Gone too soon: Local stars we lost in 2022

The year 2022 was filled with many ups and downs, and we lost a number of stars along the way.

Former 'Soul City' and 'The Estate' actor, Siyanda Sesimani, died in March after an assault at his home. He spent a few weeks in a coma before his death. 

Hip-hop artist, Tumi Tladi, died in July at the age of 30. Tumi' DJ Dimplez' Mooi suffered a "sudden brain haemorrhage" in March. 

"You were an instrumental part of many of our best days and best memories. My heart breaks for your family, for Milkshake & Vigi and all your friends in DJ fraternity and beyond. Rest easy Tumi," media personality Hulisani Ravele tweeted.

Sandile 'DJ Citi Lyts' Mkhize died in February. He was shot and killed in Soweto. "I was just with dude last week at Konka and he was showing love as always. Always repped the hood, always lived by da code. What a sad morning. Ruthless!!!" Cassper Nyovest tweeted. 

Here's a look at other stars who lost their lives in 2022:

DJ Sumbody

Amapiano producer, DJ Sumbody, passed away in November. The DJ, whose real name is Oupa John Sefoka, was gunned down in Johannesburg. 

"I am numb….. I no longer know how to feel and react to the news of loss of loved ones.. We definitely are living on borrowed time," close friend Somizi Mhlongo wrote on Instagram. 

ALSO READ: Connie Ferguson remembers Shona on wedding anniversary: 'True love never dies'

Kuli Roberts

Kuli Roberts died suddenly in February. Friends said at the time that the media personality "just collapsed and never woke up". Her family has not revealed her cause of death but she is believed to have suffered a seizure. Kuli leaves behind her two children, India Corte and Ieaun Roberts, and her granddaughter Isabella. 

ALSO READ: Stars pay tribute to Kirstie Alley - 'Her joy of being was boundless'

Jamie Bartlett

Veteran actor Jamie Bartlett passed away in May at the age of 55. An autopsy revealed that he died of cardiac arrest. Jamie is mostly known for his roles as David Genaro in 'Rhythm City' and Mike O'Reilly in 'Isidingo'. He leaves behind his son, Hector Bartlett, whom he shared with his ex-wife, former 'Generations' actress Camilla Waldman. 

ALSO READ: Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96

Riky Rick

South African musician Riky Rick lost his battle with depression in February. The 'Boss Zonke' hitmaker, whose real name is Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, was 34.

 "I'll come back a stronger man. This land is still my home," he posted on Twitter hours before his death. 

How can those who suffer from depression get help? 

It is of paramount importance to provide support to suicidal individuals. Reaching out and exploring their emotional state would assist in instilling hope, i.e asking about how they feel without judgement. Make sure that the individual is in a safe place; remove potentially harmful objects and medication.

As soon as possible, get professional help for the individual (psychologist and social workers), i.e accompany the person to healthcare institutions (local clinic, health centre or hospital) or call the Depression and Anxiety Helpline (0800 70 80 90).  
Clinical Psychologist, Dr P Mothapo

ALSO READ: Jennifer Aniston's dad who played Victor Kiriakis on 'Days of Our Lives' dies

Charlbi Dean 

South African actress Charlbi Dean died in August at the age of 32. According to TMZ, the star passed away from a sudden unexpected illness. In 2022, she appeared alongside Woody Harrelson in in Palme d'Or winning film, 'Triangle of Sadness'. She also made appearances in 'Spud', 'Blood in the Water', and 'Don't Sleep'. 

ALSO READ: 'Murder, She Wrote' star Angela Lansbury dead: family

Deborah Fraiser

Gospel star Deborah Fraiser lost her life in May after a short illness. She was 56. Several weeks before her death, the wheelchair-bound singer opened up about her health struggles.

"I went to different doctors and they said it does happen and it's just a matter of time, so I am waiting for that. It will take time for me to go back to walking. If there isn't a major problem. They have to check it thoroughly," she told TshiaLIVE.

ALSO READ: Singer Jessie Clegg's wife passes away 

Busisiwe 'Busi' Lurayi

South African actress Busisiwe Lurayi died suddenly in July. She was 36. Busi appeared in several local shows including 'City Ses'la'. She also starred in Netflix's hit movie, 'How To Ruin Christmas'.

"She was never a celebrity, the family recalls a mom, a sister and someone who could be sent to the shops or even reprimanded like any other family member. Her fame was never felt in the house, at family gatherings or even after she’d agreed to take images with her supporters. Essentially, fame didn’t change her, she remained consistent throughout,” a family spokesperson told TrueLove. 

ALSO READ: Tribute: Beloved actress, musician, author and activist Olivia Newton-John passes away

 Terence Pillay 

Popular journalist Terence Pillay passed away in late January. His family said he died peacefully at his home. Terence was well known among East Coast Radio's listeners. His show, 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly', was featured on the East Coast Radio Breakfast show. 

ALSO READ: Darren Maule and Keri Miller share their special memories of Terence Pillay

Patrick Shai 

The death of veteran actor and director Patrick Shai sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry in January. He appeared in popular local shows such as 'Generations', 'Skeem Saam', 'The River', and '7 de Laan'. 

ALSO READ: Music legend Dennis East has died

Jeremy Mansfield

Radio legend Jeremy Mansfield lost his battle with cancer in October. He was 59. Jeremy told his fans in August that his cancer had become terminal. 

"Have had it confirmed by the specialist surgeon that is leading everyone in the team looking after me that my cancer is confirmed stage 4, terminal and is now only subject to palliative care. This dream team (as I now refer to them) will now guide me through how to have as much fun in the time I have left and fulfill as many dreams, big and small, I have in my bucket list. A new journey for Kari and the rest of our families starts today," he wrote on Facebook.

ALSO READ: SA entertainment industry mourns passing of Barry Ronge

ALSO READ: Migos rapper Takeoff shot and killed

Main image credit: Instagram/@rikyrickworld, @charlbi143