The month of July 2025 began with a wave of sorrow as multiple celebrities tragically passed away. Fans from various backgrounds were left reeling from the shocking news of several prominent figures, including both actors and musicians, who died within mere hours or days of each other. This disturbing trend has reignited discussions surrounding the viral conspiracy theory that suggests celebrities die in 3s. According to this theory, when one celebrity dies, two more are soon to follow. This raises a compelling question: is there any verifiable truth behind this eerie phenomenon?
Hollywood Life has taken a deep dive into this conspiracy theory, examining its origins and implications below.
Unraveling the Origins of the ‘Celebrities Die in 3s’ Theory
The belief in the “celebrities die in 3s” theory can be traced back several decades, gaining traction in 1959 during the tragic event known as “The Day the Music Died.” On that fateful day, iconic rock ‘n’ roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper lost their lives in a devastating plane crash. The phrase was popularized by Don McLean in his renowned song “American Pie,” where he poignantly narrates the events surrounding that day. The lyrics reflect the national mourning, capturing the essence of that moment with, “But February made me shiver / With every paper I’d deliver / Bad news on the doorstep / I couldn’t take one more step…”
In his lyrics, the mention of the “widowed bride” refers to Buddy Holly’s wife, María Elena Holly, who had only recently married him six months before the tragedy struck. She learned of her husband’s untimely death through a television report, an experience that not only shattered her emotionally but also led to a miscarriage, compounding her grief.
The plane, a small Beechcraft Bonanza, was piloted by Roger Peterson, who tragically lost control shortly after takeoff in the harsh winter conditions on February 3, 1959. The plane crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa, claiming the lives of all four individuals on board, marking a significant moment in music history.
Exploring the Validity of the ‘Celebrities Die in 3s’ Phenomenon
It’s not uncommon for fans to observe clusters of celebrity deaths occurring in close succession. The demise of a beloved public figure often seems to be swiftly followed by the loss of another, creating an atmosphere of grief that many find both unsettling and eerie.
Despite its status as a conspiracy theory, there is a notable belief among the public that this phenomenon holds some degree of truth.
There have been numerous instances of celebrity deaths occurring within hours, days, or even weeks of each other. For example, in June 2018, the world mourned the losses of Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade, and Jackson Odell, all of whom passed away in quick succession, further fueling speculation about this eerie theory.
Major Celebrity Losses in July 2025: A Heartbreaking Month
As of the publication date, July 2025 has seen the heartbreaking loss of around 11 prominent celebrities. The month commenced with the devastating news of Julian McMahon‘s passing, followed closely by the deaths of Michael Madsen, Connie Francis, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Ozzy Osbourne, Hulk Hogan, and Chuck Mangione. Notably, both Ozzy Osbourne and Chuck Mangione passed away on the same day, and all three—Osbourne, Hogan, and Mangione—died within the same week, which has contributed to the ongoing discussions about the “celebrities die in 3s” theory.
Additionally, other notable figures who left us in July 2025 include Lyndon “LB” Byers, a legendary figure in Boston sports, Andrea Gibson, a celebrated poet and activist, Dan Rivera, known for his work as a paranormal investigator on “Annabelle,” and Tom Lehrer, the beloved musical satirist. Each of these losses has resonated deeply within their respective communities and beyond, adding to the sentiment of collective grief.
