In a poignant exploration of untimely loss in the world of sports, a recent video takes viewers through the lives of famous athletes who died young, imagining what they might look like today had they lived longer. The video, produced by the team at Historically, highlights the remarkable careers and tragic endings of these talented individuals, whose stories continue to resonate in the sports community.

Florence Joyner, affectionately known as “FloJo,” dominated track and field with her record-breaking performances and unique style before her untimely death at 38 in 1998 due to an epileptic seizure. Another notable figure, tennis player Vitas Gerulaitis, entertained fans with his spirited personality, yet his life was cut short at 40 in 1994 from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Arthur Ashe, the trailblazing tennis champion who broke racial barriers, succumbed to pneumonia related to AIDS at 49 in 1993. Meanwhile, long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine, who was expected to shine in the 1976 Olympics, tragically lost his life in a car accident at just 24.

In the realm of football, Aaron Hernandez’s career was marred by legal troubles, culminating in his suicide at 27 in 2017. Basketball legends like Kobe Bryant, who left an indelible mark with the LA Lakers, died in a helicopter crash at 41 in 2020, while Dražen Petrović’s promising career ended in a car accident at 28 in 1993.

Martial arts icon Bruce Lee, known for revolutionizing combat sports, passed away at 32 in 1973 due to a brain edema. The video also remembers Reggie Lewis, who collapsed during a game at 27 in 1993 due to a hidden heart condition, and Tyler Skaggs, a talented pitcher who tragically died at 27 in 2019 from an overdose.

These athletes, remembered for their extraordinary talents and the joy they brought to fans, serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of their legacies on future generations.