Here are the most recent deaths in the national news, plus people's reactions to those deaths,
as seen at Legacy.com in the fourth week of September 2021.
Saxophone player Pee Wee Ellis died September 23, 2021, at his home in England. He died
of heart complications at the age of 80. He was the bandleader for James Brown and
Van Morrison, as well as touring and recording with artists such as Ginger Baker and Maceo
Parker. Ellis is being remembered for co-writing songs
with James Brown including “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” His musical
arrangements had a big impact on the development of funk music.
Singer Sue Thompson died September 23, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Pahrump, Nevada.
She died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 96.
She is best known for her pop hits of the early 1960s, including “Sad Songs Make Me
Cry,” “Norman,” and “Paper Tiger.” Thompson is also remembered for the country
music she sang, both before and after her pop stardom.
Percussionist Robert Roena died September 23, 2021, at the age of 81.
He was a legend of salsa music, who played with notable bands including El Gran Combo
and Fania All Stars. He is being remembered for his mastery of
the bongo drums, as well as for his dancing skills and charismatic showmanship.
Billionaire and philanthropist Walter Scott Jr. died September 25, 2021, at the age of
90. Frequently ranked among the wealthiest Americans,
he was the longtime CEO of the Omaha-based construction firm Peter Kiewit Sons, Inc.
Scott is being remembered for using his fortune to support hospitals, universities, and the
arts in Omaha and beyond.
Actress Jean Hale died August 3, 2021, in Santa Monica, California. She died of natural
causes at the age of 82. News of her death was reported this week.
She appeared in movies including the spy comedy “In Like Flint,” as well as “The Oscar”
and “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.” She’s also being remembered for TV appearances
on “Hogan’s Heroes,” “McHale’s Navy,” and “Batman,” in which she played Polly,
the hat-check girl who was the Mad Hatter’s henchwoman.
Singer and pianist George Frayne the Fourth died September 26, 2021, in Saratoga Springs,
New York. He died after fighting cancer for several years, at the age of 77.
He was the frontman for the country rock band Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen,
who had a hit with “Hot Rod Lincoln” in 1972.
Frayne is being remembered as a pioneer of the new genre that added roots music to rock
and roll.
Singer and songwriter Andrea Martin died September 27, 2021, at the age of 49.
She wrote hits for R&B artists including Toni Braxton, En Vogue, Monica, and Leona Lewis.
Martin is also remembered for her solo career, with songs including “Let Me Return the
Favor” and “Share the Love.”
Orthopedic surgeon Freddie Fu died September 24, 2021, at a hospice facility in the Pittsburgh
area. He died of metastatic melanoma at the age of 70.
He was a pioneer in knee surgery, developing new and more successful techniques for repairing
ACL injuries in the knees of athletes as well as non-athletes.
He is being remembered as a beloved Pittsburgh figure, where he was also head team physician
for the university’s athletics and company physician for the city’s ballet company.
Pioneering law enforcement officer Penny Harrington died September 15, 2021, at her home in Morro
Bay, California. She died of leukemia at the age of 79.
She was appointed chief of police in Portland, Oregon, in 1985, making her the first woman
to lead the police force in a major U.S. city. She is being remembered for her work to encourage
more women to seek out opportunities in law enforcement.
Hammond organist Dr. Lonnie Smith died September 28, 2021, at his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida,
at the age of 79. He was a jazz musician who worked with greats
including Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and George Benson.
Smith is being remembered as a virtuoso of the Hammond organ, one of the best ever to
play the instrument.
Beauty influencer Mel Thompson died September 26, 2021, at the age of 35.
She was known for her YouTube makeup tutorials, which gained a large audience.
Thompson is being remembered as a kind and positive member of the beauty community.
Actor Tommy Kirk died September 28, 2021, in Las Vegas, at the age of 79.
He was a teen actor of the 1950s and ‘60s who starred in movies including “Old Yeller,”
“Swiss Family Robinson,” and “The Shaggy Dog.”
Kirk is being remembered as a Disney Legend.
Actor Michael Tylo died September 28, 2021, at a hospital in Henderson, Nevada, at the
age of 73. He was best known for his work in soap operas,
especially when he played Quinton Chamberlain on “Guiding Light.” His other soap opera appearances
included “The Young and the Restless” and “General Hospital.”
Tylo is also being remembered for roles on TV shows including “Zorro” and “Lonesome Dove."
Activist Marilyn Golden died September 21, 2021, at her home in Berkeley, California.
She died of melanoma at the age of 67. She fought for the rights of people with disabilities,
especially for better access to public transportation. Golden is being remembered as an important
figure in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Three people were killed on September 25, 2021, when an Amtrak train derailed near Joplin,
Montana. Their names are Zach Snyder, Don Varnadoe, and Margie Varnadoe.
Every week in the United States, flags are lowered to half-staff to honor the lives of
Americans whose communities are mourning their loss. Here are the most recent half-staff
memorial flag honors. Flags in Kentucky have been lowered to honor
the memory of all of the Kentuckians lost to COVID-19, including the more than 30 educators
and K-12 school employees. Flags in Indiana have been lowered to honor
the memory of Rep. Steve Davisson of Salem. Flags in Utah have been lowered to honor the
memory of Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover. Flags in Wisconsin have been lowered to honor
the memory of Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, who lost his life during the
attack on Pearl Harbor, and Officer Joseph Kurer of the City of Fond du Lac Police Department,
who lost his life in the line of duty due to complications from COVID-19.
Flags in Iowa have been lowered to honor the memory of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class
Eli Olsen, who was killed at Pearl Harbor during World War II. His remains were recently
recovered and will be buried with military honors.
Flags in Kansas have been lowered in honor of the more than 6,000 Kansans whose lives
were lost due to COVID-19, and the families they left behind.
Flags in South Dakota have been lowered to honor the memory of former State Representative
Robert Weber. Flags in Maryland have been lowered to honor
the memory of Maryland Army National Guard Specialist Joseph DePasquale.
Flags in Maine have been lowered to honor the memory of Hancock County Sheriff Deputy
Luke Gross, who was struck and killed by a motor vehicle in the line of duty.
Flags in Tennessee have been lowered to honor the memory of Justice Cornelia A. Clark.
Flags in Colorado have been lowered to honor the memory of Denver Fire Department Technician
Jeff Billingsley. This week also marks several notable anniversaries.
One year ago this week, singer and songwriter Helen Reddy died at the age of 78.
Five years ago this week, golf legend Arnold Palmer died at the age of 87.
Thirty years ago this week, jazz trumpeter Miles Davis died at the age of 65.
“Soul Train” creator and host Don Cornelius was born 85 years ago this week. He died in
2012 at the age of 75. Actress Deborah Kerr was born 100 years ago
this week. She died in 2007 at the age of 86.
And TV personality Ed Sullivan was born 120 years ago this week. He died in 1974 at the
age of 73. You can read more about the lives of the people
featured in this video on Legacy.com. You can also follow Legacy.com on Facebook
and subscribe to our channel on YouTube to stay up to date on national news deaths and
reactions.