get healthy living updates. Many today may be aware that Bob Marley died from cancer, and that he died very prematurely. He was only 36 when cancer killed him. However, the cancer that spread to his brain and other organs grew from a type of skin cancer.Acral lentigious melanoma is an uncommon type of cancer found on the palms of hands, soles of feet, and under finger and toenails.any today may be aware that Bob Marley died from cancer, and that he died very prematurely. He was only 36 when cancer killed him.