South African international midfielder Jayden Adams has died at age 25, just weeks after helping his country reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in its history, officials confirmed Saturday.

Adams’s body was found Saturday morning at a residence on Military Road in the Schotschekloof suburb of central Cape Town, and Western Cape police have opened an inquest into his death. A cause of death has not been released. South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed the news in a statement and asked the media and public to exercise restraint and avoid speculation while the cause remains unconfirmed.

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Adams, who played for Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns, started South Africa’s Group A matches against Mexico and the Czech Republic and came off the bench in a 1-0 win over South Korea that sent the team, known as Bafana Bafana, into the knockout rounds for the first time ever.

South Africa was eliminated by co-host Canada in the round of 32, a match in which Adams did not play. He’d taken the field against the Czech Republic just hours after learning his grandmother had died, McKenzie said, and was substituted at halftime that game.

Adams came up through Stellenbosch FC’s youth academy before joining Sundowns in January 2025, helping the club win the CAF Champions League title this year — a trophy he dedicated to former Stellenbosch teammate Oshwin Andries, who died in a 2023 stabbing. He earned 13 caps for South Africa’s senior team since his 2022 debut, scoring twice, both in World Cup qualifiers.

Tributes poured in from across the sport. FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote on Instagram that he was devastated by the loss and offered condolences on behalf of the global football community. Mamelodi Sundowns, owned by the Motsepe family, asked that the Adams family’s privacy be respected as they grieve.

The South African Football Players’ Union called his death an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates and the football fraternity, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also offered condolences, according to the CBC.

Adams’s death marks the third loss of a young player with ties to Stellenbosch FC in recent years, following Andries’s death and, the death of another young player, Jeandre Gaffoor, earlier this year.

The football world was shocked recently by the sudden passing of former NFL star Aldon Smith, who died at age 36. Smith was once considered one of the league’s most dominant young pass rushers. He left a complicated legacy, marked by extraordinary talent at Missouri, a high-profile start with the 49ers, and a career shaped by personal struggles. Smith could have been one of the greatest players in NFL history.
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The 49ers confirmed Smith’s death, but an official cause has not yet been released. He was found unresponsive in the Bay Area and later pronounced dead. His family said his brain will be examined at Boston University’s CTE Center to determine whether chronic traumatic encephalopathy or another condition contributed to his death.

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Smith was drafted in 2011 out of the University of Missouri. He quickly became one of the NFL’s most feared players, recording 14 sacks as a rookie and 19.5 sacks during the 2012 season. At just 23 years old, Smith earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors, appearing destined for superstardom.
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J.J. Watt won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, but Smith’s early dominance helped the 49ers to multiple playoff appearances, including a trip to the Super Bowl that year. During his first two seasons, Smith accumulated 33 sacks—one of the most productive starts by a defensive player in NFL history.

However, Smith’s career was interrupted by legal troubles, substance abuse issues and league suspensions. He was also involved in a bomb threat incident at an airport.

All of those challenges added up, and Smith left the 49ers shortly after. Friends said Smith spent part of his last day delivering pizzas for a homeless charity before he was found unresponsive.

Tributes quickly poured in from former teammates, coaches and fans. The 49ers described Smith as a player with undeniable talent, calling him one of the most gifted of his era. Smith’s death now serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges facing former professional football players and the lasting questions surrounding player health long after retirement.

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Former Chicago Bulls forward and longtime broadcaster Stacey King has died at age 59, leaving the basketball world in shock after one of the franchise’s more beloved figures passed away.

The Chicago Bulls announced King’s death on Sunday. King was a member of the Bulls for three NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan and spent two decades as the team’s television color commentator following his playing career.

>SPORTS LEGENDS WHO DIED IN 2026 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW!

King died following a fall at his home in River Forest, Illinois. Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, and medical examiners are conducting further examinations. Friends described the news as sudden and unexpected.

King was selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft after a standout college career at the University of Oklahoma. He quickly became part of one of the greatest basketball dynasties, helping the Bulls capture three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993. He was part of Jordan’s first three rings.
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While his playing career included stints with several NBA teams, King arguably became even more popular after his retirement. In 2006, he returned to the Bulls organization as a broadcaster and eventually became one of the most recognizable voices in Chicago sports. His energetic personality and humor made him a favorite among multiple generations of Bulls fans.

He called games during the Derrick Rose era and the more recent years with Adam Amin. King brought passion and authenticity to every broadcast. His enthusiasm helped make difficult seasons entertaining for viewers.

He was a great player and a great announcer, but King is survived by his wife, Debbie, and four sons. Family members described him as a devoted father who left an impact far beyond the basketball court.

For the Bulls, King will be remembered not only as a three-time NBA champion, but as one of the franchise’s greats—a multitalented man synonymous with Bulls basketball and a legend for years to come.
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Former Indy car racer Rick Treadway died Saturday in a motorcycle accident. Treadway was known to race in Indy cars during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, competing in one of his only Indianapolis 500 appearances. He finished 29th in the event after a collision cut his day short.

Fans are remembering Treadway’s legacy. Trey’s family was also a part of launching the IndyCar series. His father, Fred Treadway, owns one of the original Indie racing teams, Treadway Racing. The younger Treadway raced for the team for two of his seasons.

>SPORTS LEGENDS WHO DIED IN 2026 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW!

Treadway is remembered by friends and fans as fun, crazy, humble, wild and brave. Driver Conor Daly expressed sadness over the loss and offered condolences to the family.

He died at the age of 56 following a motorcycle accident, leaving the racing community in shock about the loss of the competitor, remembered for his passion, personality and connection to one of Indianapolis’s most recognizable racing families.

The racing world has been in shock after Kyle Busch passed away suddenly, and now with Treadway’s passing, that grief is compounded.

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Claude Lemieux built one of the more polarizing and successful careers in NHL history. He’s also known for an elite playoff performance, and he’s one of hockey’s most controversial figures.

He was found dead on May 28 by his adult son in the warehouse of a furniture store owned by his family in Florida, around 3 a.m., after they became concerned that he had not returned home. He was 60 years old.

>SPORTS LEGENDS WHO DIED IN 2026 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW!

But over a 20-year career in the NHL, he established himself as one of the game’s premier postseason players. The Canadian wing appeared in almost 1300 regular shooting games and scored 379 goals while playing for multiple teams like the Montreal Canadiens, the New Jersey Devils, the Colorado Avalanche, the Phoenix Coyotes and the San Jose Sharks.

Well, the regular-season stats were impressive. He earned a reputation during the Stanley Cup playoffs. He scored 80 goals in the playoffs, ranking among the top postseason goal scorers in NHL history. In big moments, he stepped up to the occasion, and in crucial moments, he helped them win four Stanley Cup championships with three different franchises.

Captured the first Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1986 and added titles with New Jersey in 1995, Colorado in 1996 and 2000. During New Jersey’s championship in 1995, he was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy, which is the NHL‘s most valuable player in the playoffs.

Despite his success, he often found himself at the center of controversy. He developed a reputation as an agitator who just pissed off his opponents, and with his physical style, he would just push the boundaries of the game. Still, tributes have poured in from fans and teammates alike, honoring a great part of the game.

On Tuesday, Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passed away at 29 years old.

Clarke was found dead in his San Fernando Valley, California home, on Monday night. LAPD officials discovered narcotics at the scene; however, neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, revealed details about the nature of his death.

Clarke was due to appear in court in Arkansas next week to face charges of felony trafficking a controlled substance. Police say they found illegal drugs, including painkiller Kratom, during a traffic stop last month in his car.

>SPORTS LEGENDS WHO DIED IN 2026 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW!

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” said the Grizzlies in a statement.

Clarke’s teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr., took to social media on Wednesday to mourn the tragic death of his teammate. “I couldn’t imagine a world where this was even a possibility. I love you forever, brother. This is absolutely devastating. I just wish I could talk to you,” wrote Jackson Jr. on social media Wednesday. “You were so much to so many and even more to me. I will never have the words to describe what this feels like. I still can’t believe this. To your family and friends and everyone, you were always a light, and you were always so genuine and real, and our friendship went far beyond anything on the court.”

Clarke began his collegiate career at San José State University, where he averaged 8.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in his first year. After the 2016-17 season, he would be redshirted for the 2017-18 season at Gonzaga before starting 36 games for the Bulldogs the following season. Clarke was a member of the 2018-2019 squad, where they finished 33-4 and made the Elite Eight.

The Gonzaga alum would have been selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft; Oklahoma City later dealt his draft rights to the Grizzlies.

“We are devastated to hear the news about Brandon,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few wrote in a statement. “He had such a kind, gentle and warm soul, and I will always remember the great smile he had on his face whenever you were around him. BC was one of the most easygoing players we have ever had, and he was part of one of the greatest teams in our program’s history.”

In the 2019-2020 season, Clarke finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting, where he made a name for himself as a credible bench player. The forward averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 58 games that season. Clarke signed a four-year, $52 million extension with the team in October 2022; however, a season-ending Achilles tear in March 2023 would sideline the forward for the majority of the 2023-2024 season.

Kyle Loftis, a streetcar media icon who founded 1320 video, died Wednesday at 43.

“We are extremely saddened to share that Kyle Loftis, the founder of 1320 video, passed away last night. We are in a state of shock,” the site wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. “Kyle’s passion for motorsports inspired millions of people around the world, and we will never forget what he has done to grow our beloved sport,” the post reads. “Kyle was a beam of light at every gathering… his enthusiasm, kindness, and creativity were contagious.”

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The cause of his death remains unknown, leading to speculation online.

“I’ll say this. I’m sure we will find out in due time, but it’s not important now. We lost an icon, at this point we should celebrate his life and the accomplishments of it and what he has done for our automotive community,” wrote one person on a Facebook thread dedicated to Loftis’ passing.

Another user commented: “The man was a public figure to a huge car community. He was well-liked, and people cared about him. To expect people not to be curious about what happened to him is a bit silly. I think I would be more concerned if no one asked, as if they didn’t care. Give the man the respect he deserves, but people are going to want to know at some point.”

In a statement, the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office and Gretna Fire Department in Nebraska responded to Loftis’ home Tuesday night. “Loftis was declared deceased; his death is not suspicious,” a spokesperson wrote. “Out of respect for privacy, we will not be releasing further details.”

Loftis attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, majoring in information systems management. 1320 video was founded in 2003 by Loftis to document underground street racing. The brand began as a forum and then evolved into a YouTube channel with over four million subscribers. 1320 video also has a huge Facebook and Instagram following, amassing nine million followers across both platforms.

“Completely shocked about the loss of Kyle,” his friend Garrett Mitchell wrote on Facebook. “The most influential person in my life. We’re crushed. Please pray for his mother and close friends, they need it most.”

Former New York Yankees radio announcer John Sterling has died at 87.

Sterling died from heart failure at a hospital in Englewood, New Jersey. He suffered a heart attack earlier this year.

WABC Radio hired Sterling before the 1989 season. In 1992, Michael Kay was hired by WABC to be the color commentator. Kay was hired by YES Network before the 2001 season, in part due to a glowing review from Sterling. Sterling always spoke highly of Kay. 

>SPORTS LEGENDS WHO DIED IN 2026 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW!

“I thank my partner of 10 years, Michael Kay,” Sterling said during his farewell address in 2024.

In 2005, WABC hired Suzyn Waldman, who was the color commentator up until Sterling’s retirement. One of Sterling’s most iconic calls is “That’s baseball, Suzyn,” which he said whenever a player got a weak hit after a lineout. 

Sterling was known for giving players unique home run calls. Some notable examples include “an a-bomb, for A-Rod” for Alex Rodriguez, “Bern baby Bern” for Bernie Williams and “A thrilla for Godzilla” for Hideki Matsui. 

In 2013, Yankees radio, along with Sterling, moved to WFAN. This wouldn’t stop Sterling’s Iron Man streak, as he called 5,060 consecutive Yankees games from 1989 to 2019.

However, Sterling said travel became more difficult as he got older. In 2022, WFAN gave him a reduced schedule, which only had him traveling to a few stadiums close to his New Jersey home, such as Citi Field, Camden Yards and Fenway Park. 

Even with the reduced schedule, the travel continued to wear him down. He announced his retirement on April 15, 2024. He returned for the 2024 playoffs and officially retired after Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.

Several former and current Yankees paid tribute to Sterling on social media.

“It was an honor to have him call every one of my games during my career,” Derek Jeter said. 

Former Houston Astros prospect Jon Kenner has died in a car accident at age 35.

After his playing career, he became a coach for the 14U HTX Battle Bucks in the Houston area. He was driving home from a practice when his car veered off the road. His car hit a utility pole and flipped over. The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office said he died upon impact. His former team made a statement about his death.

>SPORTS LEGENDS WHO DIED IN 2026 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW!

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Jon Kenner over the weekend,” the Astros said. “Jon was drafted by the Astros in 2013 and developed into one of the organization’s most productive players, advancing to the Triple-A level and also appearing in several spring training games. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jon’s family and friends during this very difficult time.”

He played seven seasons in the minor leagues with the Astros, Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also played a year in the Mexican baseball league. He retired from professional baseball in 2021.

The Battle Bucks had their last game before Kenner’s death on April 12. They played two games in the 2026 14U PGBA Triple Play Classic. They were supposed to play three games, but the final game got rained out. The Battle Bucks currently have a record of 9-9.

The Battle Bucks play in the Perfect Game league in Texas. This league has produced 17 MLB players, 378 draft picks and over 10,000 college players.  Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver was the first to make his debut in 2023. Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin also played in the Perfect Game League. 

Rex Culpepper has died following a dirt biking accident. The former Syracuse quarterback just got engaged last month to his fiacée, Savanna Morgan.

Morgan confirmed the news of his passing on Monday via Instagram. She shared photos of Culpepper during their engagement, saying, “No one expects to meet the love of your life and lose them in only 6 short years after meeting.”

>50 SPORTS GREATS WHO DIED IN 2025 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

“Rex didn’t always believe in soulmates, but towards the end, he told me that he didn’t realize what having a soulmate felt like until we felt like extensions of each other.”

“And one thing about us is that we lived every single day like it was our last. We did every little thing that we set our minds to, between learning new skills and hobbies, and traveling to new places, there was never any free time with us and not a moment spent apart. I don’t regret a single day in our six years.”

“You made six years feel like a lifetime, Rexy.”

Culpepper spent four seasons at Syracuse from 2017-2020, mainly serving as the team’s backup quarterback. He ended up switching to tight end and got playing time.

He played 30 games during his career, 16 of which were at quarterback. In those games, Culpepper totalled 1,546 yards and 11 touchdowns.

In 2018, Culpepper was diagnosed with testicular cancer in March and started going through extensive chemotherapy.

He was later declared cancer-free in June 2018.

His former teammate, Eric Dungey, mourned the tragic loss and posted on his social media describing Culpepper as a “guy who had zero fear and truly lived life to the fullest.”

Former NASCAR driver Chase Pistone has died at 42.

The family has not revealed how Pistone passed away. However, they told Legends Nation, a news site for car racing, to post the suicide and crisis hotline number on their post.

Pistone’s brother, Nick, posted on Facebook to mourn his brother.

>50 SPORTS GREATS WHO DIED IN 2025 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

“Well, my young brother and best friend is gone,” Pistone’s brother said, “I’m brokenhearted and don’t know if I’ll ever get over this. I miss you, Chase, already, and I hope you are in a better place. I love you, and I miss you so much already.”

Pistone’s first race with NASCAR was in 2005. His first race was in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Martinsville Speedway, where he finished No. 35. In 2007, he attempted to make the ARCA Re/Max Series, but failed to qualify. 

Pistone took a seven-year break from professional racing. In 2014, he returned to professional racing with the NTS Motorsports team. He finished in the top 10 in his first race back at Gateway Motorsports Park. He finished No. 12 at the Iowa Speedway, 

Despite strong finishes in 2014, he was left without a ride for the 2015 season. This effectively ended his professional racing career. 

Pistone never had a major crash in his career. However, NASCAR cars go so fast that they cause head rattling. This head rattling, over the course of a career, can lead to serious head injuries.  

There’s also an epidemic of post-racing depression in motorsports like NASCAR. In many sports, athletes will feel like they’ve lost their identity when they retire. This feeling is compounded in motorsports because of how much is invested in a career. Motorsports is one of the most expensive sports to play. Even most professional drivers never get a full return on investment.

Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died in a car crash on March 1. 

Colorado State Patrol said the crash happened around 3 a.m. Ponder lost control of his vehicle and hit a guardrail and an electrical pole. His car caught on fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His car was the only one involved in this accident. 

Ponder started his football career with Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Bethune-Cookman is a Division I FCS school. Ponder did not play for them during his freshman season and transferred the next season. 

He transferred to Colorado during the 2024 offseason. He served as the backup QB for Shedeur Sanders, but did not play in a single game. 

In 2025, he found himself buried on the depth chart behind Kaidon Salter, Julian Lewis and Ryan Staub. Ponder made his college debut against Arizona and played in two games. He attempted one pass. 

Ponder’s coach, Pro Football Hall of Fame member Deion Sanders, praised his QB.

“Dom was one of my favorites,” Sanders said, “He was loved, respected & a born leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord, you’re receiving a good one.”

Although Colorado State Patrol has currently ruled Ponder’s death an accident after he lost control of the vehicle, they are still investigating his death further. They are trying to figure out what caused Ponder to lose control of his vehicle. 

Colorado will open its season on the road on Sept. 3 against Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech is generally considered the favorite, and they also have home-field advantage. Lewis is currently projected to be Colorado’s starting QB, with Salter serving as the backup. The transfer portal officially closed in January, leaving Colorado with few options to find more QB depth.

Former Detroit Shock player Kara Braxton died in a car crash on Feb. 23 at 43. 

She crashed into a concrete wall on Interstate 285. She was the only person in the car. The crash took place in the Atlanta area. The Cobb County Police Department continues to investigate the matter.

Braxton was drafted by the Shock with the No. 7 pick. She played four seasons at Georgia before entering the WNBA Draft. She won two championships with the Shock in 2006 and 2008. In 2007, she made her lone WNBA All-Star appearance.

>50 SPORTS GREATS WHO DIED IN 2025 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

She was with the team when they moved from Detroit to Tulsa. The franchise later moved to Dallas and became the Dallas Wings.

In the 2010 season, she was traded by the Shock to the Phoenix Mercury. She started the 2011 season with them, where she had a career-best field goal and three-point percentage. She was traded to the New York Liberty later that season.

In 2013, she started a career-high 33 games. She finished her WNBA career in 2014 after playing just four games with the Liberty. 

She is survived by her two kids and her husband. Her husband is Odell Thurman, who played linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2005-2007.

Her oldest son, Jelani Thurman, is currently a college tight end. He played for Ohio State from 2023 to 2025. He played 15 games for the 2024 Ohio State team that went on to win the national championship. He was an OSU Scholar-Athlete in 2023 and 2024.

He transferred to UNC earlier this offseason. On Instagram, he posted a picture of his mom on his story and said, “imma miss my queen.”

Authorities have not indicated whether alcohol or other factors played a role in the crash. Although Braxton had two DUIs in the past, she has not had any problems since 2009. 

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead on Feb. 22 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

New Albany, Indiana, police found Moore’s body in a garage in the town. Moore was born and raised in New Albany. Police have not released specific information yet, including whether it was his garage or someone else’s. 

Rondale Moore’s Cause Of Death

Moore became famous during his time at Purdue. In 2018, he had 114 receptions, 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns to lead the Big Ten. This is the fourth most yards for a freshman wide receiver in college football history. 

Moore’s next two seasons at college were limited due to injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic. He played just seven games in the two seasons. At this rate, he would have 1,127 yards a season. Despite limited playing time outside of his freshman year, he clearly showed his talent. He declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He played three seasons for the Cardinals from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, he played all 17 games. Despite this, he only had 352 yards.

Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 offseason. He suffered a knee injury that kept him out for the rest of the season. The Vikings signed him in the 2025 offseason. He again suffered an injury in the preseason that prevented him from playing a regular-season game. 

The autopsy report for Moore has not been released at this time. Police are not releasing a lot of information out of respect for Moore’s family. Moore had never been diagnosed with mental health issues.

Moore’s former teammate, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, told People that he had spoken with Moore just hours before his death, when Moore told him he was struggling.

Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive linemen Kevin Johnson died on Wednesday morning due to what is determined to be “blunt head trauma and stab wounds,” according to the medical examiner.

>50 SPORTS GREATS WHO DIED IN 2025 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

Johnson, 55, was found unconscious at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles. His death was later ruled a homicide and is currently being investigated. Johnson was said to be living at the encampment at the time of his death, according to investigators.

According to Johnson’s friends, the lineman struggled with health issues later in his life.

Johnson attended Texas Southern University from 1991 to 1992 and was a fourth-round pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders before joining the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson had 43 tackles and seven sacks, while adding a fumble returned for a touchdown during his two years with the Eagles. After his NFL career, Johnson played arena football for Orlando and Los Angeles.