There have been many stars - musicians and actors alike - that have died far sooner than they should have, and the story is typically a tragic tale of addiction ending in overdose and death.

More recently, the world lost singer Amy Winehouse, who was clearly battling addiction for many years leading up to her sudden death on July 23rd of this year (2011). Alcohol or prescription drug overdose is suspected in the troubled singer's death, but illegal drugs were ruled out by a toxicology report.

Another recent and tragic loss is the death of actor and father to a toddler, Heath Ledger, who died Jan. 22 (2008) in New York. The 'Joker' actor was found dead in his Manhattan apartment, surrounded by bottles of prescription drugs and medications that he overdosed on.

Aaliyah was 22-years-old and in her prime when she died in a tragic plane crash exactly 10 years ago today. It is in her honor that we are reporting on stars who died young. Aaliyah Dana Haughton was best known for her hip-hop. The singer, who was once briefly married to R Kelly at the age of 14 (he was 27), was leaving the Bahamas with her crew on a small plane when the plane crashed, leaving all aboard dead.

Another hip-hop star who died young was The Notorious B.I.G., 24. Biggie Smalls, real name Chris Wallace, was a crack dealer-turned rap star before he was shot to death in his GMC Suburban.

Similarly, Tupac Shakur, 25, died shortly before Biggie's death in 1996. Biggie was suspected in the murder, but denied any involvement. They are both rap legends, Tupac selling the most albums of a rap star in the Guinness Book of World Records.

STARS THAT DIED YOUNG

Kurt Cobain Dead At 27: Suicide Note

Gary Coleman Dies At 42

Heath Ledger Overdose: Dies At 28 From Prescription Drugs

Amy Winehouse Dies Age 27: Alone In Bed

Corey Haim Dies At Age 38

Brittany Murphy Dies At 32: Death Certificate Changed

Michael Jackson Dies At Age 50 - Tribute Show Cancelled?