20 Celebrity Deaths Still Under Investigation

These cases involve well-known deaths that continued to draw attention, new investigations, or public interest even after the initial reports were completed. While many were officially classified as accidents, suicides, or homicides, the investigations sometimes remained open or were reopened when new evidence, witnesses, or technology became available. This information focuses on confirmed facts, official rulings, and documented steps taken by authorities—like reopening cases, holding inquests, or making arrests—and avoids speculation about what might have happened.

Natalie Wood

As a film critic, I’ve always been fascinated by the tragic story of Natalie Wood’s death. She was found drowned off the coast of Catalina Island on November 29, 1981, and for years it was accepted as a tragic accident. But the case has been reopened, and it’s become clear things weren’t so simple. New witnesses have come forward, and the official cause of death is now listed as ‘undetermined’ rather than accidental. The investigators are still piecing things together, periodically looking for more information and interviewing people who were on the yacht that night. What’s really unsettling is the conflicting stories – no one seems to agree on exactly what happened out on the water, and the details remain frustratingly murky.

Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later. For years, the case went unsolved despite investigations and analysis of evidence. In 2023, a suspect was arrested, and the legal process began. The investigation has involved everything from the initial police work to renewed efforts on the cold case, search warrants, and ongoing court proceedings.

The Notorious B.I.G.

The rapper Christopher Wallace, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., was fatally shot in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. His murder remains unsolved, and despite extensive investigation – including interviews, vehicle tracking, and route analysis – no one has been convicted. Records show police also investigated possible connections between this case and other crimes happening at the time.

Princess Diana

Princess Diana tragically died in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997. Investigations by both French and British authorities, as well as a formal inquest, determined that the crash was caused by reckless driving and the actions of pursuing vehicles. A comprehensive report, known as Operation Paget, examined a vast amount of evidence. While officials have occasionally reviewed new information, no one has ever been charged with a crime related to the incident.

Marilyn Monroe

As a film fan, the story of Marilyn Monroe’s death has always been heartbreaking. She passed away on August 5th, 1962, here in Los Angeles, and the official ruling was a probable suicide from an overdose of barbiturates. The police gathered all the evidence – toxicology reports, interviews, everything from the scene – and built a case file. Over the years, different agencies have looked at that file, checking to see if any new, convincing information came to light that would require them to reopen the investigation. As far as the official record shows, it remains a closed case, though they’ve revisited claims and evidence from time to time.

Brian Jones

Brian Jones, a founding member of the Rolling Stones, died on July 3, 1969, when he was found in his swimming pool. Authorities initially ruled his death an accidental drowning. Police investigated, gathering statements from people who were at his property and nearby. Later investigations looked into factors like work stress and drug use during that time. The case continues to be reviewed, with officials examining new and previously collected statements.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix passed away in London on September 18, 1970. The official investigation determined his death was accidental, caused by a combination of barbiturate use and inhaling vomit. Records detail the sequence of events from when he was found to his arrival at the hospital, and later analyses have focused on the timing of medication and the quality of care he received. While there’s been ongoing public interest in the case, authorities have stood by the original ruling.

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain died in Seattle on April 5, 1994, from a self-inflicted shotgun wound, according to the medical examiner. Years later, due to public demand for more information, police released photos and reports related to the case. Detectives re-examined old evidence to verify its handling and confirm what was found at the scene. The case file continues to be used when the public requests access to records.

Bob Crane

Bob Crane, the actor, died in Scottsdale, Arizona, on June 29, 1978, from a head injury, and his death was ruled a homicide. Police collected blood, electronics, and photos from his apartment as evidence. Although someone was put on trial for the murder years later, they were found not guilty, and the case remains unsolved. The investigation is still open, and evidence is periodically reviewed, as shown in public records.

George Reeves

George Reeves died in Los Angeles on June 16, 1959, and his death was officially ruled a suicide by gunshot. Investigators documented who was in the house at the time and recovered the gun used. Subsequent investigations have carefully examined witness statements and the trajectory of the bullet within the bedroom. Despite further review, the original ruling of suicide remains the official conclusion, supported by evidence in archived materials.

Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee passed away in Hong Kong on July 20, 1973. The official cause of death was swelling of the brain, likely brought on by a reaction to medication. Medical records detail his declining health leading up to his death, and experts have since explored factors like heat exhaustion, dehydration, and potential sensitivities to drugs. While authorities haven’t found any evidence of foul play, medical professionals continue to analyze the circumstances surrounding his death.

Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee tragically died on March 31, 1993, in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a prop gun accidentally fired a projectile on the set of a movie. Investigations examined how the prop gun was handled and the safety measures in place. The incident resulted in legal settlements and led to significant improvements in gun safety procedures on film sets. Reports revealed the sequence of events that caused a dummy cartridge and an obstruction in the barrel to contribute to the accident.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy passed away in Los Angeles on December 20, 2009, from a combination of pneumonia, anemia, and the effects of medication. The medical examiner determined that multiple health issues and conditions within her home contributed to her death, as noted in city inspection reports. Subsequent toxicology reviews confirmed these initial findings, and the case has been revisited whenever new information or claims have emerged.

David Carradine

David Carradine was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room on June 3, 2009. Investigators determined he died from a lack of oxygen. Thai authorities gathered evidence, including photos and interviews, and shared it with US officials. After reviewing the evidence, the death was not considered a criminal act. Later, family members and forensic experts reviewed the case details.

Richey Edwards

Richey Edwards, a musician from the band Manic Street Preachers, went missing on February 1, 1995, and was officially presumed dead in 2008. Investigations by the police included reported sightings, toll records, and the recovery of a vehicle near the Severn area. The case is still considered a missing person investigation, and authorities continue to receive and log occasional leads. Records show that early in the investigation, officials documented searches of property and checks of bank accounts.

Gram Parsons

Gram Parsons died on September 19, 1973, in Joshua Tree from a drug overdose. After his death, investigators found evidence at the motel where he stayed, and later documented that friends had taken his body without permission. This unauthorized removal led to legal issues and fines. The case remains a notable example in coroner records related to drug-related deaths from that time period.

Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith passed away in Florida on February 8, 2007. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was a drug overdose, and there was no sign of wrongdoing. Investigations involved examining records of her prescriptions, reviewing hotel staff accounts, and analyzing surveillance footage. Later legal battles focused on how her prescriptions were handled and who was involved, but the official cause of death remained the same.

Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell passed away in Detroit on May 18, 2017, and the medical examiner determined his death was a suicide by hanging. Investigations involved reviewing hotel records, security camera footage, and toxicology reports. Officials discussed the medications found in his system while confirming the cause and manner of death. The case details have since been made public to ensure transparency.

Chester Bennington

Chester Bennington died by suicide on July 20, 2017, at his home in Palos Verdes Estates. Documents released by law enforcement and the coroner’s office outline what happened at the scene, including when and how investigators entered the property. These records also show that authorities had been aware of previous concerns about his well-being and reviewed his communications.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson passed away in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009, and the official cause of death was determined to be a homicide resulting from a dangerous overdose of the anesthetic propofol. His doctor was later found guilty in court for improperly giving him anesthetics. The investigation involved search warrants, lists of medical equipment, and opinions from medical experts. Later lawsuits also considered these findings, but they didn’t change the conclusion about how he died.

2025-11-16 10:46