Dies

Moonbin: K-pop star dies at age of 25 in suspected suicide

He was found unresponsive by his manager at his apartment in Seoul on Wednesday night, South Korean media quoted police as saying.

"He appears to have taken his own life but an autopsy is being reviewed to determine the exact cause of death," police said.

Moonbin "unexpectedly left our world and became a star in the sky", a tribute from his label Fantiago said.

Moonbin had been an actor and model before joining the boy band Astro in 2016, a well-established K-pop group. He also performed with a sub-group called Moonbin & Sanha.

Prominent Tongan academic and politician, Dr Sitiveni Halapua passes away

Dr Halapua was a deputy leader of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (DPFI).

He also served as Director of the Pacific Island Development Program in the East-West Centre for over two decades before being elected to Parliament in the Kingdom of Tonga.

He was Director of the Talanoa and Development Project, based in New Zealand.

Dr Halapua was known as one of the pioneers of Tonga’s democratic reforms and pioneer of a conflict resolution system based on traditional practices.

Former Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95

He led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.

BBC reports Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican where he died on Saturday.

His successor Pope Francis will lead the funeral on 5 January.

The Vatican said the body of the Pope Emeritus will be placed in St Peter's Basilica from 2 January for "the greeting of the faithful".

Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner composer Vangelis dies at 79

He won an Oscar for the stirring score to 1981's Chariots of Fire.

Paying tribute, Lord Puttnam, who produced the film, told the BBC Vangelis had created "a new musical landscape".

US composer Austin Wintory wrote on Twitter that Vangelis "changed an entire era of music".

Oscar-nominated British musician Daniel Pemberton said it was hard to underestimate the colossal impact of Vangelis on modern film music.

"It is also hard to understand how groundbreaking Chariots of Fire was. A period British film with a phenomenal synth score," he added.

Tributes paid after death of country music star Naomi Judd, 76

The Kentucky-born singer was part of the Grammy award-winning duo The Judds, performing with her daughter Wynonna.

The pair had a string of hits, including Love Can Build a Bridge, and were due to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday.

But Judd's death was announced a day earlier by Wynonna and her other daughter Ashley, an actor.

In a statement, the sisters said they had lost their "beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness" and were "navigating profound grief."

No further details have been released about the cause of her death.

Mr Goxx, the cryptocurrency-trading hamster, dies

The rodent, who shot to internet fame for his ability to often outperform human investors using a specially built trading cage, died on Tuesday.

The furry financier's official Twitter account announced the hamster's death to his 18,000 followers on social media.

"You proved to us, that the internet doesn't necessarily have to be a toxic wasteland," his owners told the BBC.

"We are absolutely overwhelmed with the uncountable and touching condolences which we've received across all channels.

Mueller "Bomber der Nation" dies

Mueller netted 68 goals in 62 internationals, including the winner in the 1974 World Cup final, and is third in the all-time list of most goals in the global showpiece tournament with 14, behind Brazilian Ronaldo (15) and German Miroslav Klose (16).

"He was the "Bomber der Nation", Germany's biggest goal scorer ever," the German FA said.

Having joined Bayern Munich in 1964, Mueller - an instinctive striker who was good in the air and quick on his feet - scored 566 goals in 607 matches spread over 15 years with the club.

India magician feared drowned in river after Houdini trick

Chanchal Lahiri was meant to escape and swim to safety but did not emerge from the Hooghly river in West Bengal state.

Crowds who watched him take the plunge on Sunday alerted the police, who then launched a search operation.

A body resembling the magician was recovered on Monday evening, but the identification is yet to take place.

WHAT HAPPENED ON SUNDAY?

Mr Lahiri, also known as Mandrake, was lowered into the river from a boat for his trick.

Niki Lauda dies aged 70

F1 legend Lauda – who won world titles in 1975, 1977 and 1984 – died "peacefully" on Monday, his family confirmed.

Considered to be one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, Lauda won two championships with Ferrari and one during his time at McLaren.

"With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday," his family said in a statement.

"His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain.

Karl Lagerfeld, iconic Chanel fashion designer, dies

The German designer, who was the creative director for Chanel and Fendi, was one of the industry's most prolific figures and worked up until his death.

His signature ponytail and dark glasses made him an instantly recognisable figure around the world.

Industry heavyweights, including Italian designer Donatella Versace, issued heartfelt tributes.

"Today the world lost a giant among men," said the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour.

Lagerfeld's website says his year of birth was 1938 - though most placed his age at five years older.