10 celebrities who took their last breath in Arizona

Discover the final moments of 10 iconic celebrities who bid farewell in Arizona. From Hollywood stars to music legends, explore their lasting legacies.

Arizona, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, has also been the final destination for many notable figures throughout history. From Hollywood legends to influential activists, the Grand Canyon State has bid farewell to an array of celebrities who left indelible marks on American society.

We’re exploring some of the most famous individuals who drew their last breaths under Arizona’s expansive skies. Our list, compiled from public records and historical accounts, considers factors such as the person’s overall fame, their impact on their respective fields, and the circumstances surrounding their passing. While death is never an easy subject to discuss, examining these notable departures offers us a unique lens through which to appreciate the lives and legacies of those who shaped our world.

Cesar Chavez (1927-1993)

Cesar Chavez was a pioneering Mexican-American labor leader and civil rights activist. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later United Farm Workers union) and led nonviolent protests to improve conditions for farmworkers. Chavez’s use of boycotts, marches, and fasts brought national attention to the struggles of agricultural laborers. He died in his sleep at age 66 in San Luis, Arizona, while defending a UFW lawsuit.

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Lee Marvin (1924-1987)

Lee Marvin was an American actor known for his distinctive voice and tough-guy roles. A World War II veteran, Marvin rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with performances in films like “The Dirty Dozen” and “Cat Ballou” (for which he won an Oscar). His rugged appearance and bass voice made him a Hollywood icon. Marvin died at age 63 in Tucson, Arizona, due to a heart attack.

Bob Crane (1928-1978)

Bob Crane was an American actor, drummer, and radio personality best known for his role as Colonel Robert Hogan in the sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes.” Before his television career, Crane was a successful radio show host. Career highs and personal controversies marked his life. Crane was found bludgeoned to death in his Scottsdale, Arizona, apartment at age 49. The murder remains officially unsolved.

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Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)

Frank Lloyd Wright was a prolific American architect, interior designer, and educator. He designed more than 1,000 structures over a 70-year career, championing organic architecture and influencing the course of modern architecture. Wright’s innovative designs include Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum. He died at age 91 in Phoenix, Arizona, following intestinal surgery.

Waylon Jennings (1937-2002)

Waylon Jennings was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. A pioneer of the outlaw country movement, Jennings gained fame in the 1970s with his distinctive voice and rebellious image. He was part of the country supergroup The Highwaymen. Jennings struggled with drug addiction but later overcame it. He died at age 64 in Chandler, Arizona, due to complications from diabetes.

Jesse Owens (1913-1980)

Jesse Owens was an African American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying Nazi propaganda about Aryan supremacy. He set three world records in less than an hour in 1935, a feat known as the “greatest 45 minutes ever in sport.” Despite his Olympic success, Owens faced racial discrimination back home. He later worked as a public speaker and goodwill ambassador. Owens died at age 66 in Tucson, Arizona, from lung cancer.

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Billy Preston (1946-2006)

Billy Preston was an American musician known for his work as a keyboardist with artists like Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and the Beatles. He had a successful solo career with hits like “Will It Go Round in Circles” and “Nothing from Nothing.” Preston won a Grammy and was known as the “Fifth Beatle” for his contributions to the band. He struggled with drug addiction and legal issues later in life. Preston died at age 59 in Scottsdale, Arizona, from kidney failure after years of health problems.

Don Ameche (1908-1993)

Don Ameche was an American actor who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s with films like “The Story of Alexander Graham Bell” and “Heaven Can Wait.” After a career lull, he experienced a revival in the 1980s, winning an Oscar for “Cocoon.” Ameche was known for his charm and versatility, working in radio, television, and film throughout his long career. He died at age 85 in Scottsdale, Arizona, from prostate cancer.

Margaret Sanger (1879-1966)

Margaret Sanger was a birth control activist and sex educator who founded organizations that later evolved into Planned Parenthood. She popularized the term “birth control” and fought for women’s reproductive rights, facing legal challenges and controversy. Sanger’s views on eugenics have made her a controversial historical figure. She died at age 86 in Tucson, Arizona, about a year after the Griswold v. Connecticut decision legalized birth control.

Tom Mix (1880-1940)

Tom Mix was a star of early Western films, appearing in 291 movies between 1909 and 1935. He was known for performing his own stunts and helped define the cowboy hero archetype in Hollywood. Mix successfully transitioned from silent films to “talkies” and also worked in circuses and radio shows. He died at age 60 in a car accident near Florence, Arizona.

These 10 notable figures, each leaving an indelible mark on American culture, found their final resting place in the diverse landscapes of Arizona. From the silver screen to the stage, from architectural marvels to civil rights movements, their legacies continue to influence and inspire long after their passing.

Photo courtesy of Insomnia Cured Here/Flickr.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Copper Courier staff.