Death's Cruel Irony: How stars have fallen in the most ironic, heartbreaking ways.

By JF Wimberly

With Robin Williams' unimagined passing yesterday, the world lost another beloved star whose lifetime dedication to entertainment can never be outdone. Williams, who first hit it big starring on Mork and Mindy in the '70s, brought his own life to an end on Monday, August 11, 2014. He was 63. Despite the belly-bursting comedic genius we saw in classics such as The Bird Cage, Mrs. Doubtfire and Jumanji, Williams suffered many years of depression, according to a statement from his publicist. For Williams, who has brought joy to millions around the world, to die succumbed to the tragedies and disappointments of his own life, we can't help but be reaffirmed just how cruel and ironic Death can be.

Williams has a place amongst countless stars who've also fallen in cruel irony:

Last November Fast n Furious star Paul Walker died in an explosive car crash while returning from a charity event in Los Angeles. Even more startling, the driver of the car, Roger Rodas was a professional race car driver and Walker's driving partner.

In 2009 the King of Pop Michael Jackson died just days before embarking on his world wide This Is It tour, which was vigorously promoted as Michael's final musical feat (and thus proved to be truer than we expected).

And we cannot forget the horrifically cruel end to dance pioneer Isadora Duncan whose flair for flowing scarves caused her death in a car accident when her scarf became tangled in the back tires and rear axel, snapping her neck.

How the famous die will always be shocking. Especially Williams, who I've adored since watching him as Genie in Disney's Aladdin. It could be their money, their fame, or, as in Williams' case, their special place we hold for them in our hearts that keeps fans believing our favorites will live forever, as long as we love them. But Death knows better than us all, and shows no mercy to those suffering enough to call out its name.

– JF Wimberly is a writer, cartoonist and an associate editor at Belligerent Geese Magazine.