The year in review: Influential people who have died in 2026

Gloria Steinem, a prominent and celebrated voice for the women's movement, passed away in September. She was an author and activist who co-founded Ms. Magazine and spent much of her life advocating for equality. Steinem traveled extensively, speaking at college campuses, rallies, and marches.

Tung Chee-hwa, a shipping tycoon who became the first leader of Hong Kong after British colonial rule ended in 1997, also died in September. Other notable figures who passed away in September include Japanese baseball legend Isao Harimoto, jazz singer Cassandra Wilson, and former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl.

In January, Diane Crump, an accomplished jockey, died at age 77. She made history in 1969 as the first woman to ride in a professional horse race and a year later became the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby. January also saw the deaths of Ahn Sung-ki, a legendary South Korean actor, and Aldrich Ames, a CIA whistleblower.

February brought the passing of Glenn Hall, a Hockey Hall of Famer known for his impressive 502 consecutive appearances as a goalie, and Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead. Other notable deaths in February include John Forté, Scott Adams, Claudette Colvin, Valentino Garavani, Ota Zaremba, William Foege, Catherine O'Hara, Demond Wilson, X.J. Kennedy, Chuck Negron, Mickey Lolich, James Van Der Beek, and Robert Duvall.