Not within the last year, but Armstrong Ironsides should be on the list.
A very well-played epic hero who held multiple positions of power in different realms and commanded a lot of (largely behind the scenes) influence built up through private correspondence with prominent characters. Ill-fated first and last King of Fane. Held off the entire army of Sirion for at least a couple of battles in Oligarch on his own only backed up by militia. They eventually killed him through a duel with the General of Nivemus in the city.
Probably the best death of a character I've witnessed - entirely fitting and inevitable for the character, but tragic and lamented. A true tragic hero, loyal and ever ready for battle, but brought low by a sense of duty combined with rashness and an inflated heroic ego. His death was commemorated with an actual roleplayed entombment in Morshes that was attended by friends and enemies alike, which lasted several days.
