Celebrities who have committed suicide

A lot of celebrities have committed suicide in Africa and all over the world. But one thing that is common with those suicide cases is that they were all battling depression.

Globally, one person dies through suicide every second. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, suicides in Kenya have increased by 58 per cent between 2008 and 2017 which translates to 317 suicide cases every year.

Most people experience depression because of the loss of a loved one either through death or a relationship breakup, job loss, financial instability, being diagnosed with a terminal illness, lack of happiness, just to name a few.

Here is a list of celebrities that have committed suicide:

1.   Avicii

Swedish DJ and music producer Tim Bergling popularly known as Avicii was found dead on April 20, 2018, in Muscat, Oman. His family confirmed that he took his own life because he “he could not find peace”. He committed suicide by cutting himself with a broken wine bottle.

Before his death, Avicii had several health issues that caused him to cancel his 2014 tour. He stopped touring in 2016 but continued creating music. The singer was worth $85 million (Sh8.7 billion).

Swedish DJ and music producer deejaying at a past event. [Source: Magnetic Magazine]

2.   Chester Bennington

On July 20, 2017, the lead vocalist of American rock band Linkin’ Park Chester Bennington was found dead at his home in California. Authorities revealed that the singer committed suicide by hanging himself.

Bennington had health issues and suffered several injuries that forced him and his band to cancel major shows.

the lead vocalist of American rock band Linkin’ Park Chester Bennington during one of his live performances. [Source: Simple Wikipedia]

3.   Robin Williams

American actor Robin Williams, who was famous for the Hollywood movies Mrs Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting and Night at the Museum, committed suicide by hanging himself on August 11, 2014.

Before his death, Williams had been hospitalized due to heart problems, Parkinson’s disease and severe depression. Some of William’s quotes indicated that he was having bouts of regrets and was not exactly happy with how his life had turned out.

“I used to think the worst thing in life is to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone,” William once said.

American actor Robin Williams. [Source: Wired]

4.   Jabulani Tsambo

Closer home, South African rapper Jabulani Tsambo better known as Hip Hop Pantsula or simply HHP, was found dead in his Johannesburg home. According to a South African tabloid, the artist committed suicide, which was his fourth attempt. The rapper had earlier on expressed his frustrations because of not getting gigs as radio stations were no longer playing his music.

South African rapper Jabulani Tsambo better known as Hip Hop Pantsula or simply HHP. [Source: BBC Africa]

Here in Kenya, no celebrity has committed suicide but a number have contemplated it such as Kris Eeh Baba and Hot 96 presenter Annitah Raey. Others include the Kansoul rapper Mejja, Capital FM Presenter Anita Nderu, Crossover 101 TV host Grace Ekirapa, Kiss 100’s Chito Ndlovu.

However, gospel artist Papa Dennis died in unclear circumstances. His body was found lifeless on February 7, 2020, in Ngara. According to onlookers, it was not clear whether the singer had jumped or fallen from the nearby building. But according to his close friends, Papa Dennis was broke and struggling.

Former Churchill Show comedian Njenga Mswahili was found dead in Ndonyo market Dagoretti South after allegedly being hit by a train. There were concerns about his cause of death and some suspected that it was suicide because before his death, Mswahili was battling depression.

Former Churchill Show comedian Njenga Mswahili. [Source: Nairobi News]