In a week marked by significant losses, the entertainment and civil rights communities mourn the passing of several influential figures. As reported by legacy.com, here are the notable deaths occurring in the first week of March 2025.

David Johansson, the iconic singer-songwriter and actor known for his role as the frontman of the New York Dolls, passed away on February 28, 2025, in New York City at the age of 75. Johansson, who succumbed to cancer, left an indelible mark on music with hits such as “Personality Crisis” and his solo work as Buster Poindexter, most notably the 1987 hit “Hot Hot Hot.” His contributions to the punk rock movement in the 1970s remain widely acknowledged.

On March 1, 2025, Angie Stone, a pioneering voice in R&B and hip-hop, died following a car accident in Alabama at the age of 63. Stone’s career spanned decades, producing hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and “No More Rain (In This Cloud).” She was also a trailblazer in rap music as a member of the all-female group The Sequence, famous for their 1979 hit “Funk You Up.”

Musician Joey Molland, a guitarist for the band Badfinger, also passed on March 1, at the age of 77 after battling multiple health issues. Molland was the last surviving core member of Badfinger, known for their power-pop classics “No Matter What” and “Baby Blue.” His legacy as part of the band’s history remains significant.

Civil rights activist Hazel Dukes died on March 1, 2025, in New York City at the age of 92. Dukes dedicated nearly 50 years to the NAACP, serving as president of the New York State Conference and leading the national organization in the 1990s. Her lifelong commitment to activism for voting rights, fair housing, and quality education is remembered as a cornerstone of her legacy.

The literary world also lost a notable figure with the death of author Joseph Wambaugh on February 28, 2025, at the age of 88 from esophageal cancer. A former detective sergeant with the LAPD, Wambaugh’s works, including “The Onion Field” and “The New Centurions,” provided insights into police work and crime fiction that resonated with readers.

Further notable deaths include former U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart, who passed from cancer on March 3, 2025, at the age of 70. A Cuban immigrant, Diaz-Balart served Florida’s 21st congressional district from 1993 to 2011 and was known for his advocacy for immigrants and Latino representation within the Republican Party.

Voice actor George Lowe, best known for his role on “Space Ghost Coast to Coast,” died on March 2, 2025, at the age of 67 after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy in animation and voice work. U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, who recently took office in January 2025, passed away on March 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 70. His contributions as a former mayor of Houston and his brief congressional career are remembered by constituents.

In the world of sports, Australian tennis champion Fred Stolle passed on March 5, 2025, at the age of 86, after a prominent career that included Grand Slam victories in the 1960s and a successful career as a commentator.

The arts community mourns the loss of artist Jack Vettriano, who died on March 1, 2025, at the age of 73. Known for his painting “The Singing Butler,” Vettriano’s work has captured the hearts of many, despite mixed reviews from critics.

In a tragic turn, actress Pamela Bach died by suicide on March 5, 2025, at the age of 61. Known for her roles in “Baywatch” and “The Young and the Restless,” Bach’s passing has sparked conversations about mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.

Finally, musician Roy Ayers passed away in New York City on March 4, 2025, at the age of 84. A pioneer of jazz-funk, his influence is marked by hits like “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.”

As the nation reflects on these losses, flags across several states have been lowered to honor the memories of these remarkable individuals. Their legacies continue to inspire and resonate within their respective communities and beyond. For more in-depth information about the lives of those featured, visit legacy.com, where families can honor their loved ones through obituaries.