Bob Marley death theories and claims 'CIA agent infected him with cancer' after failed hit Bob Marley died of cancer exactly 40 years ago today, on May 11, 1981. It came a few years after a botched assassination attempt on the reggae legend, and some conspiracy theorists have claimed there was more foul play to come Updated The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Play now Daily Star - Subscribe When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Your information will be used in accordance with ourPrivacy Notice. Thank you for subscribingWe have more newslettersShow meSee ourprivacy notice