In a year marked by loss, the sports world bid farewell to several influential figures who shaped their respective disciplines. From legendary players to trailblazing coaches, these individuals left indelible marks on their sports.

Highlighted among those we lost is Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away at 78 on January 7. As a World Cup winner both as a player and a coach, Beckenbauer’s influence transcended football.

The basketball community mourned the loss of Dejan Milojevic, aged 46, on January 16. Milojevic was not only an esteemed assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors but also a mentor to prolific player Nikola Jokic.

On January 18, the world learned of the death of Shawn Barber, a Canadian pole vault champion at just 29. He was known for his impressive back-to-back NCAA indoor championships in 2014 and 2015.

Jack Burke Jr., who turned 100 on January 19, remains celebrated as the oldest living Masters champion, famed for his remarkable comebacks at Augusta National.

Italy’s all-time top goal scorer, Gigi Riva, passed away on January 22 at the age of 79. The football star, fondly nicknamed “Rombo di Tuono,” left a lasting legacy in Italian sports.

Carl Weathers, notable for his dual career as a former NFL linebacker and Hollywood actor, died on February 1 at 76. He is most recognized for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” films.

Lefty Driesell, a Hall of Fame basketball coach whose fiery demeanor reshaped college basketball, passed away at 92 on February 17.

Vontae Davis, the former NFL cornerback known for his time with the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts, died on April 1 at just 35.

On March 24, legendary mountaineer Lou Whittaker passed away at 95. He was instrumental in leading numerous ascents, including Mount Everest.

O.J. Simpson, an iconic football player and actor, died on April 10 at 76, known for both his sports achievements and controversial past.

Baseball legend Carl Erskine, who pitched two no-hitters with the Brooklyn Dodgers, died on April 16 at 97.

In aviation, Dick Rutan, who made history with a nonstop round-the-world flight, passed away on May 3 at 85.

Two-time Little League World Series champion Sean Burroughs succumbed to struggles with career and substance abuse on May 10 at 43.

Another sports icon, Grayson Murray, aged 30, passed on May 25, known for his accomplishments in the PGA Tour.

Bill Walton, a Hall of Fame basketball center, died on May 27 at 71, remembered not just for his gameplay but also his broadcasting career.

Jerry West, an icon in basketball history, passed at 86 on June 12. His silhouette is widely regarded as the basis for the NBA logo.

Willie Mays, the legendary baseball player known as the “Say Hey Kid,” passed away on June 18 at the age of 93.

Pål Enger, a former soccer player and infamous art thief, died on June 29 at 57.

Television fitness icon Richard Simmons passed away at 76 on July 13, known for his unique approach to physical health.

Football standout Jacoby Jones, known for his record-breaking Super Bowl play, died on July 14 at the age of 40.

Hall of Fame golfer Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez passed away at 88 on August 8, celebrated for his vibrant personality and inspiring story.

Al Attles, a driving force behind the Warriors’ 1975 championship, died on August 20 at 87.

Wrestler Sid “Sid Vicious” Eudy passed away at 63 on August 26, remembered for his legacy in professional wrestling.

NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, at just 31, tragically passed away due to an accident while biking on August 29.

Joe Schmidt, a Hall of Fame linebacker and coach for the Detroit Lions, died on September 11 at 92.

The career hits leader in baseball, Pete Rose, passed away at 83 on September 30, a polarizing figure in sports history.

Dikembe Mutombo, the NBA legend and humanitarian, died on September 30 at 58 due to brain cancer.

Fernando Valenzuela, the face of “Fernandomania,” passed away on October 22 at 63, leaving behind a powerful legacy.

Bobby Allison, a prominent figure in NASCAR, passed on November 9 at 86, famed for founding the “Alabama Gang.”

Gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, known for nurturing champions, died at 82 on November 15.

Trailblazing motorcycling pioneer Mary McGee passed away on November 27 at 87, a significant figure in women’s racing.

Finally, on November 30, Lou Carnesecca, the beloved St. John’s basketball coach who captivated New York City, died at 99.

On December 18, NASCAR Hall of Famer Fred Lorenzen passed away at 89, remembered for his remarkable racing career.

Baseball’s legendary “Man of Steal,” Rickey Henderson, left us on December 24 at 65, celebrated for his numerous accolades.

A tragic end came for Sophie Hediger, a promising Swiss snowboarder, who died in an avalanche at the young age of 26 on December 24.