It’s one of those mornings where you scroll through your feed and suddenly the air feels a bit thinner. You see a name, then a photo, and it hits you. What stars passed away today is a question that usually starts with a notification and ends with a deep dive into a legacy that shaped our childhoods or our playlists. Honestly, today feels particularly heavy. We aren't just losing names; we're losing the people who provided the soundtrack to our commutes and the faces that felt like family on our TV screens.
The world of entertainment is grieving some massive losses today, January 17, 2026. From a tragic accident in Brooklyn to the quiet passing of legends who defined entire genres of music, the collective heartbreak is real. It’s kinda surreal how someone you’ve never met can leave such a massive void in your daily life, but that’s the power of a true star.
The Tragic Loss of Kianna Underwood
The news that has everyone reeling today is the death of Kianna Underwood. If you grew up in the late '90s or early 2000s, you knew her. You might have known her as Fuchsia Glover on the animated series Little Bill, or perhaps you remember her from the final seasons of Nickelodeon’s All That. She was only 33 years old.
Basically, the details are devastating. Kianna was involved in a hit-and-run in Brooklyn early Friday morning. Reports from the NYPD indicate she was struck while crossing the street in the Brownsville neighborhood. It wasn't just a bump; she was dragged for blocks. To think that a talent so bright, someone who brought so much joy to kids' television, could be taken in such a violent, anonymous way is just... it's a lot to process.
Kianna wasn't just a "former child star." Locals in Brooklyn knew her as a neighbor with "good energy" and "good spirits." Her boyfriend and friends have been sharing memories that paint a picture of a woman who was much more than her IMDb credits. She was a fixture in her community, a New York native through and through, and her absence is going to be felt long after the news cycle moves on.
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Music Legends We've Said Goodbye To Recently
While Kianna's passing is the most immediate shock, the last few days have been brutal for the music industry. When we look at what stars passed away today and over the last 48 hours, it feels like a changing of the guard we weren't ready for.
John Forté: A Sudden Silence
The hip-hop and production world is still shaking from the news of John Forté's passing. He was only 50. Most people know him for his work with the Fugees and the Refugee Camp All-Stars, but his life was a movie in itself. From a Grammy nomination to a prison sentence and a subsequent presidential pardon, Forté was a man of immense complexity. He died in Martha’s Vineyard, and while the cause hasn't been officially released, the suddenness of it has left fans and collaborators in total disbelief. He was a bridge between classical training and raw hip-hop, a rare breed in an industry that often favors the simple over the profound.
Tony Dallara: An Italian Icon
Over in Milan, the "King of the Screamers," Tony Dallara, passed away at 89. If you aren't familiar with Italian pop, you might not realize how much he influenced the "urlatori" style. He was a powerhouse who dominated the Sanremo Music Festival back in the day. He represented a specific era of European glamour and vocal strength that we just don't see much of anymore.
Bob Weir: The End of an Era
And we have to talk about Bob Weir. While the news technically broke a few days ago, the ripple effect is reaching a peak today as fans organize vigils. The Grateful Dead co-founder was 78. He fought cancer and lung issues for a while, but losing a "Dead" member feels like losing a piece of American folklore. The Grateful Dead wasn't just a band; it was a culture, a religion for some. Weir was the rhythm, the steady hand, and the voice that kept the jam going.
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Why These Losses Hit So Hard
It’s weird, right? You didn't know these people. You never sat at their dinner table. But when you ask what stars passed away today, you’re looking for a connection. You’re remembering where you were when you first heard a specific song or watched a certain episode.
- Nostalgia is a powerful drug. Seeing a Nickelodeon star pass away at 33 forces us to face our own mortality.
- Legacy matters. These people created things that outlasted their physical presence.
- The "Gap" effect. When an icon like Bob Weir or John Forté dies, there’s a realization that there isn't anyone coming up to fill those exact shoes.
Dealing with the News
If you’re feeling a bit down after reading this, you aren't alone. Celebrity deaths can trigger "parasocial grief"—a very real phenomenon where we mourn people we only knew through media. It’s okay to be bummed out. It's okay to spend the afternoon listening to The Score or watching old All That clips on YouTube.
When we see what stars passed away today, it's a reminder to appreciate the talent we still have. Art is fragile. The people who make it are human.
How to Honor Their Memory
Instead of just scrolling through the headlines, here are a few ways to actually engage with the legacies left behind:
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- Support Local Arts: Kianna Underwood was a Brooklyn local. Support your local theater or youth acting programs.
- Donate to Causes: John Forté was a big advocate for criminal justice reform. Organizations like The Innocence Project are a great place to start.
- Share the Work: Put on a Grateful Dead record. Introduce a younger person to Tony Dallara’s "Come prima." The best way to keep a star "alive" is to keep their art in rotation.
The headlines will change by tomorrow. There will be new names and new stories. But for today, we take a minute to acknowledge the lights that went out and the impact they left on the way we see the world.
To stay updated on memorial services or developing news regarding the hit-and-run investigation in Brooklyn, keep an eye on local New York news outlets like the NYPD's official updates or The New York Times for comprehensive legacy pieces on these icons.
Next Steps for Readers
To honor those we've lost, consider spending 10 minutes today exploring a piece of their work you've never experienced before—perhaps a deep-cut track from John Forté’s solo career or an early performance by Kianna Underwood. Taking the time to appreciate their craft is the most authentic way to process the news of what stars passed away today.