Death is the only thing we all have coming, but it still hits like a ton of bricks when you see a name you recognize in the morning headlines. Honestly, checking the news to see who have died today is a bit of a somber ritual for many of us. Today, January 15, 2026, the world is saying goodbye to a mix of royalty, long-serving public servants, and those who spent their lives away from the cameras but left a massive mark on their local communities.
The Passing of Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark
The biggest news today is coming out of Madrid. Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark passed away at the age of 83. She wasn't just some distant royal; she was the younger sister of Queen Sofía of Spain and the late King Constantine II of Greece. She died peacefully at the Zarzuela Palace, surrounded by her family.
Irene lived a fascinating life. She was born in South Africa while her family was in exile during World War II. She never married, and she spent a huge chunk of her later years living in Spain with her sister. People often called her the "shadow" of Queen Sofía because they were so close. She was a gifted pianist and deeply into Eastern philosophy and archaeology. Basically, she was the "cool, intellectual aunt" of the Spanish Royal Family. Her death marks the end of an era for the Greek royals, who have seen so much transition over the last decade.
Tributes and Memorials: Bob Weir and Scott Adams
While their deaths happened a few days ago, today is a massive day for their fans as the public starts to process the loss. The music world is still reeling from the death of Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir. Weir died on January 10, but today the details of his public memorial in San Francisco were finalized. He was 78 and apparently had been dealing with "underlying lung issues" after a cancer diagnosis last year.
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Then there is Scott Adams. The creator of Dilbert died at 68 on January 13 after a long fight with prostate cancer. His ex-wife shared a message from him today that he wrote back on New Year’s Day. It was pretty poignant—he basically just wanted his legacy to be about being "useful." Regardless of the controversies surrounding him in recent years, you can’t deny that his comic strip defined office culture for an entire generation.
Remembering the Local Heroes and Public Servants
Sometimes the people who have died today aren't the ones on the cover of magazines, but they are the ones who kept the wheels of society turning. We lost some real veterans and dedicated community members on this January 15.
- Norman Springer Sr. (92): An Army vet and AT&T retiree from Council Bluffs, Iowa. He lived a long, full life and was a staple at his local church.
- Donald W. Uhde (79): He passed away in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. Another veteran who served his country and was deeply involved in his local Bethesda Lutheran Church.
- Marsha Lindsey Rountree (73): A lifelong resident of Sandersville, Georgia. She was a seamstress and a paraprofessional who worked with special education kids.
It’s easy to gloss over these names, but these are the people who taught our kids and served in the military. They represent the backbone of the towns they lived in.
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A Tragic Loss in Health News
In a heartbreaking update from the Virginia Department of Health, officials reported the first pediatric flu death of the 2026 season today. A preschool-aged child in the Eastern Region died from complications related to the virus. It’s a stark reminder that even though we talk about "flu season" every year like it’s just an annoyance, it can be incredibly dangerous for the little ones. Health Commissioner Karen Shelton was pretty vocal today about urging parents to get their kids vaccinated, even though the overall flu numbers have been trending down lately.
International Political Figures and Icons
The Wikipedia "Deaths in 2026" ledger is already filling up today with figures from across the globe. Jean-Hugues Colonna, a 91-year-old French politician, and Valeria Fedeli, an Italian senator and former Minister of Education, were both confirmed to have passed.
In the world of sports, we lost Kim Min-jae, a South Korean baseball coach and former player for the Lotte Giants. He was only 53 and had been battling cancer. It's a reminder that age doesn't always matter when it comes to these things—life is fragile.
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Why We Track These Losses
Checking to see who have died today isn't just about being morbid. It's about context. When a Princess Irene or a Bob Weir passes, it’s a bookmark in history. It makes us look back at the music, the politics, and the culture they helped shape. It also reminds us to check in on our own health—especially with the news of the flu tragedy in Virginia.
If you’re looking to honor these individuals, the best way is often through their work. Listen to a Grateful Dead record, read a history of the Greek monarchy, or—most importantly—take those health warnings seriously.
Next Steps for You:
- Verify Memorial Details: If you are a fan of Bob Weir, check the official San Francisco city website for the specific procession route on Market Street for January 17.
- Health Check: If you have young children and haven't gotten the seasonal flu shot, contact your pediatrician today, especially if you are in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Genealogy and Obits: For those looking for more specific local records, sites like Legacy.com or the local papers in Sandersville, GA and Council Bluffs, IA have the full service details for the community members mentioned above.