2021, while exponentially better than its predecessor, has not been without its own downfalls. Losses have still been suffered, just as in any other year.
Nothing shakes a community as much as the loss of a well-known public figure, and in a world connected by the internet and social media, well-known figures can be loved by their families as well as people halfway around the world. When they pass away, it can come as a shock and sorrow to all.
One of the most high-profile deaths this year was that of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and consort of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Buckingham Palace announced the passing of the duke at the age of 99 on its official website on April 9.
According to an article from People magazine, the duke “had been plagued by health issues in recent years after retiring from his public duties in August 2017.” The duke and Queen Elizabeth shared a 73–year long marriage.
The actor Christopher Plummer also died this year, on Feb. 5, at the age of 91. Plummer had an active acting career for most of his life, even in his old age. He played Harlan Thrombey in Rian Johnson’s blockbuster murder-mystery film “Knives Out” at the age of 89.
Plummer was also famous for his role as Baron Georg von Trapp in the 1965 stage adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music,” where he starred alongside renowned actress Julie Andrews.
After his passing, Andrews released a statement saying, “The world has lost a consummate actor today and I have lost a cherished friend. I treasure the memories of our work together and all the humor and fun we shared through the years.”
Another sad death was that of Joanne Rogers, the widow of the famous Fred Rogers of the television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” She died on Feb. 11 at the age of 92. According to an article from The New York Times, she was always very supportive of her husband’s career throughout their 50 years of marriage.
Joanne Rogers also helped keep her husband’s legacy alive after his death in 2003. According to the same article, “She vigorously promoted ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ (2018), Morgan Neville’s documentary about her husband, and ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ (2019), a feature film with Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers and Maryann Plunkett as Mrs. Rogers.”
One of the more tragic deaths of this year was Gabby Petito, whose disappearance became a source of nationwide interest. According to an article from CBS News, Petito, a lifestyle blogger, was reported missing on Sept. 11. Her fiancé quickly became a person of interest in the investigation.
Ten days later, reports came out saying, “A coroner confirms that the remains found in Wyoming is Gabby Petito and determined the initial manner of death is homicide.” Her fiancé’s remains were found on Oct. 21. Petito’s disappearance sparked conversation about why white women receive more attention when they go missing than women of color.
As sad as it is, death is one of the few things that can be certain of anyone. But this sentiment should serve as inspiration to always live life to the fullest.
