7 Celebrities Who Unexpectedly Died Last Week: Actor, Influencers, Athletes & More

Seven celebrities passed away before March 2024 entered its last week.

From actors and musicians to influencers and sports stars, these individuals made their mark in their respective fields during their careers.

Here are the seven celebrities who died from March 17 to 24.

1. M. Emmet Walsh - March 19

"Blade Runner" and "Knives Out" actor M. Emmet Walsh died Tuesday of cardiac arrest at a hospital in Vermont. He was 88.

Sandy Joseph, Walsh's manager, confirmed the actor's death to the New York Post.

According to a release provided by Joseph to the Post, Walsh appeared in 119 movies and more than 250 television productions in his six-decade-long career as an actor.

His many film projects included 1972's "What's Up, Doc?," 1977's "Slap Shot," 1970's "Little Big Man," 1982's "Blade Runner," and 1997's "My Best Friend's Wedding."

As for his TV credits, Walsh was in "The Righteous Gemstones," "Sneaky Pete," "Frasier," "Home Improvement," "The X-Files," and "NYPD Blue," among many others.

Walsh cherished each acting job he received.

"I approach each job thinking it might be my last so it better be the best work possible," Walsh said, according to his manager's release. "I want to be remembered as a working actor. I'm being paid for what I'd do for nothing."

Walsh's last appearance came in 2019's "Knives Out."

2. Elena Larrea - March 19

Social media influencer and animal activist Elena Larrea passed away Tuesday. She was 31.

Cuacolandia, a sanctuary Larrea founded for horses rescued from abuse and abandonment, shared the news of her death in a statement written in Spanish and posted on Instagram.

Larrea "died due to a pulmonary thrombosis that caused a clot in the lung," according to a translation published by People.

The Mirror reported that it is alleged the influencer died after a recent liposuction procedure. Enstarz could not independently verify this information.

The sanctuary said it will continue promoting Larrea's "legacy and love so that our horses, donkeys, and mules live in freedom and in adequate conditions in Mexico and here, our sanctuary for horses rescued from abuse and abandonment."

Larrea, who had more than 520,000 followers on Instagram at the time of her death, founded Cuacolandia in 2017.

She joined OnlyFans to raise money to help keep it open, Mexican outlet El País reported.

3. Karen Houghton - March 18

Kris Jenner's younger sister, Karen Houghton, died this week at age 65.

An official cause of death has not yet been announced.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department told TMZ that it received a call for medical aid at Houghton's home and found fire officials performing lifesaving measures on her. It is unclear what medical incident led to the call.

The "Kardashians" star announced her sister's death via Instagram, writing: "It is with the heaviest heart and deepest sadness that I share that my sister Karen passed away yesterday unexpectedly."

Alongside photos of Houghton throughout the years, Jenner described her sister as "beautiful inside and out."

The reality star added that Houghton holds a "huge part of [her] heart."

"Karen's passing is a reminder that life is so short and precious and tomorrow is never promised. We must tell those we cherish how much we love them. I love you my beautiful sister," Jenner concluded her post.

While the two sisters appeared to have been estranged at one point, they were seen posing together with other family members in a snap shared on social media at Christmas of 2019, according to Page Six.

4. Konstantin Koltsov - March 18

Konstantin Koltsov, a former NHL player and ex-boyfriend of world No. 2 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, died on March 18. He was 42.

The Miami-Dade Police Department told CNN that Koltsov's death is being investigated as an "apparent suicide" and that "no foul play" was suspected.

During his 18-year career as a professional ice hockey player, Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL between 2003 and 2006.

He also competed at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010.

Sabalenka, 25, described Koltsov's death as an "unthinkable tragedy" in a message on Instagram Story.

"While we were no longer together, my heart is broken," she wrote, according to People.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Pittsburgh Penguins offered “their deepest condolences to the family and friends” of Koltsov, who played 144 games for the NHL franchise.

5. Chris Simon - March 18

Former NHL star Chris Simon also died by suicide on March 18. He was 52.

In a statement shared by the former Canadian hockey star's ex-agent, Simon's family said they believe his struggle with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, led to his death.

"The family strongly believes and witnessed firsthand, that Chris struggled immensely from CTE which unfortunately resulted in his death," Simon's family said in the statement obtained by NBC News.

CTE is a brain disorder "likely caused by repeated head injuries" and "causes the death of nerve cells in the brain," according to the Mayo Clinic.

Simon played in more than 800 games across 15 seasons in the NHL before retiring in 2013.

The league paid tribute to Simon following his death, saying in a statement shared by NBC: "A fierce competitor and teammate, Simon won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996 and reached the 1998 Stanley Cup Final with Washington as well as the 2004 Stanley Cup Final with Calgary. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and former teammates."

The NHL Alumni Association, meanwhile, wrote on X that Simon "was never afraid to stand up for his teammates, and played a key role in the dressing room."

6. Steve Harley - March 17

The music world is mourning the passing of Cockney Rebel frontman Steve Harley, who died on March 17 from cancer. He was 73.

Harley's family said in a statement obtained by Deadline that he had "passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side."

The musician revealed in 2023 that he was being treated for "a nasty cancer."

Harley and his band were known for their hits "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" and "Judy Teen," and their cover of the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun."

Harley also hosted "Sounds of the '70s" on BBC Radio 2 from 1999 to 2008.

Despite his battle with cancer, Harley continued to tour until January.

7. Cola Boyy - March 17

Singer-songwriter and disability rights activist Cola Boyy was found dead by his twin brother on March 17. He was 34.

The musician, whose real name was Matthew Urango, suffered from spinal issues, having been born with spina bifida, scoliosis, and kyphosis, TMZ reported.

The coroner is determining his cause of death.

According to TMZ, Cola Boyy's family believes he died as a result of his health issues.

At the time of his passing, Cola Boyy, who had collaborated with The Avalanches, MGMT, and more, had just completed work on his next album and was preparing for its release in the summer.

If you or someone you know is struggling or has had suicidal thoughts, confidential help is available for free at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The line is available 24 hours, every day.