Penny Simkin, who helped spark doula movement for childbirth, dies at 85
“I want people to appreciate how well their bodies are designed to give birth,” she once said.
By Brian MurphyBob Cole, voice of hockey in Canada for decades, dies at 90
The play-by-play announcer provided a soundtrack for some of the sport’s biggest moments.
By Associated PressMike Pinder, Moody Blues founding member, dies at 82
A singer, songwriter and keyboard player, he performed on “Nights in White Satin” and other hits for the band.
By Tim PageOlga Fikotová Connolly, discus champion in Olympic romance, dies at 91
She was a Czechoslovak discus thrower. He was an American hammer thrower. Their romance at the 1956 Summer Games led her country to brand her a traitor.
By Harrison SmithDani Levinas, champion and collector of contemporary art, dies at 75
A prominent Washington businessman, he also helped shape the city’s cultural life as board chairman of the Phillips Collection.
By Emily LangerHelen Vendler, poetry critic both revered and feared, dies at 90
Called a “colossus” of poetry criticism, she wielded influence that could elevate poets’ careers and introduce their work to wide audiences.
By Brian MurphyDonald Payne, congressman from New Jersey, dies at 65
He succeeded his father in 2012 and was in his sixth term representing a district that includes Newark.
By staff reports and news servicesMichael Cuscuna, jazz producer who sought forgotten gems, dies at 75
Mr. Cuscuna searched the vaults of the storied Blue Note label and co-founded a record company to expand jazz history.
By Brian MurphyTerry Anderson, journalist held hostage for almost seven years, dies at 76
He became one of America’s longest-held hostages after he was snatched from a street in war-torn Beirut.
By Anumita Kaur and Nick ParkerAndrew Davis, conductor of major orchestras, dies at 80
He spent more than 20 years as music director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
By Associated PressDaniel Dennett, atheist philosopher guided by science, dies at 82
For decades, Dr. Dennett challenged religion and the meaning of consciousness as one of the most debated American philosophers.
By Brian MurphyDavid Pryor, popular Arkansas governor and U.S. senator, dies at 89
He received national attention for his Senate work on senior citizens’ and taxpayers’ rights.
By Noel RubintonBennett Braun, psychiatrist who inflamed a ‘satanic panic,’ dies at 83
Patients accused him of spawning false memories of devil worship and human sacrifice. He later lost his medical license.
By Harrison SmithDon Wright, editorial cartoonist with a piercing pen, dies at 90
His work appeared in newspapers across the United States and was twice honored with the Pulitzer Prize.
By Emily LangerDickey Betts, hit-crafting mainstay of Allman Brothers Band, dies at 80
He was a founding member of the group and wrote and sang “Ramblin’ Man,” which became the band’s only major top-10 success.
By Terence McArdleSheppie Abramowitz, tenacious advocate for refugees, dies at 88
She opened the International Rescue Committee’s D.C. office and helped shape humanitarian efforts around the world, working on crises from Cambodia to Kosovo.
By Harrison SmithJosip Manolic, polarizing political leader in Croatia, dies at 104
Mr. Manolic was hailed in Croatia was a wartime independence leader in the 1990s but scorned for his past in Yugoslavia’s secret police.
By Brian MurphyEvan Stark, who expanded definition of domestic violence, dies at 82
Explaining the pattern of domination often at the root of domestic violence, the sociologist helped improve services for victims as well as their legal treatment.
By Emily LangerBob Graham, former Florida governor and U.S. senator, dies at 87
Mr. Graham made a short-lived bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, campaigning largely on his opposition to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
By Glenn RifkinWhitey Herzog, Hall of Fame baseball manager, dies at 92
He led the St. Louis Cardinals to the 1982 World Series title and was known for introducing his fast-paced, scrappy “Whiteyball.”
By Matt Schudel