Athletes who died in 2025: Greg Biffle, George Foreman, Ricky Hatton and more

In 2025, the sports world said goodbye to an incredible array of athletes, from Hall of Fame icons to champions who shaped their times. The year began with the loss of Bob Uecker and ended with the tragic passing of Greg Biffle, whose deadly plane crash sent shockwaves through NASCAR and the entire sports community.

Throughout the journey, we lost global legends like George Foreman and Hulk Hogan, as well as baseball stars like Ryne Sandberg, Dave Parker, and Bobby Jenks. Sports like football, hockey, basketball, golf, and even chess were impacted, with icons such as Kenny Easley, Ken Dryden, Gus Williams, and Boris Spassky creating lasting legacies.

Greg Biffle

Greg Biffle tragically lost his life on December 15, 2025, in a horrific plane crash close to Statesville, North Carolina, along with his wife, two kids, and three other individuals. The private jet traveling from Mooresville to Las Vegas sent out a distress signal before it went down, spreading wreckage over a distance of half a mile. NASCAR is grieving the legacy of the 75 Greatest Driver, who had 19 Cup victories and was known for his charitable work.

George Foreman

George Foreman, the legendary heavyweight, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his family after receiving hospital treatment for exhaustion. His family posted on Instagram: a devoted preacher and caring father, taken from us too soon. From winning Olympic gold to building a grilling empire, his journey from gentle giant to inspiration touched millions.

Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton, the beloved "Hitman," was discovered dead on September 14, 2025, at the age of 46 in his home in Greater Manchester; a coroner determined it was a suicide by hanging due to his battles with depression. He was last seen on September 12, and his family shared with The Guardian that he was their pride, leaving behind a £40 million estate for his kids.

Dwight Muhammad Qawi

Dwight Muhammad Qawi, known as the "Camden Buzzsaw," died on July 25, 2025, at the age of 72 following a long illness, as reported by BoxingScene. The former convict who became a two-division champion showcased impressive southpaw techniques that defeated Matthew Saad Muhammad, leaving a lasting impact on boxing in the 1980s, even after a heavyweight loss to Michael Spinks.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, passed away from cardiac arrest on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 in his home in Clearwater, Florida, and was taken to the hospital but unfortunately could not be saved. A WWE legend, he sparked the phenomenon of Hulkamania with five championship titles and unforgettable moments at WrestleMania. He faced ongoing health issues related to his wrestling career, and Vince McMahon referred to him as the creator of mainstream wrestling.

Mike Greenwell

Mike Greenwell, the outfield star for the Boston Red Sox, passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76; the cause of death hasn't been revealed. His impressive near-MVP season in 1988, where he boasted a .368 batting average and hit 19 home runs, showcased his tough playing style, leading to All-Star selections and a memorable legacy at Fenway during the team's quest for championships.

Bobby Jenks

Bobby Jenks, the closer for the Chicago White Sox and a three-time World Series champ, sadly passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 44 due to complications from a back injury following surgery in 2023. His incredible saves, especially the one that clinched the title in 2005, solidified his place in the franchise's golden era of success.

Davey Johnson

Davey Johnson, who was named NL Manager of the Year four times, passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 82. He was the manager of the 1986 Mets during their World Series win, showcasing his strategic skills with a total of 1,148 victories. Before that, he played second base and played a key role in the Orioles' 1966 championship with his strong leadership.

Dave Parker

Dave Parker, "The Cobra," died June 28, 2025, at 74 to Parkinson's disease. The Pirates' two-time batting champ (.338 in 1977) and 1979 World Series hero slugged 339 homers, his cannon arm and swagger defining NL slugging in the 1970s-80s.

Ryne Sandberg

Ryne Sandberg, Cubs Hall of Famer and 1984 NL MVP, died July 28, 2025, at 65 after battling prostate cancer. His 282 homers, 344 steals, and Gold Glove defense at second base embodied Wrigley excellence over 16 seasons of consistent brilliance

Randy Jones

Randy Jones, San Diego Padres sinkerballer and 1976 NL ERA leader (2.74), passed away on November 18, 2025, at 75. His submarine delivery induced grounders for 100 wins, anchoring the team's early identity with crafty control and a deceptive, sidearm magic.

Bob Uecker

Bob Uecker, "Mr. Baseball" and Brewers broadcaster for 53 years, died January 16, 2025, at 90. His self-deprecating humor, from "Just a bit outside" calls to Miller Lite ads, turned catching for Hank Aaron into a broadcasting Hall of Fame career.

Kenny Easley

Kenny Easley, Seahawks Hall of Fame safety and 1984 Defensive Player of the Year, died November 14, 2025, at 66. His bone-crushing hits and four picks in the NFC Championship fueled Seattle's rise, amassing 32 career interceptions with ferocious coverage.

Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Kneeland, Dallas Cowboys defensive end, perished November 6, 2025, at 24 in a car accident. The promising 2024 draftee's raw athleticism hinted at a bright future cut tragically short.

Nick Mangold

Nick Mangold, New York Jets center and two-time Pro Bowler, died October 25, 2025, at 41. His ironclad blocking protected Mark Sanchez for 11 seasons, earning All-Pro honors and anchoring the line with quiet leadership and Ohio State-honed technique.

Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall, Vikings defensive end famed for the 1964 "wrong-way run," passed June 3, 2025, at 87. His 128 sacks over 20 years, including Purple People Eater dominance, defined grit despite the infamous blunder in a Lions game.

Bill McCartney

Bill McCartney, Colorado Buffaloes coach and 1990 national champion, died January 10, 2025, at 84. His turnaround from 1-10 to 11-2 seasons built a powerhouse with disciplined schemes, later founding Promise Keepers for faith-based impact.

Steve McMichael

Steve McMichael, Chicago Bears "Mongo" defensive tackle, died April 23, 2025, at 67 from ALS. The nine-time Pro Bowler's trash-talking tenacity anchored the 1985 Super Bowl shuffle defense, sacking QBs with unyielding force and colorful personality.

Arthur Jones

Arthur Jones, Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle, passed October 3, 2025, at 39. Brother to Jon and Chandler, his Super Bowl XLVII run-stuffing added depth to Baltimore's front, blending athletic genes with NFL tenacity in a shortened career.

Bryan Braman

Bryan Braman, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker, died July 16, 2025, at 38. His special teams ferocity and edge-rushing bursts over 10 seasons, including 2011 Pro Bowl nods, brought relentless energy to Philly's defenses.

Dick Jauron

Dick Jauron, former Bears head coach and NFL safety, died February 8, 2025, at 74. His 1999 NFL Coach of the Year honors came from Buffalo's 11-5 run; earlier, 24 interceptions as a DB showcased ball-hawking smarts.

Bernie Parent

Bernie Parent, Philadelphia Flyers goalie and two-time Stanley Cup champ (1974-75), died September 21, 2025, at 80. His butterfly style and Conn Smythe trophies masked the Broad Street Bullies' grit, stopping pucks with calm precision.

Alex Delvecchio

Alex Delvecchio, Detroit Red Wings captain for 14 years, passed July 1, 2025, at 93. The 18-season veteran with 1,281 points and three Cups epitomized longevity, his smooth skating anchoring the Original Six eras as franchise pillar.

Ken Dryden

Ken Dryden, Montreal Canadiens goalie and six-time Cup winner, died September 5, 2025, at 78. The bespectacled lawyer's 1971 debut shutout sparked dominance, earning two Conn Smythes with acrobatic saves and intellectual post-career advocacy.

Junior Bridgeman

Junior Bridgeman, Milwaukee Bucks forward turned billionaire fast-food mogul, died March 11, 2025, at 71. His 12-year career averaged 11.0 points off the bench for Finals teams; post-retirement, Wendy's franchises built a $600 million empire quietly.

Lenny Wilkens

Lenny Wilkens, Naismith Hall of Famer as player and coach, passed November 9, 2025, at 88. Nine All-Star nods and 1,332 coaching wins, including 1979 Sonics title, blended guard savvy with strategic genius across eras.

Micheal Ray Richardson

Micheal Ray Richardson, four-time All-Star guard, died November 11, 2025, at 70. His Knicks steals leadership (2.68 per game) fueled fast breaks; later, European stints extended a flashy career marred by personal battles.

Gus Williams

Gus Williams, Seattle SuperSonics guard and 1979 Finals MVP, died January 15, 2025, at 71. His 23.8 PPG explosion led the franchise's only title, slashing through defenses with quicksilver handles and clutch scoring poise.

Fuzzy Zoeller

Fuzzy Zoeller, 1979 Masters and 1984 U.S. Open winner, died November 25, 2025, at 74. His chip-in birdie at Augusta sealed immortality; the affable Hoosier's 12 PGA Tour wins blended precision irons with everyman charm.

Jumbo Ozaki

Jumbo Ozaki, Japan's winningest pro with 94 JLPGA victories, passed December 23, 2025, at 78. His consistent ball-striking dominated Asia's tours for decades, earning World Golf Hall nods and bridging Eastern golf's global rise.

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