I don't think this year has been extra specially bad, it's just that (a) the celebs *we* grew up with are reaching popping-off age and (b) thanks to the modern internet-of-things we all get to hear of it pretty much instantly. Previously it was either "Xyz has died." "Who? Meh!" or ""Did you know wossname died?" "Yeah, that was years ago, didn't you know?"