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Chris Davidson -

Former Australian surf star Chris Davidson died after being punched in the face outside of a pub in a small town north of Sydney on September 24. The 45-year-old athlete reportedly hit his head on the pavement, and though he received treatment at the scene, he passed away in a hospital soon after. The 42-year-old man who threw the punch was arrested and charged with assault causing death, BBC reports. 

Davidson struck early fame at just 19 years old, when he was given a wildcard entry into the 1996 Rip Curl Pro. It's there that he famously beat reigning world champion Kelly Slater in two consecutive heats. After hearing news of Davidson's death, Slater wrote on Instagram, "Had many a good battle with this guy. One of the most naturally talented surfers I ever knew."

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Elias Theodorou -

Former UFC fighter Elias Theodorou died on September 11 following a battle with cancer. The Canadian mixed martial artist was only 34 years old, and had been battling stage 4 liver cancer in private. In public, Theodorou competed for the UFC in the Middleweight division where he was ranked 13th, and won 'The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia.' He was also a known advocate for the use of medical marijuana in combat sports, believing it to be safer and more beneficial than prescription drugs.

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Luke Knox -

On August 18, Florida International University announced the loss of one of their young students and star athletes. Luke Knox, linebacker for the Miami-based university's football team, suddenly passed away at the age of 22. While his cause of death was not made public, the local police department confirmed that no foul play was suspected. Tributes to Knox poured from his teammates and coaches. FIU head football coach Mike MacIntyre wrote, "While I admired his passion for football, his genuine love for his family and teammates is what I will always remember. He had a special way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and confident. Luke's family is special to me, and they will continually be in my heart and in my prayers during this difficult time. On behalf of the entire FIU football family, I extend sincere condolences to Luke's family and all who love him."

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Leandro Lo -

Leandro Lo was an 8-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion before his life was brutally cut short at 33. Lo was shot in the head at a concert in São Paulo, Brazil, in the early hours of August 7. According to Bleacher Report, Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting cited the news outlet G1 and a police report mentioned by Combate, noting police officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo is a suspect. Witnesses  reportedly said the police officer had grabbed a bottle from Lo's table, and Lo then responded by taking the officer down and holding him. After the two were separated is when witnesses say Velozo shot Lo in the head, however. The fighter was taken to the hospital but declared brain dead within hours.

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Bobby East -

Decorated race car driver Bobby East was stabbed and killed on July 13, at the age of 37. Police were called to a gas station in Westminster, California, where East was found with a serious chest wound. He was rushed to hospital but did not survive. A local 27-year-old homeless man was named as the murder suspect, but was shot and killed by police when he reportedly became confrontational during the arrest. The circumstances surrounding East's stabbing are yet to be determined. 

East was the son of USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East, and had a successful career as a USAC and NASCAR driver, earning several national titles. 

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Caleb Swanigan -

Former NBA star Caleb Swanigan died at the age of just 25 on June 20, Purdue University confirmed. According to the Allen County Coroner's Office in Indiana, the former Portland Trail Blazers player passed away from natural causes. "Devastated," his college team, the Purdue Boilermakers, tweeted on June 21. "Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan's family and friends. The world lost a gentle soul last night. Love you Biggie." Swanigan was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 2017 and after two seasons he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2019, before moving back to the Portland team in 2020. But in March 2020 he played his last professional game, and left the NBA for "personal reasons," which were reportedly his ongoing health issues.

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Marion Barber III -

Marion Barber III, who played with the Dallas Cowboys for six years, passed away at the age of 38. Reports state that Barber was found dead in his apartment after police were called to respond to a "welfare concern" at his address on June 1. The former football star retired from the NFL 10 years ago, but not before earning the nickname 'Marion the Barbarian.' The Cowboys released a statement of condolence the day of his death: "Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion's family and friends during this difficult time." His cause of death was later revealed to be heat stroke. 

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Jeff Gladney -

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney has passed away at the premature age of 25. He was reportedly involved in a two-car collision in Dallas in the early hours of May 30. Both Gladney and a female passenger were killed in the accident. The young athlete had just begun his third season with the NFL and had signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. They released a statement saying "We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss." 

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Eya Guezguez -

Eya Guezguez, a Tunisian sailor and one of the youngest athletes who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has tragically died at the age of 17. Even more heart-wrenching, Eya was sailing with her twin sister, Sarra, who competed alongside Eya at the Olympics when they were just 16. Their boat reportedly capsized due to strong winds, and though their coach was alongside them in a speedboat at the time, the coach was only able to help Sarra get out of the tangled rigging before reaching Eya, upon whom they then tried CPR, the BBC reports. Eya was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

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Katie Meyer -

On March 2, Stanford University reported that the captain and goalkeeper of their women's soccer team, Katie Meyer, had passed away at the age of 22. Meyer, who was an international relations major at the university, reportedly died in a campus residence. The following day, the news was shared that Meyer died of self-inflicted wounds. She is remembered by friends and teammates as a "larger-than-life team player in all her pursuits," who was "extraordinarily committed to everything and everyone in her world." Her passing is mourned by Stanford University and the US soccer community at large. 

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Deon Lendore -

Three-time Olympian Deon Lendore died in the US at the age of 29, Reuters reports. The Trinidadian sprinter, who specialized in the 400m and competed at the Olympic Games in London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo, was involved in a car crash in Texas on January 10. He was reportedly working as a volunteer coach at Texas A&M University. "Deon has flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag with pride, honour, patriotism and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many," the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee said in a statement.

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Demaryius Thomas -

NFL player Demaryius Thomas was found dead at his home in Roswell, Georgia. The 33-year-old Denver Broncos wide receiver reportedly passed away as a result of a medical issue, according to CNN. Thomas was considered one of the best wide receivers in Bronco's history and his death is being mourned by his team and the football community at large. "We are devastated and completely heartbroken," the Broncos said in a statement. "Demaryius' humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him."

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Jimmy Hayes -

Late NHLer Jimmy Hayes, who played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils, was pronounced dead by first responders at his home on August 23. The night prior, Hayes and his wife of three years Kristen celebrated their son Beau's second birthday with their new son Mac, who was born on May 5. After weeks of wondering, a toxicology report revealed that he died of acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, according to his widow and father. Hayes had previously confessed to becoming addicted to pain medication after suffering an injury. 

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Olivia Podmore -

Cyclist Olivia Podmore, who had become a top competitor at a young age and represented New Zealand in the 2016 Rio Olympics, passed away suddenly on August 9, 2021, at the age of 24. "The New Zealand Olympic Committee is deeply saddened by the loss of Olympian #1333, Olivia Podmore, " the organization said in a statement shared by E! News. "We offer our deepest condolences to family, friends and others in the NZ community who are grieving this loss. We are providing wellbeing support for members of her team and the wider team as we return home from Tokyo."   

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Geno Hayes -

Ex NFL linebacker Geno Hayes, who had a seven-season run in the league, died on April 26, while in hospice at his parents' home in Georgia. He was just 33. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars player had been diagnosed with chronic liver disease in 2019, but his conditioned worsened in 2021 and he spent his final days in hospice care being visited by family members and close friends, TMZ reports. 

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Katherine Diaz -

El Salvador's top surfer, 22-year-old Olympic hopeful Katherine Diaz was in the water on March 19, 2021, training for an upcoming qualifying competition, when she was struck by lightning, CNN reports. She died instantly. 

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Timur Faizutdinov -

Russian junior hockey player Timur Faizutdinov, 19, died after being hit in the head by a puck during a game. The hit reportedly happened on March 12 when Faizutdinov, a defenseman for Dynamo St. Petersburg team, was in a playoff game against Loko Yaroslavl. He collapsed and was taken to the hospital, where he passed away on March 16. 

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Vincent Jackson -

Former NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead on February 15, 2021, at a hotel in Florida. The athlete, who was once one of the best wide receivers in the league, was just 38 years old. His cause of death was uncertain, but Jackson had reportedly checked into the hotel on February 11, a day after his family had reported him missing. Police closed the case after they checked on his well-being. He leaves behind his wife and their three children. 

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Kobe Bryant -

NBA legend and sports icon Kobe Bryant made it to retirement, but his life was cut short at 41 years old, following a helicopter crash in California on January 26, 2020. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of eight others, including Gianna Bryant, Kobe's 13-year-old daughter, who was a promising basketball player herself. 

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Colby Cave -

NHL star Colby Cave, who played for the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers, passed away on April 11, 2020 at just 25 years old. After having been put in a medically induced coma four days earlier, following a surgery to remove a colloid cyst causing pressure on his brain, Cave's cause of death was a brain bleed. His family, and wife of less than one year, were unable to be with him in his final moments because of COVID-19 hospital regulations. 

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Patrick Day -

Boxer Patrick Day passed away on October 16, 2019, aged 27, days after a fight with fellow American Charles Conwell in Chicago. He died as a result of his head injuries, this after falling into a coma.

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Maxim Dadashev -

On July 24, 2019, days after his fight with Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias, Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev passed away in a US hospital from sustained injuries. He was just 28 years old.

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Gabriele Grunewald -

Gabriele Grunewald was an elite American distance runner, and the 12th fastest American woman to run the 1500 m in history. While she boasted an impressive resumé, she was battling cancer through it all, enduring radiation therapy and surgery several times since she was diagnosed in 2009, but continuing to run. She died June 11, 2019, at just 32 years old.

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Kelly Catlin - Kelly Catlin was a sensational US cyclist, who scored a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics. The athlete took her own life in her Stanford dorm room on March 7.

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Hank Gathers - This college basketball star collapsed and died during a game in 1990. The 23-year-old played against legends like Shaquille O'Neal, but never made it to the NBA.

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Ayrton Senna - The thrilling Brazilian racer was a world champion of Formula One, but died at the age of 34 in an explosive crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

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Miklós Fehér - Fehér was a heroic Hungarian striker, who played for Portuguese clubs Porto and Benfica. During a game with Benfica, he suffered a cardiac arrest, and died in the hospital at age 24.

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Emiliano Sala - The world of football was shocked with the passing of Emiliano Sala, who died in a plane crash in January. He was 28 years old.

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Aaron Hernandez - Aaron Hernandez had a revered NFL career, which ended after he was convicted of murder. He was acquitted of a connected double homicide, but took his own life in his cell at the age of 27.

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Erica Blasberg - Blasberg was a pro golfer who reportedly took her own life when she was 25. Some suggested foul play from a Dr. Thomas Hess, who says he had a "flirty" relationship with Blasberg. But he was ultimately cleared in a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit stemming from Blasberg's passing.

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Oscar Taveras - The 22-year-old Dominican-Canadian was primed to be a star with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, "El Fenómeno" and his girlfriend were both killed in a car crash.

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Sarah Burke - Sarah Burke was a breathtaking Canadian skier. However, she fell on her head during training, and died of injuries that she sustained. She was 29 years old.

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Drazen Petrovic - The Croatian basketballer played for Portland, Real Madrid, and the New Jersey Nets. He died in a car accident in Germany, aged 28.

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Camille Muffat - The French swimmer won bronze, silver, and gold at the Olympics. She joined the TV show 'Dropped,' but died aged 25 along with nine other people in a helicopter crash.

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Ed Sanders -

Sanders was a US Olympic champion of boxing. His last fight was against Willie James, who beat the boxer beyond repair. He was stretchered out of the ring, and pronounced dead at a hospital aged 24.

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Darrent Williams - This NFL star started 14 games for the Denver Broncos in 2006. However, Williams was gunned down in a drive-by shooting during a 2007 New Year's Eve celebration. He was 24.

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Steve Prefontaine - This Oregon-born Olympic runner died in a car accident when he was 24.

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Andrés Escobar - During the 1994 World Cup, the Colombian central defender accidentally scored an own goal in a 2-1 loss against the US. The country turned on the player, who was murdered at age 27. Many have made connections between his mistake and his murder.

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José Fernández - Fernández was an exciting star with the Miami Marlins, but died in a boating accident when was 24, five days after announcing that his girlfriend was pregnant with their child.

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Francisco Lázaro - Lázaro's day job was doing carpentry in Lisbon, and he also represented Portugal as an Olympic marathon runner. He died from dehydration aged 21, during an Olympic marathon before which he reportedly said "either I win or I die."

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Nick Adenhart - Nick Adenhart had a great start with the Los Angeles Angels. However, he was killed at age 22 in a car crash not far from the Angels stadium.

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Salvador Sanchez - Despite his short career, Salvador Sanchez is still seen as one of boxing's greatest featherweight fighters. He died at age 23 in a car accident.

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Antonio Puerta -

Puerta was a star player for Seville, winning five titles with his only club. He collapsed during a La Liga match in 2007, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

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Bernardo Ribeiro - The Brazilian attacking midfielder died at 26, after suffering a cardiac arrest following a game with an amateur club.

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Pat Tillman - Tillman got his start with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. However, he joined the military after 9/11, and was killed in a friendly-fire accident aged 27.

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Christian Benitez - Otherwise known as "Chucho," this Ecuadorian striker played around the world, before dying of cardiac arrest complications at the age of 27.

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Edvin Hodžić - This Austrian midfielder played for many clubs in his country, and was contracted to play for German club SV Schalding-Heining. However, he passed away at the age of 23.

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Sean Taylor - Sean Taylor was a star on the rise with the Washington Redskins. However, he was fatefully shot in the leg during a robbery attempt at his home. He died aged 24 at the hospital.

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Renato Curi - During the '60s and '70s, Curi played midfield for Italian clubs like Como, Perugia, and Giulianova. However, he died suddenly, aged 24, during a game against Juventus in 1977.

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Victims of the Munich air disaster - One of the most shocking accidents in the history of soccer, a plane carrying the Manchester United team crashed in Munich in 1958. In total, 23 people died, including eight United players in their prime.

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Bill Barilko - Otherwise known as "Bashin' Belly," the Toronto-based hockey player was 24 when he vanished in August 1951. He apparently died in a plane crash, and the wreckage was found 11 years later.

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Ernie Davis -

He was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, but Davis' career was cut short after he was diagnosed with leukemia. He died of the disease at 23.

See also: Sports stars you didn't know had medical conditions.

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