It’s been a heavy few days for anyone who grew up with a radio or a TV. Honestly, the second weekend of January 2026 feels like it’s taken a chunk out of our collective nostalgia. We lost a founding father of the jam band scene, a sci-fi cult icon, and a singer whose voice defined a whole generation of Colombian pop.
When people search for celebrities who died this weekend, they’re usually looking for a list. But it’s more than just names on a page. It's about the end of an era.
The Grateful Dead Loses Its Heart: Bob Weir Passes at 78
The biggest shocker for the music world was undoubtedly the passing of Bob Weir. He died on Saturday, January 10, 2026. For those who didn't follow the Dead, Bob was the rhythm guitarist and a founding member of the Grateful Dead. He was 78.
What makes this sting is that Bobby had actually beaten cancer just last summer. Fans thought he was in the clear. But according to a statement from his family, he succumbed to underlying lung issues that just wouldn't quit. He was surrounded by loved ones when he went.
Weir wasn't just a "backup" to Jerry Garcia. He was the guy who kept the rhythm alive and brought a certain cowboy-rock energy to the stage. His death basically marks the final chapter of the original Grateful Dead lineup's performing history. It's hard to imagine a world without a Dead & Company tour on the horizon.
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Horror and Sci-Fi Mourns T.K. Carter
If you’re a fan of John Carpenter’s The Thing, you know Nauls. He was the roller-skating cook who brought some much-needed personality to that frozen Antarctic nightmare. T.K. Carter was the man behind that role, and he passed away on Friday, January 9, but the news really hit the wires over the weekend.
He was 69.
TMZ reported that he was found in his Duarte, California residence. His brother, Harold, later clarified that T.K. had been struggling with serious health issues for months—specifically diabetes. He wasn't just Nauls, though. You might remember him from Punky Brewster or The Way Back. He had this way of being the funniest person in the room without even trying.
The Tragic Plane Crash of Yeison Jiménez
This one is just brutal. Colombian singer Yeison Jiménez died on Saturday, January 10, in a plane crash. He was only 34 years old.
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He was traveling in a private plane near Paipa, Boyacá, heading to a performance. The crash killed everyone on board—six people in total. Yeison was a massive star in the "musica popular" genre. He had millions of followers and was right in the prime of his career.
It’s the kind of news that stops a whole country in its tracks. Seeing a young talent taken out by a mechanical failure or a pilot error—the investigation is still ongoing—is just gut-wrenching.
Other Notable Losses from the Weekend
It wasn't just the household names. Several other influential figures in the arts and politics passed away between January 9 and January 12:
- Derek Martin (92): The EastEnders legend, known to millions as Charlie Slater, passed away on January 10. He was a staple of British TV for decades.
- Marcus Gilbert (67): The actor famous for Riders and Army of Darkness lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, January 11.
- John Forté (50): While technically passing on Monday, January 12, the news of the Fugees collaborator's sudden death at his home in Martha's Vineyard started circulating late Sunday night. He was found by a neighbor.
- Guy Moon (63): The Emmy-nominated composer for Fairly OddParents died after a tragic accident involving a scooter in Los Angeles.
Why These Losses Feel Different
There is a weird phenomenon where celebrity deaths seem to come in waves. This weekend was one of those waves. When we talk about celebrities who died this weekend, we are talking about people who provided the soundtrack to our road trips or the faces we saw on TV every Tuesday night for ten years.
Take Derek Martin. If you live in the UK, Charlie Slater was basically your uncle. Or Bob Weir—for Deadheads, he was a spiritual guide.
The reality is that we are entering an era where the icons of the 60s and 70s are reaching their twilight years. It doesn't make it easier, but it does make these weekend updates more frequent.
What to Do Next
If you’re feeling the weight of these losses, the best way to honor them is to engage with what they left behind.
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- Listen to "The Score": In honor of John Forté, revisit the production work he did for the Fugees. It’s still a masterpiece.
- Watch "The Thing" (1982): Watch T.K. Carter’s performance as Nauls. It’s a masterclass in character acting in a high-tension environment.
- Stream a Dead Show: Head to Nugs or Spotify and pull up a live show from the 70s. Listen to Weir’s rhythm work on "Estimated Prophet."
Death in the public eye is always a bit surreal. We don't know these people, yet we feel like we do. As the details continue to come out regarding causes of death and memorial services, staying informed through reputable sources like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter is the best way to get the facts without the tabloid fluff.