8 celebrities who died after going missing
The lives of celebrities are often under intense scrutiny, with their every move and action making headlines. Nevertheless, there have been occasions when these stars have vanished without explanation, leaving both their fans and the media bewildered by their absence. Tragically, in several heart-wrenching instances, these celebs were ultimately found dead, plunging the world into grief over their untimely ends. Here are eight stars who went missing mysteriously just before they died.
Julian Sands (1958-2023)
'A Room with a View' star Julian Sands was found dead five months after he was declared missing. On January 13, 2023, his wife, Eugenia Citkowitz, reported the actor missing when he vanished while hiking in Southern California's Mount Baldy. The search lasted for five months until civilians found human remains in the mountain, which were later confirmed to be Sands', as per MEAWW. His death was ruled "undetermined."
Rapper Young Capone (1987-2023)
Atlanta-based rapper Young Capone, who was also known as Dopeboy Ra and Rara, was found dead after going missing for days. According to reports, he was last seen in Chicago just a few days before his death. His publicist Aleesha Carter confirmed his demise through an Instagram post on August 16. Details about his disappearance and cause of death remain unknown as of press time, reported Daily Mail.
Andrew Koenig (1968-2010)
'Growing Pains' actor Andrew Koenig's vanishing act in 2010 worried friends and family. His body was discovered hanging from a tree in a Vancouver park, confirming that the actor took his own life on February 14, 2010, as per CNN.
Luke Bell (1990-2022)
Luke Bell, 32, a country star, passed away on August 26, 2022, after disappearing for six days in Tucson, Arizona. The Pima County Medical Examiner's office revealed that Bell was found lifeless in a shaded area where drug paraphernalia was discovered. As per the toxicology report, he had dangerous levels of fentanyl in his body when he died, and had consumed alcohol too. The autopsy report also mentioned that he had a heart condition called arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. His death was ruled accidental, as per KGUN.
Naya Rivera (1987-2020)
'Glee' star Naya Rivera's disappearance in July 2020 sent shockwaves through Hollywood. She was reported missing after a boating trip with her son on Lake Piru in California. Tragically, her body was recovered days later, and her death was ruled an accidental drowning, as per MEAWW.
Jefferson Machado (1979-2023)
Several months after Jefferson Machado was reported missing back in January. Brazilian authorities found his remains buried in a home in Campo Grande, Brazil. "Preliminary information indicates that the actor's body was found in a trunk, buried in a hole of considerable depth," the soap opera actor's family said in a statement on Facebook. Machado's friend, who rented the house, is currently under investigation due to their potential connection to his death, reported MEAWW.
Kurt Cobain (1967-1994)
Kurt Cobain, 27, was missing for a period of six days before his lifeless body was located. Authorities determined that Cobain, frontman of Nirvana, had tragically taken his own life using a 20-gauge shotgun, as per MEAWW. Additionally, traces of heroin and Valium were found in his system at the time of his passing. The rocker also left a suicide note that read, "Please keep going Courtney [Love] for Francis (their daughter, Frances Bean). For her life will be so much happier without me. I love you. I love you."
Natalie Wood (1938-1981)
On November 28, 1981, Natalie Wood was aboard a yacht with her then-husband Robert Wagner, Christopher Walken, and the boat's skipper. The evening took a tragic turn when it became evident that Natalie was missing. Her lifeless body was eventually discovered approximately a mile away from the secluded Blue Cavern Point. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office initially attributed her death to an accident, citing several bruises on her arms, legs, and face. Notably, in February 2018, Robert Wagner became a person of interest in the case for the first time but he vehemently denied the accusations.