David Stern, 77. The basketball-loving lawyer who took the NBA around the world during 30 years as its longest-serving commissioner and oversaw its growth into a global powerhouse.
Jan. 1. Nick Gordon, 30. He was found liable in the death of his ex-partner, Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown.
Jan. 1. Heroin overdose. Don Larsen, 90. The journeyman pitcher who reached the heights of baseball glory when he threw a perfect game in 1956 with the New York Yankees for the only no-hitter in World Series history.
Jan. 1. Esophageal cancer. Neil Peart, 67. The renowned drummer and lyricist from the influential Canadian band Rush. Jan. 7.