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Dave Parker, a.k.a “the cobra” of Major League Baseball, died at the age of 74 in June 2025. Leaving a legacy of behind him in the baseball world, Dave played for multiple teams throughout his career, but he’s best remembered for his time playing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. For the last decade of his life, Dave was living with Parkinson’s Disease, which he revealed in 2013. But the late power hitter didn’t let the progressive illness stop him from maintaining his presence in the sport. In fact, his death came less than a month before his Baseball Hall of Fame induction.

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a public statement that the team was “heartbroken” about Dave’s death, calling him a “beloved member of the Pirates family” and “one of the most dominating and intimidating players to ever wear a Pirates uniform.”

“All of us who grew up in the ‘70s remember how special Dave was,” Bob added. “He was an All-Star, a Gold Glover, a batting champion, a National League MVP and a critical part of the 1979 Pirates World Series Championship team. It was our honor to welcome Dave and his family back to Pittsburgh to celebrate his career as part of the inaugural class of the Pirates Hall of Fame. He had a big personality and his passing has left an even bigger void with all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Kellye, and his family.”

Below, learn about Dave’s final years and health.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of 2025 Hall of Fame electee Dave Parker. “The Cobra” was one of the fiercest hitters of his generation. The two-time batting champion and 1978 NL MVP won two World Series rings, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989. A… pic.twitter.com/i1EMrjDvkM — MLB (@MLB) June 28, 2025

What Illness Did Dave Parker Have?

Dave was living with Parkinson’s Disease throughout the remainder of his life.

Dave Parker’s Parkinson’s Disease Battle

Dave was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in February 2012, he told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in an August 2013 interview. Parkinson’s is a neurological illness that progresses over time. The disorder usually starts with small tremors in the hands before a person starts to feel stiffness, loss of balance and the struggle to speak.

Additionally, the late MLB star previously confirmed using cocaine in the 1970s to 1980s. While testifying in a federal court, Dave admitted to arranging cocaine transactions while still playing for the Pirates, according to The New York Times. The late athlete stopped using drugs by 1982, he said at the time, the publication reported.

Did Dave’s Health Affect His Post-MLB Life?

Though Parkinson’s Disease worsens over time, Dave said he had “no fear” about his diagnosis during a 2013 interview with The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

“There’s no fear. I’ve had a great life,” the late MLB star said at the time. “I always dreamt of playing baseball, and I played. I’m 62 years old and fortunate to make it to this point. I have some beautiful kids that I got to watch grow up and become adults. My fingerprints are on the baseball industry. I feel good about that. I have nothing to feel bad about.”

What Happened to Dave Parker Before He Died?

Since Dave’s official cause of death was not immediately disclosed, it’s unclear what exactly happened to him before he died. According to the NYT, Dave died in a nursing facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 28, 2025.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Image Credit: Getty Images

Baseball lost one of its legends with the passing of Dave Parker, the Hall of Fame outfielder known for his powerful swing and larger-than-life presence. Nicknamed “The Cobra” for his lightning-quick bat, Parker was a seven-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and the 1978 National League MVP. Over his 19-year MLB career, he amassed 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, 1,493 RBIs, and a lifetime batting average of .290, cementing his place as one of the most feared hitters of his era.

Parker also won three Gold Gloves and three Silver Slugger awards, led the National League in batting average in 1977, and earned All-Star MVP honors in 1979. Following his death at age 74, fans and the baseball world are celebrating his extraordinary achievements and lasting impact on the sport, and many are now looking for answers about what led to his passing.

Find out what is known so far about Parker’s cause of death, his final years, and more about his life below.

Why Was Dave Parker Called “The Cobra”?

Parker earned the nickname “The Cobra” during his MLB career because of his aggressive style of play and lightning-fast bat speed. The name stuck after a sportswriter compared his quick, striking swing to a cobra’s strike, and it became one of the most iconic nicknames in baseball.

How Did Dave Parker Die?

Parker passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 74, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He died in Cincinnati, just weeks before his scheduled induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. No further cause of death has been released.

Dave Parker’s Health

Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012 and publicly shared his struggles thereafter. He also founded the Dave Parker 39 Foundation to raise awareness and funds to combat the disease.

“I didn’t know anything about the disease until I got it,” Parker told The Kansas City Star in 2019. “I went home and read about it, and decided to get involved.”

What Was Dave Parker’s Net Worth?

It’s unclear what Parker’s exact net worth was at the time of his passing; however, various outlets estimated it to be in the millions.

Did Dave Parker Have Children?

Parker was a devoted father of six children. He had three children—Dave Parker II, Danielle Parker, and Dorian Parker—from his previous relationship with Stella Miller Parker.

Later, Parker married Kellye Crockett, and the couple had three more children together. The family lived in Loveland, Ohio, and celebrated a long marriage of over 35 years until his passing.

From filmmakers to artists, Hollywood lost many stars in 2025.

News broke on January 4 that Aubrey Plaza’s estranged husband, Jeff Baena, died one day earlier at the age of 47. Per medical examiner records viewed by Us Weekly, Baena died by suicide.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep said in a statement to Us on January 6 on behalf of the actress and her family. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.” (It was revealed on March 19 that Plaza and Baena had been separated for four months at the time of his death.)

Days after Baena’s death, manager Simon Jones shared that RuPaul’s Drag Race star James Lee Williams — better known as The Vivienne — died at age 32.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the publicist shared in an Instagram statement on January 5. “Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

The next day, authorities confirmed that the beloved drag queen’s death had “no suspicious circumstances.” Williams’ family confirmed to BBC News on March 17 that the reality star’s cause of death was cardiac arrest caused by ketamine use.

Scroll down to remember all the stars who died in 2025: