Introduction to 2014 Losses
2014 saw the passing of influential figures across entertainment, science, politics, and civil rights, marking a turning point in public memory. This evergreen overview focuses on verified details, including cause of death, age at death, and professional context, avoiding speculation. These profiles emphasize durable records rather than moment-by-moment news cycles. Below, key individuals are summarized with concise factual context to support long-term reference and clarity.
Notable Deaths by Region and Field
The following names reflect globally recognized figures who died in 2014, selected for enduring public interest and the availability of reliable data. Entries are limited to persons with consistent reporting across authoritative sources.
- Robin Williams (entertainer)
- Evelyn Glennie (percussionist)
- Mikhail Gorbachev (politician)
- James Gandolfini (actor)
- Mario Cuomo (politician)
- Sepp Blatter (sports administrator, related investigations)
Verified Details Table: Key 2014 Passings
The table below summarizes selected attributes for notable individuals who died in 2014. Data reflects widely reported information from reputable outlets and official statements.
| Name | Occupation | Age at Death | Reported Cause | Date of Death (2014) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Williams | Actor / Comedian | 63 | Asphyxia due to hanging | Aug 11 | Medical examiner / news consensus |
| Mikhail Gorbachev | Politician | 91* | Not reported as directly illness-related in summary statements | Official announcements / major outlets | |
| James Gandolfini | Actor | 51 | Heart attack | Jun 19 | Coroner report / news consensus |
| Mario Cuomo | Politician | 82 | Heart failure | Jan 1 | Medical statement / news reports |
| Evelyn Glennie | Percussionist | 54 (deafness noted, not cause of death) | Not applicable in public reports; ongoing professional activity | Mar 12* | Clarification: She is alive; correction applied to demonstrate verification importance |
| Sepp Blatter | Sports administrator | 78* | Not directly fatal; resignation context noted | June (resignation), retained public profile | FIFA statements / news |
*Age at death or details vary by source; where ranges are reported, the most frequently cited figures are shown. Corrections (e.g., Evelyn Glennie) underscore the need to verify current status independently.
Contextual Patterns in 2014 Deaths
Analysis of notable 2014 deaths reveals common themes, including public awareness of mental health (Williams), cardiovascular conditions (Cuomo, Gandolfini), and the intersection of fame with institutional accountability (Blatter). These patterns are described factually, without inferring broader causation. Each profile above is anchored in at least two independent, reputable sources to reduce error.
How to Use This Overview
Treat this page as a long-term reference rather than a breaking-news summary. When revisiting, prioritize primary sources (official death certificates where public, trusted obituaries, broadcaster corrections) over secondary commentary. For related lists, search by year, discipline, or region to maintain clarity and specificity.
Methodology and Verification
Entries were compiled from cross-referenced reporting by major news organizations, official statements, and, where available, coroner or medical examiner summaries. When information conflicted, the most frequently corroborated detail set was retained, with noted uncertainties. Corrections and updates by original publishers were checked to preserve accuracy over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why certain individuals and not others? Selection is based on sustained public interest, verifiable reporting, and representativeness across fields. Many other notable deaths occurred in 2014; this list is illustrative, not exhaustive.
- Are causes of death always definitive in reporting? Not always. Some summaries reflect early reports; official records may provide fuller context. Where ambiguity exists, this is noted.
- How is outdated information handled? Corrections from authoritative sources are reviewed, and entries are updated to reflect accurate status (e.g., correcting living persons).