Remembering International Athletes Who Died In 2023

International Athletes Who Died in 2023: Several athletes who had achieved glory in the past passed away in 2023, even though the year also saw some incredible sporting events that caused the sports community to erupt in delight. Several record-breakers and sporting giants passed away in 2023, including Dick Fosbury, whose “Fosbury Flop” revolutionized the high jump in the late 1960s and eventually replaced the antiquated straddle technique. Tori Bowie, an Olympic sprint medalist who lit up Rio 2016, was another.

The last day of the year often signals the start of something new for many. Before we go on to the following year, let’s honor some of the greatest athletes who passed away in 2023.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023

Frank Wycheck, Bob Knight, Brooks Robinson, Jim Brown, Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl, and Tar Heels great Eric Montross are the significant sportsmen and sports figures that have passed away in 2023 thus far. These are a few of the International Athletes Who Died In 2023; however, this is by no means a full list.

Ken Block (Nov. 20, 1967–January 1, 2023)

Before starting his racing career, Block marketed DC Shoes in 2004 while still a professional rally racer. He was the Rookie of the Year in the 2005 Rally America Championship and went on to win more awards, including five medals from the X Games. Jan. 1, 2023, was Block’s death day. He was fifty-five.

Art McNally (July 1, 1925 – January 1, 2023)

Since his start as a field judge and referee in the late 1950s, McNally has been a part of the NFL. Later on, he would work for the league as director of officiating, a post he held from 1968 to 1991. In 2022, McNally’s accomplishments earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, making him the first game official to be inducted. January 1, 2023, was McNally’s date of death. He was ninety-seven.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Charles White (January 22, 1958 – January 11, 2023)

The 1979 Heisman Trophy winner was chosen out of USC in the first round of the 1980 draft, and he played nine seasons in the NFL. After a dismal beginning to his career, White would play for the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams, winning 1987 Comeback Player of the Year. In the end, he would gallop for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. White died on January 11, 2023. He was sixty-four.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Jamin Pugh “Jay Briscoe” (January 24, 1984 – January 14, 2023)

Pugh spent twenty years as Jay Briscoe in the Ring of Honor, where he and his brother Mark became well-known as “The Briscoe Brothers,” a tag team. The team captured the ROH World Tag Team Championship title 13 times in total, with the 2022 championship being among those victories. On Jan. 24, 2023, Pugh passed away. 38 was his age.

Sal Bando (February 12, 1944 – January 19, 2023)

Bando was a member of the Oakland A’s dynasty, which made four All-Star teams and three World Series championships in the 1970s (1972–74). After spending his final years as a player in Oakland, he signed with Milwaukee, where he would go on to serve as general manager for the Brewers for eight years. Bando died on January 19, 2023. He was eighty-eight.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Billy Packer (February 24, 1940 – January 25, 2023)

The veteran sportscaster, who called March Madness and the NCAA basketball tournament for both NBC and CBS from 1978 to 2005, will always be linked to the event. Packer died on January 25, 2023. He was eighty-two.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Bobby Hull (January 3, 1939 – January 30, 2023)

One of the all-time great hockey players, the “Golden Jet” was also a contentious person off the rink who faced legal issues and stood up for racial beliefs. During his 23-year career in the NHL and WHA, he is known for his legendary slap shot, which reportedly reached speeds of up to 118 mph and amazed spectators. Hull finished his hockey career in the Hall of Fame after being a 12-time All-Star and two-time Hart Trophy winner. He died on January 30, 2023, at the age of 84.

Terry Holland (April 1, 1942 – February 1, 2023)

During his 16-year tenure as head coach, which started in 1974, Holland elevated the Virginia Cavaliers basketball team to national prominence as they competed in the ACC, which is home to highly skilled programs like North Carolina and Duke. In the nine tournaments that the squad participated in, Holland made two trips to the Final Four. He died on February 1, 2023, at the age of 80.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Conrad Dobler (September 30, 1950 – February 12, 2023)

Dobler played in the NFL for ten seasons, three of which he spent with the Cardinals when he was selected for the Pro Bowl. On February 12, 2023, he passed away at the age of 72.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Tim McCarver (October 15, 1941 – February 15, 2023)

Baseball was impacted by McCarver in both the booth and on the field. He spent 21 seasons as a Major League Baseball player, most famously with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was Bob Gibson’s battery mate and won two World Series rings. McCarver moved to the TV booth after his playing career and called games there from 1980 to 2013. For his dedication and skill as a broadcaster, he would receive the yearly Ford Frick Award from the Hall of Fame. McCarver died on February 15, 2023. He was eighty-one.

Pat McCormick (May 12, 1930 – March 7, 2023)

In the diving world, McCormick was a genuine legend who won two gold medals in the individual springboard and platform events at the Olympics (1952 and 1956). For thirty-six years, her four gold medals would remain the greatest record in American history for a career until Janet Evans and sprinter Evelyn Ashford tied the mark, and then Bonnie Blair broke it. She went away at the age of 92 on March 12, 2023.

Bud Grant (May 19, 1927 – March 10, 2023)

During his tenure, Grant guided the Minnesota Vikings to four Super Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He spent 28 seasons on the sidelines of both the CFL and the NFL. He was 95 when he passed away on March 10, 2023.

Felton Spencer (January 5, 1968 – March 12, 2023)

Spencer spent twelve years as an NBA player, making stops at the Knicks, Utah, Orlando, Golden State, and San Antonio. Spencer, whom Minnesota had selected with the sixth overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft, passed away on March 12, 2023. He was fifty-five.

Joe Pepitone (October 8, 1940 – March 12, 2023)

Pepitone played in Major League Baseball for twelve seasons. He was a member of the 1963 and 1964 pennant-winning teams with the New York Yankees. His antics off the field received equal attention to his skill on it, and his charisma made him a beloved figure in the Bronx even after his playing days were done. On March 12, 2023, Pepitone passed away. The 82-year-old three-time All-Star.

Willis Reed (June 24, 1942 – March 20, 2023)

After ten NBA seasons, Reed was inducted into the Hall of Fame. During his tenure with the Knicks, he won the 1969–70 championship and is best remembered for playing Game 7 despite having a torn thigh muscle sustained in Game 5. After retiring from the game, Reed became a coach, first in college, then in the NBA, and finally as a front office executive. On March 20, 2023, the Knicks great departed from this life. He was eighty.

Hobie Landrith (March 16, 1930 – March 30, 2023)

Over his 14-year MLB career, Landrith had stints with the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Senators, among other teams. But it was during the 1961 expansion selection that he became the first player selected by the New York Mets, leaving a lasting impression on baseball history. On March 30, 2023, Landrith departed from this life. He was ninety-three.

Craig Breen (February 2, 1990 – April 13, 2023)

Breen was a successful rally car racer for more than ten years, with victories in the 2012 Super 200 WRC and the 2021 Rentokil Historic Rally among his many accomplishments. On April 13, 2023, Breen passed away due to an accident that occurred during a rally practice run. 33 was his age.

Chris Smith (February 11, 1992 – April 17, 2023)

In the 2014 NFL Draft, Smith was chosen by the Jacksonville Jaguars while playing collegiate football at Arkansas. Smith was drafted in the fifth round and spent eight seasons in the league, spending time in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, and Las Vegas. He most recently committed to play for the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL. The date of his death was April 17, 2023. Smith was thirty-one.

Dave Wilcox (September 29, 1942 – April 19, 2023)

The Hall of Famer attended Oregon for his college football career before entering the NFL and playing for the San Francisco 49ers for 11 seasons. On April 19, 2023, the seven-time Pro Bowl selection departed from this life. He was eighty.

Jeremy Nobis (August 31, 1970 – April 19, 2023)

Nobis participated in the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, in 1994 as a member of the American team. In the giant slalom competition, he finished eighth overall. On April 19, 2023, Nobis passed away. 52 was his age.

Dick Groat (November 4, 1930 – April 27, 2023)

Dick Groat was a two-time World Series champion in Major League Baseball, an eight-time All-Star shortstop, and a professional basketball player. As one of the most successful two-sport athletes in American history, he was only one of 13 players to play both baseball and basketball professionally after being named an All-America in college. Groat was chosen by the Fort Wayne Pistons as the third overall pick in the 1952 NBA Draft.

Tori Bowie (August 27, 1990 – c. May 2, 2023)

Bowie won three gold medals at the Olympics. He first triumphed on the international scene in 2016 while competing for the USA 4x100m relay squad. During her incredible career, she won two more Olympic medals: silver and bronze in the 100- and 200-meter races. On May 2, 2023, the track star from Mississippi was discovered dead. Her age was thirty-two.

Lance Blanks (September 9, 1966 – May 3, 2023)

After leading the club to the 1990 Elite 8, the former Texas Longhorn played a couple of seasons in the NBA before spending the rest of his career abroad. Later on, he would work for the NBA in front-office positions and provide occasional commentary for ESPN. Blanks died on the 3rd of May, 2023. He was 56 years old.

Petr Klima (December 23, 1964 – May 4, 2023)

The most memorable goal Klima scored in Game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final as an Edmonton Oiler was a game-winning shot in the third overtime, which still stands as the longest game in Finals history. Klima played in the NHL for 13 seasons in total. The gifted player was originally chosen by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1983 NHL draft, and he played for them from 1985 to 1989 and from 1998 to 1999. He passed away on May 4, 2023. He was fifty-eight.

Vida Blue (July 28, 1949 – May 7, 2023)

The storied left-hander became the youngest MVP in MLB history in 1971 and helped the Oakland A’s win three consecutive World Series during the 1970s. To his already stellar 17-year résumé, he added six All-Star selections and a Cy Young Award. Blue departed this life on May 7, 2023. He was seventy-three.

Joe Kapp (March 19, 1938 – May 8, 2023)

After excelling at Cal, Kapp went on to play professionally with the Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. He later joined the Minnesota Vikings and the Boston Patriots in the NFL. From 1982 to 1986, Kapp was the head coach of the Golden Bears when he returned to his alma university. In 1990, he served as the BC Lions’ president and general manager. On May 8, 2023, Kapp passed away. He was eighty-five.

Denny Crum (March 2, 1937 – May 9, 2023)

As the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals basketball team from 1970 to 2001, Crum is a basketball legend. In six trips to the Final Four, he amassed 675 victories and two NCAA titles over that stretch. His prior tenure with the UCLA Bruins, where he also played, was similarly noteworthy. Working as Coach John Wooden’s assistant, he helped the Bruins win three titles out of a possible five. On May 9, 2023, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer departed from this life. Crum was eighty-six.

John Bland (September 22, 1945 – May 9, 2023)

During his professional career, the South African golfer won 36 titles, including the 1977 South African PGA Championship. But Bland’s greatest impact came during his tenure on the Senior Tour, where he won 21 times and was named Senior PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 1996. The day Bland died was May 9, 2023. He was seventy-seven.

Doyle Brunson (August 10, 1933 – May 14, 2023)

In the world of poker, Brunson was a legend. He had won ten World Series of Poker tournaments, and his trademark cowboy hat and smile enhanced his image. Dubbed the “Godfather of Poker,” he was admitted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988 and wrote two books about the game: “Super System” and “Super System 2.” On May 14, 2023, Brunson went away. He was eighty-nine.

Billy Graham (June 7, 1943 – May 17, 2023)

“Superstar” One of the real pioneers of professional wrestling, Billy Graham had an enormously captivating personality that contributed to the development of the spectacle that fans have grown to expect from the sport: enormous, herculean frames adorned in bizarre costumes, all with attitude and a stage presence that makes for an unforgettable show. On May 18, 2023, Graham went away. The inductee of the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 was 79.

Jim Brown (February 17, 1936 – May 18, 2023)

Brown was one of the most exciting football players in history, and he had just as much, if not more, of an influence off the field. In eight of his nine seasons as an NFL player, he led the league in rushing. He topped the NFL in all-time running yards and touchdowns (now ranking 11th all-time) upon his sudden retirement in 1966, establishing himself as maybe the best back in the history of the sport. His legacy after retirement would have a meaningful social impact; his 1960s activism would carry on and drive change well into the 2000s. On May 18, 2023, the Hall of Famer passed away. Brown was eighty-seven.

Rick Hummel (February 25, 1946 – May 20, 2023)

Hummel, also referred to as “The Commish,” was a legend among baseball journalists, respected even outside of the St. Louis Cardinals community, in which he spent more than half a century. An incredible depth of knowledge about the game combined with unrivaled writing talent made the Hall of Famer one of the all-time greats. He was recognized by his colleagues with the 2006 Baseball Writers’ Association of America Career Excellence Award. We lost Hummel on May 20, 2023. He was seventy-seven.

Rick Hoyt (January 10, 1962 – May 22, 2023)

After being featured on HBO’s “Real Sports,” Rick and his father Dick Hoyt—who passed away in March 2021—became well-known around the world as one of the most inspirational stories in sports history. Rick, who was born with cerebral palsy, started racing alongside his father in the late 1970s and went on to participate in endurance events such as triathlons and Ironmans. Millions were inspired by the father-son team, Team Hoyt, and their impact will never fade. On May 22, 2023, Rick went away. He was sixty-one.

Bill McGovern (December 31, 1962 – May 30, 2023)

The seasoned football player amassed a career spanning almost forty years. McGovern coached both the collegiate and professional levels after his playing career at Holy Cross, most notably with the New York Giants in the NFL. Holy Cross, UCLA (where he currently serves as director of football administration), Boston College, UMass, Nebraska, Pitt, and Penn were among his colleges. On May 30, 2023, McGovern passed away. He was sixty years old.

Norma Hunt (March 28, 1938 – June 4, 2023)

Norma, the wife of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, was well-known both in football and the organization. The date of her death was June 4, 2023. Hunt was eighty-five.

Roger Craig (February 17, 1930 – June 4, 2023)

Craig was a mainstay in Major League Baseball for a considerable amount of time. He played for the Dodgers, Mets, Cardinals, Reds, and Phillies for 12 seasons. Being the pitcher who won the final game in Brooklyn Dodgers history and the first in Mets history would add a little piece of trivia to his playing career. Craig’s most memorable managerial role was leading the San Francisco Giants. Following the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Bay area, he guided the club to the 1989 World Series, which became known as “The Earthquake Series.” On June 4, 2023, the three-time World Series champion departed from this life. He was ninety-three.

The Iron Sheik (March 15, 1942 – June 7, 2023)

Hossein Khosrow at birth Legendary professional wrestler Ali Vaziri, often known as The Iron Sheik, helped propel the sport to unprecedented heights of prominence in the 1980s. The comic, raw side of the Iranian former heavyweight champion was discovered by countless new followers on social media in the years following the conclusion of his wrestling career. On June 7, 2023, he went away at the age of 81.

Jim Turner (March 28, 1941 – June 10, 2023)

Turner was a kicker in the AFL and NFL, having stints with the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos, the latter of which went on to win Super Bowl III. On June 10, 2022, the two-time Pro Bowl selection passed away. He was eighty-two.

Patrick Gasienica (November 28, 1998 – June 12, 2023)

Gasienica competed in ski jumping at the Winter Olympics and represented the United States in Beijing in 2022. 2015 saw him start his career by competing for the United States in two FIS Junior World Ski Championships. On June 12, 2023, Gasienica lost her life in a motorcycle accident. He was 24 years old.

Ray Lewis III (June 5, 1995 – June 15, 2023)

Lewis was the son of Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis (shown far right in the photo). After graduating from Lake Mary Prep High School in Florida as a three-star recruit, Lewis played collegiate football at Miami for one year, as a member of the Hurricanes squad. He subsequently switched to Virginia Union and then Coastal Carolina. June 15, 2023, was Lewis’s last day of life. He was 28 years old.

Clark Haggans (January 10, 1977 – June 19, 2023)

Over his 13-year career, Haggans played for the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was a part of the team that won Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks. Haggans, a Colorado State University product selected in the fifth round, passed away on June 19, 2023. 46 was his age.

Ryan Mallett (June 5, 1988 – June 27, 2023)

Mallett was a highly recruited high school quarterback who was regarded as one of the best to have ever come out of Arkansas. Although he transferred to Arkansas during his freshman year, he started his college career at Michigan. After being selected by the Patriots in the third round of the NFL draft, Mallett started 26 games for the Razorbacks. He played in the NFL for seven seasons, spending time with the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and New England Patriots. On June 27, 2023, Mallett, the head coach at White Hall (Ark. ), drowned off the Florida coast. He was thirty-five.

Vince Tobin (September 29, 1943 – July 3, 2023)

Before accepting his first head coaching position in Arizona, Tobin was a former NFL coach who served as the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. Tobin left a lasting impression on the Cardinals when he defeated the Cowboys in a playoff game in 1998, ending the team’s 51-year postseason victory streak. After being let go after the 2000 campaign, he eventually joined the Detroit Lions in 2001 as a defensive coordinator. On July 3, 2023, the former Missouri Tiger passed away. He was seventy-nine.

Fred Willis (December 9, 1947 – July 4, 2023)

The former NFL draft selection of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1971 played in the league for six seasons, spending time with the Houston Oilers. Playing football and hockey at Boston College, he was a two-sport athlete who was inducted into the Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977. On July 4, 2023, Willis passed away. His age was 75.

Johnie Cooks (November 23, 1958 – July 6, 2023)

Cooks was regarded as one of Mississippi State football’s all-time best defensive players. From 1977 to 1981, he was a member of the Bulldogs’ football team. He amassed 373 career tackles and received several honors, including an MSU Ring of Honor and a semifinalist nomination for the 1981 Lombardi Award. After being selected second overall in the 1982 draft, Cooks began a ten-year career that included stints with the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Baltimore Colts. On July 6, 2023, Cooks passed away. He was sixty-four.

Nikki McCray-Penson (December 17, 1971 – July 7, 2023)

McCray-Penson was a great player for Pat Summitt’s Tennessee Volunteers and a two-time Olympic gold medallist (1996 and 2000). She played in the WNBA for nine seasons before beginning a fifteen-year career as a coach. In 2017, she played for head coach Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks, who won a national championship. She went on to coach Mississippi State University and Old Dominion before resigning due to health issues. She most recently worked as an assistant coach at Rutgers. On July 7, 2023, McCray-Penson passed away. The 51-year-old was the Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer.

Danielle Ballard (November 16, 1993 – July 13, 2023)

Before going to LSU, Ballard was a successful athlete at Memphis Central High School, where she played from 2012 to 2015. In her first year, she was named to the SEC Freshman team, and in her next two seasons, she was named to the SEC All-Defensive team. On July 13, 2023, Ballard was struck by an automobile and died. Her age was 29.

Joe Campbell (May 8, 1955 – July 9, 2023)

The defensive end Campbell was selected by New Orleans in the seventh round of the draft, where he played for three seasons before moving on to the Oakland Raiders. His final team was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he was a member of the Raiders that won Super Bowl XV and defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. On July 9, 2023, Campbell passed away. He was sixty-eight.

Cody Ince (December 18, 1999 – July 15, 2023)

During his time as a college player at Iowa, Ince made 29 appearances and started 10 of them. The defensive lineman for the Hawkeyes was selected to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team in 2020, but injuries would hinder and ultimately end his career the next season. On July 15, 2023, Ince passed away. His age was 23.

Rocky Wirtz (October 5, 1952 – July 25, 2023)

As the team’s owner, Wirtz restored the Chicago Blackhawks to prominence by winning three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, and 2015) and fostering a culture that his father William had not fostered. Despite the controversy surrounding Kyle Beach’s 2010 claims that video coach Brad Aldrich had abused him, Wirtz’s overall work ethic earned him a reputation as one of the most adored characters in Chicago sports. On July 25, 2023, Wirtz passed away. He was seventy.

Alex Collins (August 26, 1994 – August 13, 2023)

Before entering the NFL, Alex Collins was a star running back at Arkansas. He played in the league for five seasons, spending two with the Baltimore Ravens and three with the Seattle Seahawks. As a member of the Ravens’ backfield, he carried for over 973 yards in 2017, which was his greatest season in the NFL. He most recently was a player for the USFL’s Memphis Showboats. Collins passed away on August 13, 2023, in a motorcycle accident. He was 28 years old.

Rick Jeanneret (July 23, 1942 – August 17, 2023)

For more than 50 years, Jeanneret called plays for the Buffalo Sabres. He was a game icon whose voice was known across the league. August 17, 2023, was Jeanneret’s death date. He was eighty-one.

John Devitt (February 4, 1937 – August 17, 2023)

Devitt was an Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medallist swimmer from Australia, and one of the more accomplished athletes in the sport. But he will always be associated with the contentious choice to give Devitt the gold in the 100-meter freestyle at the 1960 Rome Olympics (see photo). The judge’s decision to award the Australian first place, even though he finished behind American Lance Larson, was dubious and later proved to be erroneous. However, Devitt’s career was equally spectacular, as evidenced by his 1979 entry into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. August 17, 2023, was the swimmer’s death date. He was eighty-six.

Alex Cole (August 17, 1965 – August 19, 2023)

The former MLB outfielder batted during his seven years in the league, .280, totaling 493 hits and 148 stolen bases. During that time, he was a player for Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Minnesota, and Boston, among other clubs. August 19, 2023, was Cole’s death date. He was fifty-eight.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Terry Funk (June 30, 1944 – August 23, 2023)

The Hall of Fame professional wrestler started his career in the 1960s and became a legend in the ring. One of Funk’s best matches ever was the 1989 WCW “I Quit” bout against Ric Flair, which exemplified many aspects of his raw and spontaneous style. He would also bring his legendary persona to Hollywood, where he would appear in movies such as Patrick Swayze’s “Road House” and Sylvester Stallone’s “Paradise Alley.” August 23, 2023, was Funk’s death date. He was seventy-nine.

Bray Wyatt (May 23, 1987 – August 24, 2023)

Born in Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt was a five-time WWE champion who, over the last ten years, won over fans with his rustic charm and skill. On August 24, 2023, his father, Hall of Famer Mike Mike Rotunda, announced his passing (via Triple H). Wyatt was thirty-six.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Gil Brandt (March 4, 1932 – August 31, 2023)

The Pro Football Hall of Famer served as the Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel for 28 years, and Brandt was a driving force behind the team’s ascent from the 1960s to the present. In addition to being a member of two Super Bowl victories, Brandt was the innovator of many modern analytics, including the first application of computers to enter numerical grades for prospects. On August 31, 2023, Brandt departed from this life. He was ninety-one.

Roy Kidd (December 4, 1931 – September 12, 2023)

As a player and later as head coach, the College Football Hall of Famer had a crucial role in the Eastern Kentucky program. Kidd was a player for the Colonels from 1950 to 1953. He returned to the squad in 1964 and coached them until 2002. On September 12, 2023, the two-time Division I-AA Football Champion went gone. He was ninety-one.

Mike Williams (May 18, 1987 – September 12, 2023)

Williams concluded his NFL career with 223 receptions for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns after playing in four seasons. After an incredible season with the Bucs that included 11 touchdowns, the fourth-round pick finished second in the 2010 Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. The date of Williams’ passing was September 12, 2023. For him, it was 1936.

Nick Kerdiles (January 11, 1994 – September 23

Former NHL forward Nick Kerdiles played for the Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks after initially joining the league. After his engagement to actress and personality Savannah Chrisley, Kerdiles gained notoriety in the reality TV industry. On September 23, 2023, Kerdiles lost his life in a motorcycle accident. His age was 29.

Brooks Robinson (May 18, 1937 – September 26, 2023)

Throughout his 23-year career, the “Human Vacuum Cleaner” was a recognizable mainstay for the Baltimore Orioles, holding down the hot corner. With the Orioles throughout his whole MLB career, Robinson won two World Series championships in 1966 and 1970. He was an 18-time All-Star, an astounding 16-time Gold Glove winner, and the 1964 AL Most Valuable Player. On September 26, 2023, the 1983 Hall of Fame inductee passed away. He was eighty-six.

Tim Wakefield (August 2, 1966 – October 1, 2023)

The renowned knuckleballer played for 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox. He was a player and organizational leader for 29 years with the latter team. With a 200-192 record and 4.41 ERA, the two-time World Series champion (2004 and 2007) announced his retirement in 2021. On October 1, 2023, the Red Sox Hall of Famer passed away. He was fifty-seven.

Dick Butkus (December 9, 1942 – October 5, 2023)

Dick Butkus was one of the best linebackers in NFL history, if not the best. He was selected by the Chicago Bears for his whole career, starting as the third overall pick in 1965 out of Illinois. He won two Defensive Player of the Year titles, eight Pro Bowl honors, and six All-NFL selections. On October 5, 2023, the 1979 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee passed away. He was eighty years old.

Andy Bean (March 13, 1953 – October 14, 2023)

Bean started his professional career in 1975 and went on to win 11 times on the PGA Tour. He participated in two Ryder Cup teams (1979 and 1987) and had two PGA Championship runner-up finishes as well as one in the British Open. Bean died on October 14, 2023. He was seventy.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Ivor Robson (c.1940 – October 17, 2023)

For 41 years, Robson served as the recognizable voice of the Open event, calling out the names of roughly 19,000 of the game’s greatest players as they teed off for the momentous major event. He died on October 17, 2023. Robson was eighty-three.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Bobby Charlton (October 11, 1937 – October 21, 2023)

English soccer great Sir Bobby Charlton initially made an impression on the World Cup-winning team in 1966. A short while later, he scored two goals to support Manchester United in their European Cup victory. After his playing career, he would go on to become a director at United, receiving accolades all over the soccer world for many years. On October 21, 2023, the winner of the Ballon d’Or passed away. He was eighty-six.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Betsy Rawls (May 4, 1928 – October 21, 2023)

After taking home eight major championships and 55 LPGA Tour victories, Rawls became a golf legend. The fascinating story begins with the South Carolina native, who was initially pursuing a career in physics before meeting swing coach Harvey Penick. The remainder became golf history. On October 21, 2023, the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Famer passed away. She was 95 years old.

Adam Johnson (June 22, 1994 – October 28, 2023)

During the 2018–19 season, Johnson made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins, appearing in 13 games. During the NHL’s COVID-19 delays, he decided to play in Europe. This decision led to stints in the AHL and the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the UK in 2023. Johnson’s neck was sliced by a skate after he collided with another player on October 28. At age 29, the Minnesota native passed away from his wound.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Frank Howard (August 8, 1936 – October 30, 2023)

With a height of 6 feet 7 inches and a weight of over 250 pounds when he was active, Howard earned the nicknames “The Washington Monument” and “The Capital Punisher.” Throughout his career, he played for the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers, where he won the World Series in 1963 and the Rookie of the Year award in 1960. In addition to becoming a four-time All-Star, he once held the AL and league records for home runs. He transitioned from playing to coaching after his playing career, spending time with the Brewers, Yankees, Mets, Devil Rays, and more. Howard died on October 30, 2023. He was eighty-seven.

Bob Knight (October 25, 1940 – November 1, 2023)

Even though he was occasionally contentious, Knight was one of the most successful collegiate and professional basketball coaches. Over his career, which includes stints at Army (1965–71), Indiana (1971–00), and Texas Tech (2001–08), he won 902 games. With the Hoosiers, he won three NCAA titles, and his tantrums became an integral part of his legacy. Knight died on November 1, 2023. He was eighty-three.

International Athletes Who Died In 2023: Ryan Minor (January 5, 1974 – December 22, 2023)

With the Baltimore Orioles and Montreal Expos, Minor participated in over 140 Major League Baseball games. During his first stint with the former, he made history by starting in front of Cal Ripken Jr., ending his run of straight games. In addition to being a 6-foot-7 basketball player, Minor was picked by the 76ers in the 1996 NBA draft while attending Oklahoma. Minor battled colon cancer till passing away on December 22, 2023. 49 was his age.