Bob Marley passed away on May 11, 1981, from complications related to melanoma, a form of skin cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in 1977, and it spread to his brain, lungs, and liver. The cancer was initially found in his toe, but Marley continued to perform and tour despite his health challenges. His death at the age of 36 was a significant loss, and he remains an iconic figure in music and culture.