Celebrity Death

Legendary Georgia Bulldogs football head coach Vince Dooley passed away Friday afternoon, the university announced. He was 90 years old.

The Hall of Fame coach died peacefully at his home, according to UGA, surrounded by his wife and four children.

The Alabama native spent 25 years coaching at Georgia ... and became the winningest coach for the school with a 201-77-10 record. In 1980 he won a National Championship ... and throughout his career, he was able to secure six conference titles.

Dooley also won SEC Coach of the Year five times.

After retiring, Dooley became Georgia's athletic director ... and during his tenure, UGA sports teams won 23 national titles.

Georgia football alum and Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman paid tribute to Dooley following the news of his passing ... posting a throwback pic of the former coach celebrating.

"REST IN PARADISE VINCE DOOLEY," Hardman said on Twitter. "#DamnGoodDawg."

The Georgia football field was renamed Dooley Field in Vince's honor in 2019. Earlier this year, he celebrated his 90th birthday in front of 70,000 fans at the Oregon versus Georgia game in Atlanta.

By the end of his career, Dooley had been inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Rock 'n' roll icon, Jerry Lee Lewis has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

The "Great Balls of Fire" singer's team released a statement Friday, saying, "Lewis, perhaps the last true, great icon of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, whose marriage of blues, gospel, country, honky-tonk and raw, pounding stage performances so threatened a young Elvis Presley that it made him cry, has died."

A piano-playing legend, Jerry Lee is considered one of the first true rock 'n' roll musicians ... rising to fame way back in 1957 with his first hit, "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."

Ever the showman, Jerry Lee was known to light his piano on fire to close out a show ... and he was nicknamed "The Killer" for the way he knocked out audiences.

Jerry Lee was born in Ferriday, Louisiana, and when he was 9 years old he taught himself to play piano. His father mortgaged the family farm to buy Jerry Lee his first piano when he was 10, and when he was 14 he had his first public performance at a local car dealership.

JL quit school to focus on piano and he wound up in Memphis, where he signed with Sun Studios in 1956 ... jamming out with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash before releasing his first single and becoming a star himself.

Jerry Lee's second single was "Great Balls of Fire" ... it was released in December 1957 and is a staple of pop culture, being featured in movies like "Top Gun" and the recent sequel.

Dennis Quaid played Jerry in the "Great Balls of Fire!" movie about his life.

The first person inducted into the first class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, Jerry Lee played big gigs well into his '80s ... and in 2013 he opened Jerry Lee Lewis' Café & Honky Tonk on historic Beale Street in Memphis.

He was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year, but was unable to attend the ceremony because he was ill with the flu. Kris Kristofferson accepted the award for Jerry, and drove it to him to present it in person.

Jerry Lee was 87.

Cam Shaw -- an undefeated boxer from the U.K. -- tragically passed away this week ... after drowning while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

He was only 25 years old.

The 4-0 featherweight fighter and his girlfriend met up with two of his friends in Cairns -- the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef -- for a snorkeling experience on Monday.

Unfortunately, Shaw drowned during the expedition.

A Queensland Police spokesperson says Shaw's death is under investigation ... but "it is believed non-suspicious."

Shaw's father, Rod, told the York Press that he taught his son how to swim when he was almost three years old and he was a strong swimmer.

"He was a fit lad," Rod said.

"He had just spent a season in New Zealand and he wanted to see one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Barrier Reef."

Shaw turned pro in 2019 after winning the Amateur Boxing Association's Elite 60KG title in 2018 and the gold medal at Hvidovre Box Cup in 2017. He went on to win his first four pro fights.

"Cam excelled at everything he did and we didn't realize just how popular he was until now," his father added. "We have been blown away."

Texas rapper MO3's manager Brian Rainwater is dispelling persistent rumors his late client was murdered in 2020 due to yet another rap beef.

According to Rainwater, MO3's killer was jealous of the rapper's relationship with the man's own children. MO3 was dating the mother, and her kids had proudly posted the slain rapper on social media.

He also says MO3 upgrading the woman's lifestyle and taking her on lavish trips was enough to push the killer over the edge.

Rainwater was a recent guest on "Say Cheese!" where he also ripped into the downpour of social media clout chasers who circulated false info ... and dismissed the string of local rap songs that claimed involvement after the shooting.

Rainwater says MO3's celebrity status made him a target for the killer, suggesting the relationship was beneath the "Shottaz" rapper altogether ... comparing it to Atlanta rapper Trouble's murder, who was killed inside the home of a woman he was seeing.

TMZ originally broke the story ... MO3 was shot and killed in his hometown of Dallas on November 11, 2020, after being tailed during an intense car chase on the highway.

He attempted to run for his life after fleeing his vehicle but was gunned down shortly after.

Police arrested a man named Kewon Dontrell White a month later ... who has been charged with MO3's murder, but has yet to stand trial.

Leslie Jordan was a treasure to folks in Chattanooga, Tennessee, his hometown ... and now the city plans to honor the late actor, and it's working with his family to make it happen.

Leslie, who died Tuesday in Los Angeles, is being remembered as "one of the cherished sons of Chattanooga," according to a rep for the city ... who also tells TMZ, Leslie brought joy to the community for many years.

We're told one of Leslie's family members reached out to the city about securing a facility to honor his memory. The city is now partnering with Leslie's fam to make it happen, by finding a venue for a memorial service and making sure to pick a date that works well for Leslie's loved ones.

Chattanooga, we're told, is also open to other ideas on how to best remember Leslie -- some of the ideas being kicked around include renaming a street or building in his honor but we're told the final call will be up to his family.

The rep tells us Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly knew Leslie since they were teenagers, when they worked together at a local restaurant ... so his ties to the city run deep.

We're told Leslie made sure to return to Chattanooga to participate in civic events and volunteer with local charities even after his Hollywood success.

TMZ broke the story ... Leslie was driving his BMW in Hollywood when investigators believe he suffered a medical emergency and crashed into the side of a building.

He was on his way to the "Call Me Kat" set for filming, and we're told he had been complaining recently about shortness of breath.

Back in Chattanooga, we're told folks are still in mourning ... and the city is trying to balance showing respect for Leslie's family with being responsive to community members who want to celebrate him.

Leslie's also going to be honored in West Hollywood, where he frequented restaurants and coffee shops. We're told the WeHo city council will adjourn in Leslie's honor at their next meeting.

Jerry Lee Lewis is not dead ... as we previously reported.

We're told the rock 'n' roll legend is alive, living in Memphis. Earlier today we were told by someone claiming to be Lewis' rep that he had passed. That turned out not to be the case.

Leslie Jordan was about to do what he loved, acting and making people laugh, in his final moments -- he was on his way to set when he died behind the wheel ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the late actor tell us Leslie was scheduled to film for "Call Me Kat" Monday morning, but people working on the show became concerned when Leslie hadn't arrived more than an hour after his call time.

From there, our sources say there was a scramble to find Leslie -- and the cast and crew eventually discovered he'd been involved in a car accident.

TMZ broke the story ... Leslie was driving his BMW in Hollywood when investigators believe he suffered some sort of medical emergency, and crashed into the side of a building.

Sources close to the actor tell us he'd been complaining of shortness of breath the last 3 weeks, and was so concerned about the issue he'd actually had an appointment scheduled with a cardiologist.

Sadly, that was supposed to happen sometime in the coming week.

While it's unclear if that appointment would have discovered any underlying health issues for Leslie, investigators' current operating theory is he suffered a heart attack while driving.

Leslie's "Call Me Kat" costar Mayim Bialik posted a sweet tribute to the actor, writing, "They broke the mold when they made Leslie Jordan. He was a dear mentor and a beloved friend. I will miss him so much - it’s unimaginable that he’s gone. Rest well, sweet buddy."

Leslie Jordan was coping with discomfort in the weeks leading up to his death -- a health issue that was concerning enough for him to make an appointment with a cardiologist ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the late actor tell TMZ ... for the last 3 weeks, he was experiencing shortness of breath. We're told Leslie was scheduled to see a cardiologist within the next week to check out his heart, and see if there were any underlying health issues.

Other than that, we're told Leslie was generally healthy ... but did have COVID last year.

We've spoken to law enforcement sources who tell us they believe Leslie suffered a heart attack prior to crashing his BMW Monday into a building in Hollywood.

Tributes have poured in for the 67-year-old since TMZ broke the news of his death, including from Dolly Parton who said, "Leslie and I had a special bond, I think the world felt they had a special bond with him. I know people always say, 'Oh, they will be missed' but in this case that could not be more true."

Leslie Jordan, the beloved actor and comedian has died.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Jordan was driving in Hollywood Monday morning when it's suspected he suffered some sort of medical emergency and crashed his BMW into the side of a building.

Leslie was famous for his work on popular TV shows like "Will & Grace," "Hearts Afire," "The Cool Kids," "Call Me Kat" and "American Horror Story."

LJ became a social media sensation during the pandemic, with his silly video posts helping him skyrocket from about 80,000 Instagram followers to a whopping 5.8 million. He told us on "TMZ Live" his secret was just being himself -- a silly, funny, goofy, happy-go-lucky senior citizen.

Following his viral pandemic fame, Leslie appeared on CNN's New Year's Eve 2021 countdown, ringing in 2022 with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.

Leslie also acted in movies, including ... "The Help" and "Ski Patrol" and he made guest appearances in tons of TV shows like "Murphy Brown," "Ugly Betty," and "Boston Public."

On Sunday, Leslie posted a video on Instagram of himself singing a hymn.

The last time we saw Leslie out in public was pretty recently ... our photogs got him just last month, gauging his reaction to Elton John and Britney Spears releasing a new song together.

Leslie was 67.

RIP

WWE legend Kevin Nash is opening up about his son's tragic death ... saying 26-year-old Tristen suffered a seizure in his bedroom and went into cardiac arrest before passing away.

Nash detailed Tristen's final moments on his "Kliq This" podcast on Monday ... revealing they both decided to give up drinking alcohol cold turkey just days earlier.

63-year-old Nash says EMTs were able to revive Tristen as they transported him to the hospital ... where he was hooked up to a breathing tube.

Despite the efforts of the doctors and nurses, Nash later received the news that Tristen was in a coma and would not survive.

Nash says he and his wife were present as Tristen took his last breath ... adding he "looked so gorgeous."

Nash is deeply emotional throughout the podcast ... but hopes sharing his story will help others going through similar situations.

Nash says Ric Flair -- who also lost his son, Reid -- reached out to give advice after Tristen passed ... which he believes was far more beneficial than any sort of professional help.

As we previously reported, Tristen passed away on Wednesday. He was 26 years old.

Zuri Craig -- who's worked with the likes of Tyler Perry, and once wowed on 'America's Got Talent' -- has died.

His family confirmed his passing Sunday, throwing up a tribute post on Zuri's official ZoReMi Entertainment page and writing ... "It is with profound sadness that we announce the transition of our beloved son, brother and friend, Zuri Craig."

They continued ... "We thank you in advance for your prayers. Please honor our privacy at this unimaginable time of mourning." They note he died on Friday -- a cause of death has yet to be released, but more info seems to be forthcoming.

Craig might best be known for his time on 'AGT' back in 2015, when he and his singing partner, Jeffrey Lewis, cleaned up that season by impressing the judges and audiences alike.

They first knocked it out of the park by crooning to James Brown's 'This Is a Man's World,' and later got a gold buzzer from Michael Buble after tackling Mary J. Blige's "I'm Goin' Down." They went pretty far, but in the end ... placed 5th overall, despite a helluva run.

Even before that, though, Craig was already rubbing shoulders with some Hollywood heavyweights -- including TP, who noticed him and Lewis from YouTube covers they were doing as early as '09. This landed Craig a job on some of Tyler's 'Madea' plays.

Craig has starred in/worked on a few ... "Madea's Big Happy Family," "Madea Gets a Job" and "A Madea Christmas." He and Lewis even appeared on 'Oprah' in the early 2010s.

He's also worked on podcasts and other shows over the years -- and was even set to produce a live production in Atlanta, 'Soul Food Live,' starting next month ... with ads already being made and the cast already chosen. Zuri was 44.

Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the 'Harry Potter' films, died from several health issues ... the most dire dealing with infections, heart issues and his weight.

Robbie reportedly died after multiple organ failure ... according to his death certificate. The document also says he'd been battling sepsis, a lower respiratory infection as well as blockages in his heart.

As if that wasn't bad enough -- the actor's death certificate indicates he'd previously been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

As we reported, Robbie died earlier this month at the age of 72 ... he was in a hospital at the time, near his home in Scotland.

Rainer Schaller -- who owns Gold's Gym, among other brands -- is missing alongside his family after their plane disappeared overnight ... with officials all but confirming they're dead.

A private plane carrying Schaller, his partner Christiane Schikorsky, their children and a reported fitness trainer are listed as the five passengers who have gone unaccounted for since their aircraft vanished off the Costa Rican coast while traveling from Mexico Friday.

Reports say the plane lost all communication with a control tower while it was flying near Barra del Parismina in the Caribbean Sea -- and now, the Costa Rican Coast Guard is saying they've found several pieces from what they believe is the wreckage, including at least 2 bodies.

The identities of the two corpses have not officially been announced just yet, but some reports say Costa Rican officials are declaring Schaller among 6 people (pilot included) that are presumed dead at this point. A search is still underway to find the others ... some personal belongings, like luggage, have been retrieved in the open sea though.

Schaller is the founder and CEO of the RSG Group -- which runs and operates a string of gym chains across the world, including McFit, John Reed and of course ... Gold's, which he acquired a couple years ago after it filed for bankruptcy in the pandemic.

While all are notable names in the fitness world, Gold's in particular is incredibly popular here in the States -- with some famous clients utilizing its services over the years, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clint Eastwood, Muhammad Ali, Hillary Swank and so, so many more.

Turns out the answer to the $64,000 question is ... how much a Beatles fan or memorabilia collector will pay for the last letter John Lennon ever typed.

Lennon penned the missive to his accountant on December 8, 1980 -- just hours before the rock legend was gunned down in NYC -- and it just fetched $63,750 at auction, far exceeding expectations.

The letter was expected to go for somewhere between $30K and $50K -- but there was a flurry of bidders at the end of the 17-day online auction, pushing the final price up early Saturday morning for auction house, Gotta Have Rock and Roll.

As for the purchaser's identity ... they're opting to remain anonymous for now.

As we reported ... Lennon signed the letter -- which is the last known legal doc with his autograph -- before sending it to his accountant, Barry Nichols. It listed the names of 3 proxies Lennon chose to vote at an annual meeting for the Beatles corporation, which was to be held 9 days later in London.

The late Bill Paxton sadly won't be in the new "Twister" sequel, but his own flesh and blood is giving his seal of approval ... not just on the flick, but the fact there'll be a lady lead, too.

Bill's son, James Paxton, tells TMZ ... "Twisters" has his blessing and he's hopeful they make a great movie. He says he'd actually be open to being in the flick if producers were inclined and if they wanted to pay proper homage to his father -- who starred in the 1996 original.

James would actually be taken to the set way back when and hang in the famed red truck used on camera, we're told, so a cameo would go a long way for the Paxton family.

There's also this ... JP tells us his dad talked about doing a "Twister" sequel while alive and even liked the idea of a daughter character -- from his and Helen Hunt's characters -- taking on the mantle. James isn't sure if Bill's idea reached producers at the time ... but the idea's there now, because that's exactly the direction they're going in, with hopes HH comes back.

James says the OG is iconic, so whoever comes on board will have big shoes to fill -- adding, with the right people ... it can be special. He thinks "Top Gun: Maverick" is proof of that.

We broke the story ... Bill died suddenly in 2017 after suffering a fatal stroke after heart surgery. His death rocked Hollywood, especially since he was relatively young at just 61. BP left behind a storied career in films -- "Twister" being one of the biggest.

Sara Lee's husband, Westin Blake, is breaking his silence over the wrestling star's tragic death ... sharing an absolutely heartbreaking letter to his late wife on Friday.

As we previously reported, the former "Tough Enough" winner passed away at 30 years old earlier this month ... a death that shocked the entire wrestling community.

The former WWE Superstar -- who had three children with Lee -- poured his heart out in the emotional Instagram post ... sharing a picture of them together.

"I loved you from the first moment I saw you," Blake said on Instagram. "I would always say that you were an angel walking on this earth."

"Beautiful, compassionate, strong and so loving. An angel that blessed me with 3 of the most beautiful children I could imagine."

Blake -- real name Cory Weston -- praised Lee for being the backbone of their family ... and leaving an impact on all who knew her.

"I really don’t know what to say in these uncertain times. I just know that death can’t take away the memories we made."

"I can’t promise that I will stop grieving but I know now, that you’re free. I can’t thank you enough for giving me the best years of my life so far."

"❤️ I LOVE YOU SARA❤️"