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Celebrities who died too soon

Celebrity DJ Adam Goldstein was a Hollywood staple and regular collaborator with stars such as Madonna and Will Smith. Known as DJ AM, he worked the party scene, dated Lionel Richie's daughter Nicole and struggled on and off with drug addiction. In September 2008, Goldstein and friend Travis Barker escaped a deadly plane crash in South Carolina. Nearly a year later, in August 2009, he died of acute intoxication due to a combination of cocaine and prescription drugs. Related: DJ AM agreed to go to rehab the day before his death What caused DJ AM reportedly to relapse into drug use? VIDEO: DJ AM's final interview on his TV show, 'Gone Too Far,' about drug abuse

Celebrity DJ Adam Goldstein was a Hollywood staple and regular collaborator with stars such as Madonna and Will Smith. Known as DJ AM, he worked the party scene, dated Lionel Richie’s daughter Nicole and struggled on and off with drug addiction. In September 2008, Goldstein and friend Travis Barker escaped a deadly plane crash in South Carolina. Nearly a year later, in August 2009, he died of acute intoxication due to a combination of cocaine and prescription drugs. Related: DJ AM agreed to go to rehab the day before his deathWhat caused DJ AM reportedly to relapse into drug use?VIDEO: DJ AM’s final interview on his TV show, ‘Gone Too Far,’ about drug abuse   (Brett Flashnick / Associated Press)

Ledger's death shocked not only Hollywood, but a nation who may not have followed the 28-year-old actor's career much before the breakout hit "Brokeback Mountain." His turn as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" was awe-inspiring and bittersweet for those closest to him as the performance received numerous accolades including an Oscar.

Ledger’s death shocked not only Hollywood, but a nation who may not have followed the 28-year-old actor’s career much before the breakout hit “Brokeback Mountain.” His turn as the Joker in “The Dark Knight” was awe-inspiring and bittersweet for those closest to him as the performance received numerous accolades including an Oscar.  (Carlo Allegri / Getty Images)

R&B singer and actress Aaliyah poses for a photo in New York on May 9, 2001. Aaliyah died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001, when a small plane that was to carry her and eight others back to the United States crashed after takeoff in the Bahamas, authorities said.

R&B singer and actress Aaliyah poses for a photo in New York on May 9, 2001. Aaliyah died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001, when a small plane that was to carry her and eight others back to the United States crashed after takeoff in the Bahamas, authorities said.  (Jim Cooper / Associated Press)

Kurt Cobain ushered in a new era in rock in the early '90s with his band Nirvana. But fame was never his intention, and it seemed to add to his suffering, brought on by depression, chronic bronchitis and heroin addiction. He died at 27 of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

Kurt Cobain ushered in a new era in rock in the early ‘90s with his band Nirvana. But fame was never his intention, and it seemed to add to his suffering, brought on by depression, chronic bronchitis and heroin addiction. He died at 27 of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.  (Frank Micelotta / Getty Images)

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Shakur was just 25 when he was killed in 1996 in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. The celebrated rapper had already released five studio albums, served time for a sexual abuse conviction and survived a previous shooting during a robbery.

Shakur was just 25 when he was killed in 1996 in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. The celebrated rapper had already released five studio albums, served time for a sexual abuse conviction and survived a previous shooting during a robbery.  (Perry C. Riddle / Los Angeles Times)

Mystery surrounds the death of the lead singer of the Doors, who died in 1971 in Paris at the age of 27. The official account is that he was found in a bathtub, and because no foul play was suspected, an autopsy was never performed. Rumors have circulated ever since that Morrison died of a heroin overdose.

Mystery surrounds the death of the lead singer of the Doors, who died in 1971 in Paris at the age of 27. The official account is that he was found in a bathtub, and because no foul play was suspected, an autopsy was never performed. Rumors have circulated ever since that Morrison died of a heroin overdose.  (Larry Hulst / Getty Images)

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