10 Tragic Messages Famous People Sent Before They Died

10 Tragic Messages Famous People Sent Before Dying

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be looking at the most heartbreaking text messages celebrities sent in the days or moments leading up to their eventual demise.

Ryan Dunn

As one of the stars of MTV’s “Jackass,” Ryan Dunn was known for his fearless stunts and outrageous antics. On June 20th 2011, Dunn tragically lost his life after crashing his car into a tree on his way back from a bar. The daredevil had been intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level more than double the legal limit. Perhaps no one was more devastated by Dunn’s passing than his “Jackass” co-star and friend Bam Margera. Margera later disclosed to E! News that on the fatal night, he received a text from Dunn saying, “Stopping for a beer, be there when I can”. Looking back, Margera says if he had the chance, he would have prevented his friend from driving that night.

Nipsey Hussle

Although he wasn’t a household name before his untimely death in 2019, Nipsey Hussle had already begun to gain national recognition. The West Coast rapper had left behind a troubled past to become a community-focused artist, using his music to promote philanthropy and inspire young black men. Hussle’s passing attracted international attention, with thousands showing up for his memorial service on April 11th 2019. During the service, his mother, Angelique Smith, shared the last message she received from him, which read “I’m grateful I have a studio again. I’m just happy and ready to work”. Despite the tragic circumstances, Hussle will always be remembered for his efforts to combat the same type of violence that ultimately claimed his life.

Kim Jong-hyun

Millions of fans around the world were heartbroken when it was reported that K-pop singer Kim Jong-hyun had taken his own life on December 18th 2017. Despite an impressive career spanning nearly a decade, the lead vocalist of South Korean boy band Shinee appeared to grapple with the burdens of fame. Shortly before the tragic incident, Jonghyun sent text messages to his sister pleading, “Please let me go. Tell me I did well.” and bidding a “Final farewell.” The singer also reportedly left behind a note, in which he talked about being overcome by depression and not being able to defeat it. Jonghyun’s death triggered conversations about the relentless demands of the music industry and its toll on mental health.

Leslie Jordan

When you hear “bundle of joy,” the first image that probably comes to mind is Leslie Jordan. The beloved actor continued to bring smiles even after his demise on October 24th 2022. Max Greenfield, who appeared alongside Jordan on the revival of NBC’s “Will & Grace,” shared the amusing final messages he received from the actor. Just two days before his passing, Jordan had been turned away from Greenfield’s sold-out book signing. In a text, he hilariously remarked, “I tried to get in. I saw that you was so famous they wouldn’t let me in.” He then added “They won’t let me near you, superstar. That’s what you are. Congratulations. I got to run or I would stalk you.”

Cheslie Kryst

An Emmy-nominated TV correspondent, lawyer and Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst seemed to have it all. But underneath the surface, Kryst dealt with what she described as the “crushing weight of persistent sadness” for years. Tragically, she took her own life on January 30th 2022. Kryst’s mother, April Simpkins, shared the heartbreaking details about her death on the “Red Table Talk” series. Simpkins read parts of Kryst’s final text to her: “I’ve wished for death for years, and I know you would want to know… But I haven’t wanted to share this weight with anyone.” She went on to thank Simpkins for being there in her darkest moments, concluding with “I’ve fought against depression for a long time, but it’s won this time around.”

Taylor Hawkins

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dealt with substance use disorder for years. At one point, he slipped into a coma for two weeks after suffering an overdose. On March 25th 2022, Hawkins succumbed to a “cardiovascular collapse,” which was likely linked to this persistent drug use. Following his passing, two tribute concerts were held in late 2022, featuring performances from icons like Paul McCartney, Nile Rodgers and Joan Jett. Additionally, “Full House” actor John Stamos shared the last text he received from Hawkins, in which the drummer expressed a desire to hang out “before we die.” By all indications, that opportunity sadly never materialized, serving as a stark reminder of just how short life is.

Caroline Flack

Known for hosting “The X Factor” and “Love Island,” British presenter Caroline Flack made headlines in 2019 when she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend. Flack, who had dealt with mental health issues in the past, was harassed by the media and ultimately took her own life just weeks before her trial began. Amid the shock and support that followed, British comedian Paddy McGuinness shared his last messages with Flack. In the screenshot, McGuinness checked in on her and offered reassurance, to which she replied “Thanks for reaching out…” Perhaps even more heartbreaking were those shared by Piers Morgan, in which Flack called the period of her trial in the public eye “the worst time of my life”.

Bob Saget

Between 1987 and 1995, Bob Saget played Danny Tanner, the widowed father of three girls, on the ABC sitcom “Full House”. One of those girls was portrayed by Candace Cameron Bure, who maintained a relationship with Saget until his untimely demise in January 2022. Two weeks prior, Saget and Bure seemingly had a disagreement over a canceled dinner plan. Saget later texted heartfelt apologies to Bure for his crankiness, concluding his long message with “I love you more for the trouble you’re giving me, if that’s even possible.” Bure tearfully read this conversation from her phone on the “Today” show. It’s pretty heartwarming to think that the bond between Danny and D.J. endured until the very end.

Anthony Bourdain

When news broke that Anthony Bourdain had died by his own hand on June 8th 2018, many were puzzled as to what could’ve led up to it. After all, Bourdain was a widely celebrated chef with multiple award-winning TV shows and bestselling books. In 2022, the unauthorized biography, “Down and Out in Paradise” offered deeper insights on his state of mind in his final days. The book revealed texts Bourdain had sent to his ex-wife, saying “I hate my fans, too. I hate being famous. I hate my job. I am lonely and living in constant uncertainty.” Bourdain’s texts with his partner, Asia Argento, were also shared, some sent shortly before his death, which detailed the hurt he experienced over her alleged affair.

Chadwick Boseman

In 2016, Chadwick Boseman became world famous for his portrayal of the Marvel superhero Black Panther. Unfortunately, that same year, he was diagnosed with colon cancer, which he managed privately until it claimed his life on August 28th 2020. Amazingly, in his final months, Boseman worked with “Black Panther” producer Nate Moore to fulfill the wishes of terminally ill children. Moore shared his last messages with Boseman, in which he remarked that “People deserve abundant life, special moments. They've been through hell battling disease.” Despite facing the same predicament, Boseman found solace in his ability to “ease their suffering and bring joy for a moment” to the kids. Indeed, Boseman was a superhero both on and off screen.


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