Recent Deaths

In 2025 the world lost actors Gene Hackman, dead at 95, and Michelle Trachtenberg, dead at 39. They both had very successful acting careers and Hackman won many awards for his long career. 

            Gene Hackman died February 17th, 2025. He was known as a two-time Oscar winner, received two Academy awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. He was in movies such as ‘Superman’, ‘Heist’, and ’Runaway Jury’. Hackman’s death was a result of heart disease, but Alzheimer's disease was also a contributing factor.

Hackman had Alzheimer’s in the advanced stages, meaning he had severe memory loss, difficulty communicating, and difficulty performing basic tasks. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, and his dog, Zinnia were all found dead in their house on February 26.

Hackman and his family were found by a maintenance worker at their home who called 911.

“I think it’s tragic that the elderly aren’t checked in on and for something like this to happen is an misfortune, and as Mrs. Georgina said his wife died of a virus and then him having Alzheimer’s, he was left to wander the house. His poor German Shepherd was locked in the crate because he probably didn’t know how to feed it or what to do, and he didn’t know how to get home. So maybe a new Alzheimer’s helpline service could help someone,” NHS Science teacher Trent Harrison said.

Originally, the cause of deaths were unknown, but on February 18th, it was released  that Hackman died because of heart disease, his wife died from a Hantavirus infection, and his dog died of dehydration and starvation in its crate. 

Hackman was recognized at the 2025 Oscar Awards by actor Morgan Freeman on March 2nd, 2025.

“Like everybody who has ever shared with him, I learned he was a generous performer who appreciated everyone’s work. He received two Oscars, but, more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world,” Freeman said.

Michelle Trachtenberg died February 26th, 2025 and the cause of her death is unknown, but was found unresponsive by her mother in Trachtenberg’s apartment. Trachtenberg had previous surgery on her liver just prior to her death.

She was known for her roles in ‘Gossip Girl’, and ‘Buffy and The Vampire Slayer’ and ‘17 Again’. Trachtenberg won 2 Young Artist Awards, 1 Special Jury Prize, and 1 WIN Award. The actor was also nominated for many other awards.

“I’m very sad that she died because I watched Gossip Girl.” NHS freshman Mia Sullivan said.

She was widely known for her role on Gossip girl as “Georgina Sparks”, and got nominated for a Teen Choice Award for ‘Choice TV Villain’. She died while in a professional and romantic relationship with her talent agent, Jay Cohen, who she had been seeing for 5 years. Trachtenberg’s family requests privacy about the recent loss, and would just like to mourn Trachtenberg.

More deaths that occurred throughout 2025 were Simon Fisher- Baker, Prince Frederik, D’Wayne Wiggins, Art Schallock, Carson Jones, DJ Funk, Roberta Flack, Al Trautwig, and Bob Uecker according to People Magazine.