Death Poolers Hope 2016 Trend Continues

2017 List Includes Favorites, Surprises

Trying to build on last year’s extraordinary momentum, celebrity death pool participants have eagerly begun making their 2017 lists. Poolers attempt to predict which celebrities will die in the next 12 months.

“What a December!,” said Joseph Mahabian, taking part in his 10th straight pool. “Now it’s all about Betty White. She’s been on my list so many times, she feels like family.” White, 94, is a perennial favorite. Also high on his list is actor Kirk Douglas, who turned 100 last month.

Since younger celebrities offer poolers more “points,” Kanye West, 39, has many abuzz. “Looney tunes,” said Mahabian, who then pointed to his head and made a whistling sound.

“I don’t wish harm to any of them,” he said. “But there’s no better feeling than hearing that one of your longshot picks just keeled over.”