris Day Animal Foundation confirmed news of her death at her home in Carmel Valley, California

Bob Hawke

In May, former prime minister, Bob Hawke, died at the age of 89. On the eve of the Australian election, it was reported the beloved politician had passed away “peacefully” at his Sydney home.

“Today we lost Bob Hawke, a great Australian – many would say the greatest Australian of the post-war era,” his widow Blanche D’Alpuget said in a statement.

She added: “Bob was dearly loved by his family, and so many friends and colleagues. We will miss him. The golden bowl is broken.”

Margaret Fulton

Long before chefs became celebrities, Margaret Fulton was a culinary crusader who taught Aussies how to cook. The acclaimed Australian food writer passed away in July aged 94.

During her life, Margaret is credited to inspiring the nation to try their hand at more exotic meals and the Margaret Fulton Cookbook taught a generation how to make delicious, economical dishes for family and friends.

John Kennerley

February marked the sad death of John Kennerley, the husband of television maven Kerri-Anne Kennerley. In an emotional Instagram post, the Studio 10 star confirmed the devastating news that her long-time husband had died age 78 – three years after he suffered a fall that left him paralysed.

“It’s with a heavy heart and awful sadness that I let you know that my beautiful husband John passed away last night,” she wrote, later adding: “John passed away peacefully with his son Simon and I by his side. John, you were the love of my life. Xxx.”

John Fordham

Celebrity agent John Fordham lost his battle against cancer in November this year.

His son, Channel Nine personality and radio host Ben Fordham, penned a touching tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram post soon after his death.

Captioning a gorgeous picture of the pair together, Ben wrote: “My dad has passed away. It was the most peaceful goodbye. We were all there with him and feel blessed. What a bloke.”