July 2025 brought heartbreak across music, film, sports, and science – with the world saying goodbye to some truly iconic names.

The great minds we lost in July 2025.
Zelig Eshhar, the Israeli immunologist who helped revolutionize cancer treatment with his T cell research, has died at 84. A pioneer in CAR-T therapy and winner of the Israel Prize, he turned a beekeeper’s love for nature into a legacy that saved lives worldwide. | © Weizmann Institute of Science
Ed Fiori, the golfer who famously outplayed a young Tiger Woods in 1996, has died at 72 after a battle with cancer. A four-time PGA Tour winner known for his quiet grit, Fiori made his mark with clutch victories against some of golf’s biggest legends. | © PGA Tour
Alan Bergman, the Oscar-winning lyricist behind The Way We Were and countless classics, has died at 99. Part of a legendary songwriting duo with his wife Marilyn, he kept writing love songs and movie magic right up until the end. | © Alan Bergman
Preta Gil, beloved Brazilian singer and TV host, has died at 50 after a brave two-year battle with colon cancer. Daughter of music legend Gilberto Gil, she was a vibrant force in Brazilian culture whose voice and energy will be deeply missed. | © Reprodução/Instagram
Junior Edwards, known for wrangling gators on Swamp People, has passed away, as confirmed by his grandson, “Lil” Willie Edwards. A fan favorite for his fearless spirit and humor, Junior leaves behind a legacy as big as the bayou he called home. | © HISTORY
Bobby Jenks, the powerhouse closer who sealed the White Sox’s 2005 World Series win, has died at 44 from a rare form of stomach cancer. A two-time All-Star, he was more than a pitcher – he was part of one of the franchise’s most unforgettable moments. | © Mlb
Tom Troupe, the seasoned Broadway actor and familiar face from Star Trek and Cheers, has died at 97 of natural causes. A veteran of stage and screen, he shared both his career and the spotlight with his wife of nearly 60 years, actress Carole Cook. | © Paramount Pictures
Ioana Bulcă, a celebrated Romanian actress known for her role in This Evening We Dance in the Family, has died at 89. A beloved figure in Romanian theater and film, her legacy spans decades of powerful performances on stage and screen. | © Ioana Bulcă
Tom Lehrer, the sharp-witted satirist who made math and music equally mischievous, has died at 97 in Cambridge. A cult icon of the ’50s and ’60s, he left behind hilariously biting songs and a reminder that even the nerdiest minds can steal the spotlight. | © Tom Lehrer
Connie Francis, once the world’s top-selling female singer, has died at 87 after a battle with pneumonia. Her timeless voice spanned generations – from chart-topping hits in the ’50s to a surprise TikTok revival just months before her passing. | © MGM
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved for his role as Theo on The Cosby Show, has died at 54 after drowning in Costa Rica. Caught in a rip current near Cocles Beach, he was pulled to shore but couldn’t be revived, leaving fans stunned by the sudden loss. | © Poke Prod
Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend who turned bodyslams into a prime-time spectacle, has died at 71 from cardiac arrest. Known for his signature mustache, bandana, and larger-than-life persona, Hogan helped bring pro wrestling into the mainstream. | © WWE
Chuck Mangione, the smooth jazz icon behind the 1978 hit Feels So Good, has died at 84 at his home in Rochester, New York. With his flugelhorn in hand and signature fedora, Mangione helped shape an entire genre and left melodies that still hum in the background of pop culture. | © Jazz Times
Diogo Jota, Liverpool and Portugal forward, has died at just 28 in a tragic car crash in Spain that also took the life of his younger brother. The accident happened less than two weeks after Jota’s wedding, leaving the football world and his young family in heartbreak. | © Liverpool FC
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Prince of Darkness and voice of heavy metal, has died at 76. Known for his wild stage antics and unforgettable howl, he passed away surrounded by family after years of health struggles. | © Ozzy Osbourne
July 2025 brought heartbreak across music, film, sports, and science – with the world saying goodbye to some truly iconic names.
July 2025 brought heartbreak across music, film, sports, and science – with the world saying goodbye to some truly iconic names.