Sports stars who have died in 2026

All-Pro tight end Charlie Young, who helped the San Francisco 49ers win their first Super Bowl title, died on May 12, 2026, at the age of 75. The 49ers confirmed his death in a post on social media, writing: "The 49ers mourn the passing of former TE Charle Young. Our organization sends its deepest condolences to the Young family and friends."

No cause of death was disclosed at the time of writing.

Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died on May 12, 2026, aged 47. The athlete, who played 13 seasons for six different NBA franchises, passed away after a "valiant fight" with stage 4 glioblastoma, "one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer."

"We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma," his family announced in a statement shared by the NBA.

"Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly."

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died aged 29 on May 11, 2026, his NBA team confirmed in a statement. He was found at a home in the San Fernando Valley and pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an ever better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the team said in a statement. "We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

At the time of writing, a cause of death has not been confirmed.

Iconic Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Mortin, who led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance, died aged 83 on May 9, 2026, at his home in Mill Valley, California, his family confirmed. 

His wife, Kym Galloway, revealed that he died after being diagnosed with sepsis and pulmonary edema in his lungs after being rushed to the hospital "in distress." She told the Denver Gazette that doctors "just made the determination he wasn't able to survive."

MLB star Garrett Anderson, who won the 2002 World Series with the Los Angeles Angels, died at his Newport Beach, California, home on April 16, 2026. He was 53. According to the coroner's report, Garrett died because of acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

"Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Anderson family," the Angels said in a statement on April 17.

Legendary Olympian Mary Rand, who, at the Tokyo 1964 Olympics, became the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics and three medals at one Games, died on March 26, 2026, at an independent living facility in Reno, Nevada. Her cause of death was from acute myeloid leukaemia. She was 86.

Three-time World Series champion Terrance Gore died on February 6, 2026, at the age of 34. The MLB star's wife, Britney, revealed that he died after going into cardiac arrest following surgery.

"He went in for an emergency surgery," Britney told ABC 13. "He had his appendix removed. He came out of surgery and was doing OK. And had some complications after, possibly with the anesthesia, and went into cardiac arrest."