I decided to make a list of famous people who have died in 2008 from drugs/drug related incidents. Please add if you can think of more.

1. Heath Ledger-actor
2. Dock Ellis-pitcher
3. Brad Renfro-actor
4. Christopher Bowman-Ice skater
5. Chase Tatum-WCW Wrestler
6. Bruce Edwards Ivins-microbiologist
7. Anastasia Blue-American pornographic actress
8. Steve Foley-drummer
9. Roberta Collins-actress
10. Paula Goodspeed-American Idol

I had no idea previous to reading this post who Paula Godspeed was.  She apparently was an obsessed fan and fell into a depression after her American Idol try out.  It's an unfortunate death, and because of her interview and obsession with Paula Abdul, she was constantly in the news.  She was even arrested for loitering outside of Paula's LA home.  And then, she was found dead in her car after overdosing.  I thought the whole situation was so bizarre, I don't know how I would react to that if I were Paula.  It's not okay to be completely obsessed with someone, and try to insert yourself into their lives.  I've had a somewhat stalker before and it's a scary feeling.  And drug abuse will most likely increase these negative emotions towards someone.

Wait so she started doing drugs because she was obsessed with Paula Abdul? Or she was just already on drugs?

I think I read that she was battling depression/bipolar disorder.  Maybe she decided to go off her meds, because the likelihood of suicide increases for many people when they stop taking them.

Daniel Smith too, Anna Nicole's son.

didn't even anna nicole die from an overdose as well?

From 2008 or just in general? If it's just 2008 than Anna died before that and the list would be much longer if it was just in general.

I think we should also celebrate those celebrities who managed to recover in 2008 also.  There were many socialites who were getting out of control, and the whole world was there to see it.  Thankfully, I think after finally coming to terms with their behavior, those people finally got their lives under control.  It's not right for people like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton to just do whatever they want with no regard for their actions.  Although they may not like it, they have many fans that admire them and want to be just like them. 

The ones who died will be remembered for many years, it's so unfortunate when anybody dies as a result of drugs, but especially a celebrity because they often have many fans who admire them.  I was a huge fan of Heath ledger, he's been a favorite of mine, he was a brilliant actor.