In a year marked by profound loss, 2025 saw the passing of luminaries and local heroes whose contributions continue to resonate across sports, civil rights, education, and culture. From NBA and NFL Hall of Famers Lenny Wilkens and Kenny Easley—who left lasting legacies in Seattle and Lynnwood through championships, community academies, and youth empowerment—to Snohomish County trailblazer Marilyn Quincy, who built bridges of inclusion and preserved Black heritage for generations. Below we honor the significant losses of 2025.
Lenny Wilkens, Basketball icon and Hall of Famer, dies at 88
Legendary NBA player and coach Lenny Wilkens passed away on November 9, 2025, at age 88 in Seattle. A Brooklyn native, he starred at Providence College, played 15 NBA seasons (including with the Seattle SuperSonics), earned nine All-Star nods, and was 1971 All-Star MVP. As a coach for 36 years, he won the 1979 NBA title with the SuperSonics and became the league’s winningest coach. Inducted into the Hall of Fame as both player and coach, he also coached the 1996 U.S. Olympic gold team. Wilkens lived in Medina, supported youth programs via his foundation, and was honored with a Seattle street renaming and arena statue.
Former Lynnwood businessman and NFL Hall of Famer Kenny Easley dies at 66
Kenny Easley, Seattle Seahawks Hall of Fame defensive back and former Lynnwood car dealership owner, died on November 14, 2025, at 66 after health issues including kidney disease. Drafted fourth overall in 1981 from UCLA, he earned five Pro Bowls, Defensive Player of the Year in 1984, and retired in 1987 due to nephrotic syndrome. Post-NFL, he co-founded the Rise Up Academy in 1999 to support BIPOC families; its new site will bear his name. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Beloved Snohomish County legend, Marilyn Quincy, passes away at 81
Marilyn Quincy, founder of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee, died on June 4, 2025, at 81. With family roots in the area since the 1880s (including Civil War veteran ancestor William P. Stewart), she established the annual Nubian Jam event, the Marilyn Quincy Community Center, and researched local Black history. She overcame discrimination, served on boards for immigrants, inmates, and workforce development, and received honors like the 2007 Washington State House Resolution and 2023 Legacy Award. Community leaders mourn her wisdom and inclusive legacy.
13-year old Everett resident Emi Muñoz tragically passes away in freak accident
Thirteen-year-old Emiliano “Emi” Muñoz died on May 5, 2025, from injuries after his electric bike struck a metal cable in a South Everett lot on May 2. The cable, installed by a resident despite safety complaints, caused severe neck trauma. Emi, a seventh-grader at Explorer Middle School, was a respectful, high-achieving student, athlete (especially football), and outdoor enthusiast who dreamed of playing for UW and the Seahawks. His father, Alejandro, shared memories of their bond; the community held a remembrance event, with support from the school and Everett mayor.
Lake Stevens City Councilman, Marcus Tageant, passed away unexpectedly
Lake Stevens City Councilman and U.S. Marine Corps vet Marcus Tageant passed away on Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day. He was 52. Tageant grew up in Lake Stevens and graduated from Lake Stevens High School in 1990. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after where he fought in the Persian Gulf War. While serving on Lake Stevens City Council Tageant was the Council liaison to the Lake Stevens School Board, the Chamber of Commerce, and Lake Stevens Aquafest. He served on the Lake Stevens City Council for nearly 16 years.
Tageant founded his own companies, Task Properties and Impact Property Management, respectively, which were both based in Lake Stevens and managed Condominium Associations, Homeowner Associations, residential properties and commercial properties throughout Snohomish and King counties. Through his businesses he successfully employed nearly 20 at a time, continually creating jobs for his city. Separate to his business, and time served on City Council, Tageant was extremely active in his community volunteering with the Lake Stevens Kiwanis, the Greater Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion.
Conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk assassinated at Utah Valley University
A memorial service for Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was held on September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium after his assassination on September 10 at Utah Valley University. Over 100,000 attended and 100 million viewed online. Speakers including President Trump, J.D. Vance, and others praised Kirk’s faith, youth conservatism, and 2024 campaign role. His widow, Erika (new CEO), forgave the assassin and vowed to expand the organization. Trump called him a martyr for freedom.
Robert Redford, actor and filmmaker, passes at 89
Iconic actor and director Robert Redford died at 89 at his Sundance, Utah home. Known for films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and directing Oscar-winning Ordinary People, he co-founded the Sundance Film Festival and championed independent cinema, environmentalism, and rights advocacy. Born in 1936, he was married twice and had four children (two predeceased him).
Tragedy at RedWest Music Festival in Utah claims the life of 23-year-old Lynnwood resident
Ava Ahlander, 23, from Lynnwood, died on October 13, 2025, after a scaffolding plank fell on her head due to high winds at the RedWest Music Festival in Salt Lake City on October 11. Revived initially, she was an organ donor. A GoFundMe raised over $28,000 for expenses; she was a music enthusiast and Noah Kahan fan. The festival was canceled amid weather issues.
Director, actor, and political activist Rob Reiner murdered in his LA home
Film director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele were found stabbed to death at their Brentwood home in Los Angeles December 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested on murder charges and is the prime suspect.
Reiner was an acclaimed American actor, director, producer, writer, and activist. Son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, he rose to fame as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family (1971–1979), earning two Emmy Awards.
Don Andrés Cárdenas, pioneer and founder of Mazatlán Restaurant, dies
Don Andrés Cárdenas Guitrón, founder of the Mazatlán Restaurant chain and a prominent figure in Washington state’s Latino community, passed away on November 2, 2025 (Day of the Dead). Born in Cuautla, Jalisco, in 1935, he immigrated to Washington in 1970 and opened the first Mazatlán restaurant in 1975, pioneering authentic Mexican cuisine in the Northwest and inspiring generations of Latino entrepreneurs. Known for his integrity, generosity, and love of horses, ranch life, and cooking, he was a devoted family man, husband to Doña Teresa, and mentor. He supported the Association of Jaliscienses in Washington and maintained strong ties to his homeland, receiving tributes from groups like the Charros Association of Ayutla. His legacy endures through the enduring Mazatlán chain, with strong local presence in Snohomish County.
Barry Boyle, Owner of Everett’s The Irishmen pub, tragically passes away at age 50
Barry Boyle, 50, owner of The Irishmen pub in Everett, died on March 26, 2025. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 1, 1975, he moved to Seattle in 2001 and opened the pub in 2007 with his wife Heather, drawn to Everett’s affordability and accessibility. Known for his warmth, community involvement (Irish Heritage Club of Seattle, Irish and Celtic Society of Snohomish County), and passion for traditional Irish food and culture, Boyle was an organ donor who received a hero’s walk. He often brought his dog Bobby to work. On April 2, the community gathered at the pub for remembrance with pints, songs, and a memory book, followed by a parade of over 600 people down Colby Avenue. His ashes remain at the pub.
Tragic death of aerospace leader Tom Prenzlow in helicopter crash
Tom Prenzlow, 59, aerospace executive and former owner of Systima Technologies, died in a helicopter crash near Meeker, Colorado, on June 25, 2025. Piloting an MD500, he went missing after departing Meeker Airport; the wreckage was found the next day. The NTSB and FAA are investigating. Prenzlow grew Systima from under 10 to over 200 employees before its 2021 sale to Karman Space & Defense. He was known for empowering teams and community service, including fundraisers for Seattle Union Gospel Mission and founding the Gary Ketner Memorial Scholarship for STEM/trades students. Locally, he owned the Harbour Pointe Tech Center in Mukilteo (purchased 2020 for $46.75M) and supported a 2024 rezoning proposal (reduced from 275 to 180 units) that was denied by Mukilteo City Council due to traffic and infrastructure concerns.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
