Drake Hogestyn: Career, cause of death and final episode

When I was a teenager during the summertime, I used to watch Days of Our Lives.

The long-running series has showcased many vibrant characters over the years, and Drake Hogestyn was undoubtedly one of the most memorable.

Now we mourn the loss of this beloved star, who passed away just one day shy of his 71st birthday.

Donald Drake Hogestyn, known to many as John Black from Days of Our Lives, left an indelible mark on the world of daytime television.

After an incredible 38 years and nearly 4,300 episodes on the iconic show, his passing just one day before his 71st birthday has left fans heartbroken.

Born in 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn was destined for greatness from a young age, with a father who hailed from New York and a devoted mother who nurtured his talents.

Hogestyn’s journey to stardom began in the 1980s when he ventured into acting with Columbia Pictures. In a talent search that attracted 75,000 hopefuls, he emerged as one of just 30 selected, securing a significant role in the prime-time series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Drafted by Yankees

However, what many fans might not know is that before he captivated audiences on screen, Hogestyn was a promising baseball player who had even been drafted by the New York Yankees. As a skilled third baseman in their minor league system, it seemed he was on the path to playing at Yankee Stadium. Yet, an unexpected injury shattered those dreams, steering him toward a different kind of spotlight.

In 1986, Hogestyn made his mark on Days of Our Lives, first appearing as a Mysterious character known as “The Pawn.”

Audiences were excited, and Hogestyn quickly became a fan favorite, transforming into the iconic John Black. Over the years, he navigated dramatic storylines filled with amnesia, espionage, and intense relationships, making him one of the most recognizable faces in daytime television.

His on-screen romance with longtime co-star Deidre Hall, known for her portrayal of Marlena, became a defining element of the series and established them as a true supercouple on daytime television.

Hogestyn’s talent earned him numerous nominations for Soap Opera Digest Awards, with multiple wins for Favorite Hero and Favorite Couple alongside Hall.

Why was he fired?

In 2008, fans were stunned when it was announced that Hogestyn and Hall had been let go from Days of Our Lives due to budget cuts. However, the demand for their return was undeniable, and they rejoined the show a few years later, much to the delight of their devoted fans. Tragically, Hogestyn made his final appearance on the soap on September 9, 2024, just weeks before his passing.

Drake and his wife, Victoria, shared a deep love that began when he was just 15 years old and she was only 12. ”We were meant to be,” he once said in an interview, capturing the essence of their enduring bond. They married in 1986, the same year Hogestyn joined Days of Our Lives, and together they raised four children.

Cause of death

Sadly, Drake Hogestyn’s life came to an end due to pancreatic cancer on September 28, 2024, in Los Angeles.

His family announced the news with heavy hearts, saying, ”He was thrown the curveball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”

As we remember Drake Hogestyn, we celebrate the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives, both through his unforgettable performances and the love he shared with his family. He will forever remain a cherished part of television History and in the hearts of his fans.

My condolences to his family, friends, coworkers and fans! Rest in peace, Drake!

Bomb discovery! He accidentally found a car at the bottom of the river and called the police

Twelve years ago, in the central Russian city of Cheboksary, two young people, ages twenty-five and twenty-two, respectively, named Ilya Zhirnov and Kira Cherkasova, vanished from sight. Until the amateur diver discovered their automobile at the bottom of the river, no one knew what had happened to them.

The police claimed that the car had been submerged for more than ten years.

The police identified the two missing people with the use of identity documents that survived the underwater submersion. The diver found two bodies and the young people’s personal items inside the automobile.

Even though this is a heartbreaking discovery, it might provide fresh insight into the case.

As per the police’s first theory, the two lost control of their car on the icy road and ended up in the river without anyone noticing or reporting the mishap to the authorities.

But a lot of people are curious about how long it will take the police to find out for sure what actually happened to the two people. Will this case be opened for further investigation?

Is it possible that this discovery will lead to the discovery of more hints or proof that will shed light on what transpired twelve years ago?

For the time being, it’s unclear what more research will turn up.

For the time being, it’s unclear what more research will turn up.

But the amateur diver’s finding shows that we shouldn’t give up on finding the answers to the problems we have. For those looking for information in cases of missing people or unsolved crimes, it may represent a major breakthrough.

In the end, this finding ought to cause us to reflect on the people who remain unaccounted for and serve as a reminder that sometimes the solutions are there in front of us.