Psychologist explains why we react so strongly when a celebrity dies

Many of us have mourned someone we've never met

Fans around the world have mourned the tragic news about the death of legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne

Recently performing from a throne at Villa Park, the 76 year old told the crowd: “You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

A major pioneer of heavy metal, Osbourne was known for hits such as Paranoid, War Pigs, Iron Man, Crazy Train and Changes, as a band member and solo star.

The singer also then found a different type of fame through the noughties MTV reality TV star show The Osbournes, which followed life in Los Angeles with wife Sharon and two of their children, Kelly and Jack.

Tributes from all around the world have poured in as people look back at his incredible career.

While many didn't know Ozzy personally, many have still been affected by the sad news and a psychologist has explained why we feel these emotions when it comes to celebrity deaths.

Mental health expert Tom Kersting told Reader's Digest: "For example, Tom Petty’s passing can trigger past memories of his songs that can take a person back to that specific time in life.

"An actor’s death can bring back memories of a movie he or she did, triggering memories from that time in your own life."

Kersting also provided some advice for those struggling with the news of a beloved celebrity's death, adding that people should "be grateful for the positive memories and fixate on that rather than on the sadness".

Additionally, he added that while some people may not understand the reasons behind your grief, it doesn't make them any less valid and if you begin find the grief overwhelming, don't shy away from seeking professional help.