By Shaimaa Al-Ruwaished
KUWAIT, Dec 30 (KUNA) -- The world lost in the passing year top stars such as the basketball champion Kobe Bryant, the legendary soccer player Diego Maradona and the iconic movie celebrity Kirk Douglas.
Jan. 26: The American basketball superstar Kobe Bryant died along with four people in a helicopter crash in California.
Feb. 5: The American movie stalwart Kirk Douglas passed away. He was 103.
June 8: Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza, aged 55, died after suffering a cardiac arrest. He had been at the helm of power since 2005.
July 8: Prime Minister of the Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) Amadou Gon Coulibaly died due to a cardiac attack. He was 61.
Oct. 31: Scottish actor Sean Connery died at the age of 90 year. He was the first to act as champion in the James Bond series.
Nov. 12: Ghanian President Jerry Rawlings died at 73 of age. He had ruled the nation for two decades.
Nov 25: The legendary Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona died at 60 years of age.
Dec. 2: Former French president Valerie Giscard d'Estaing passed away at 94 of age. He served as president between 1974 and 1981. (end) sr.eng