Dame Maggie Smith was one of the greatest actresses of her time. Whether you knew her from *Harry Potter* or *Downton Abbey*, her absence will be deeply felt.
Keep reading to find out about her last public appearance just a few months ago!
Actress Dame Maggie Smith, best known for her role as Professor McGonagall in *Harry Potter* and Violet Crawley in *Downton Abbey*, has passed away at the age of 89, her family shared.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, released a joint statement saying, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.”
The statement continued, “She passed away peacefully in the hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. A very private person, she was surrounded by friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are heartbroken by the loss of their amazing mother and grandmother.”
The family also thanked the hospital and its staff, saying, “We want to thank the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days.”
The family ended the statement by saying, “We are grateful for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.
The news of her death is a big surprise. The last time she was seen in public was last year at the Wimbledon men’s singles finals. She dressed up nicely for the event, wearing a navy blue shirt dress with a chic dotted pattern. She paired it with black leather heels and a blue overcoat. She also carried a matching navy leather bag over one shoulder.
Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore pink lipstick to finish her look.
Since it was rare for the actress to make public appearances, fans were naturally surprised to see her out.
When pictures of her were posted online, people were happy to see her. One person commented, “So elegant!” Another said, “You look so beautiful,” and someone simply added, “Amazing.”
IMPORTANT ALERT! DEADLY DANGER! The Most Dangerous Insect In The World Has Appeared
In recent years, the United States has faced a significant and deadly threat from the giant killer wasp, often referred to as the “murder hornet.” This invasive and highly destructive insect, known as the largest and most dangerous of its kind globally, first appeared in the country in 2019 and has since continued to spread fear and havoc.
The most recent sighting of this menacing creature occurred in Washington state in 2021. This discovery alarmed the region, as the “murder hornet” exhibited aggressive behavior, attacking anything that crossed its path. Measuring an imposing 4.4 centimeters in length, this insect was detected on August 11, just 3.2 kilometers from where it was first identified in December 2019, near Blaine, Washington, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
These hornets are notorious for their ability to decimate entire beehives. Their formidable mandibles allow them to kill and decapitate thousands of bees, taking over the hive and defending it as their own. They ruthlessly tear apart the brood to feed their offspring, leaving devastation in their wake. This is especially concerning given the critical role bees play in pollination and maintaining ecological balance.
Adding to the danger, the venom from a single sting of a “murder hornet” has the potential to kill a human. These hornets inject a significant amount of venom into their prey. While fatalities from a single sting are rare, the risk remains significant and alarming.
In response to this development, the WSDA is taking proactive measures to combat the threat. Live traps are being set up in the area, and entomologists plan to tag captured wasps to track them back to their nests. The proximity of this sighting to the US-Canada border has also prompted officials in that region to install additional traps to prevent the further spread of these deadly insects.
The emergence and spread of the giant killer wasp, or “murder hornet,” serves as a stark reminder of the threats nature can pose. With its potential to devastate bee populations and harm humans, efforts to monitor, control, and mitigate this invasive species are crucial to safeguarding both ecosystems and public safety. The ongoing efforts by state and regional authorities highlight the importance of swift and effective action in managing invasive species to protect the environment and human health.
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