Heath Ledger, Brad Renfro, Christopher Bowman and Other Celebrity Deaths

By Mary Joah on January 22nd, 2008

It is so sad to see many talented people died young recently.

Heath Ledger: was found dead Tuesday, January 22 of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment. He was only 28. The Academy Award-nominated actor was found naked and unresponsive, facedown on the floor at the foot of his bed by a housekeeper trying to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse. This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet.

Brad Renfro: was only 25 years young when he died on Jan. 15 in Los Angeles. The child actor who played his parts against the backdrop of roles filled by such noted actors as Susan Sarandon, Robert de Niro, Dustin Hoffman and Jonathan Taylor Thomas is thought to have died of natural causes, so CNN reported, but the fact that his young life has been marred by alcohol abuse, drug use and fast living does not bode well. In addition to the foregoing, it is alleged that Mr. Renfro had been out late the night before his death, drinking with friends.

Christopher Bowman: World medalist figure skater died on 01-10-08 at the age of 40. His memorial site reminds the public that he was known to many as the character of “Benjamin” in the “Little House on the Prairie” series; this former child actor had admitted in the past to having battled a cocaine habit that cost almost $1,000 per day to feed. Speculation - as it is found on the Dawn Edition site - is of course ripe with the possibility of his having succumbed once again to his former drug addiction.

Harold Hunter: died on the Feb. 17, 2006 who was only 31 year young when a cocaine overdose caused his death. Also an actor, he was featured on the prominent TLC show “Miami Ink”, but his true claim to fame were his exploits in the skateboarding world where his skill had garnered him a devoted following, as the Skateboard Directory showcases.

Vickie Marshall, better known as Anna Nicole Smith, whose antics were the fodder of tabloids, online blogs, and even a reality TV series. First entering the public eye for marrying a man more than 60 years older, the nubile girl soon began abusing prescription drugs and eventually at the age of 39 died from an overdose of a sedative that was amplified by a lethal drug cocktail her organs could not break down and purge from her system.

Chris Benoit (WWE wrestler): was only 40 years young when he not only committed suicide but decided to take his wife and young son with him. While the gruesome details of the family’s death were a crippling surprise to those who knew him, the fact that Mr. Benoit might have been on the edge was not news. Steroid use, frequent concussions endured during his matches, and a vast array of prescription drugs found in his home all pointed to an individual who was on the decline; sadly, nobody was able to save him from himself, if only for the sake of his wife and son.