Celebrity Death

Aaron Carter's memory will be honored this holiday season -- thanks to his fiancée, Melanie Martin, who's keeping his spirit alive with a number of tributes as Christmas fast approaches.

Sources close to Melanie tell TMZ ... she is still very much mourning the death of her fiancé, and that this first Christmas without him is, no doubt, going to be incredibly difficult -- especially since last year's was so full of joy as they shared time with their son.

With that said, we're told Melanie is going to pay tribute to her son's father in a variety of different ways during the holiday -- via gifts, decorations and even a home-cooked meal.

For starters, we're told Melanie has put together a scrapbook full of pictures of Aaron, herself and their kid ... which, while not totally complete, will be placed under her tree for him. Speaking of presents, she also got something for young Prince -- with AC in mind.

It's a child-sized dirt bike, which Melanie gave to Prince early this year ... and which has a direct tie to Aaron -- who loved to ride himself. Our sources say Melanie believes Aaron would've given Prince something like this at some point ... so no better time than now.

On top of that, we're told Melanie was gifted a custom ornament in honor of Aaron that she's putting on her tree as well -- a wing-shaped trinket with Aaron's name engraved on it.

There's also the matter of food, which we're told was big for Aaron around this time of the year. In 2021, our sources say he cooked up a feast for Melanie and her family -- which included Kobe beef ... so this year, we're told, she's preparing a similar meal as a tribute.

As we reported ... Melanie has been able to regain custody of Prince in the wake of Aaron's sudden passing -- and it sounds like she's doing everything she can to cope with his loss.

He was 34.

Memphis rapper Big Scarr died as a result of a fatal prescription pain med OD ... relatives tell TMZ.

The up-and-coming rapper's uncle, Arthur Woods, tells us Big Scarr overdosed Thursday on prescription pills at his girlfriend's house in Memphis.

Big Scarr's uncle says he did not know when his nephew got the meds ... but he says Big Scarr faced several traumatic experiences in his life, including being shot and suffering a serious car accident injury.

The rapper got his stage name from the car accident when he was 16. It left a big scar on his body when he was thrown through a windshield. In the 2020 shooting, Big Scarr was struck by a bullet that traveled up his spine, and he needed surgery to remove his appendix.

The uncle says Big Scarr also battled depression ... citing the death of the rapper's grandmother as something that he took very hard.

As we reported ... Big Scarr was pronounced dead Thursday, with law enforcement sources telling us there were no signs of foul play.

Big Scarr's uncle is remembering his 22-year-old nephew as a nice young man and a beautiful person who was very passionate about music.

Ellen DeGeneres is remembering her close friend, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, telling people to 'love one another' as she continues to mourn his loss.

Ellen gave the tear-jerking update Friday morning -- calling the past 11 days since tWitch died painful and tough, noting how hard the holidays can be for people.

She tells her fans to continue to laugh and enjoy each other's company as a way of honoring the late dancer ... saying that's exactly what he loved to do. It's a clip that must hit home for tWitch's millions of fans -- Ellen ends by telling everyone to "send love to one another."

As we reported, Ellen paid tribute to her close friend the day TMZ broke the story of his passing ... writing, "I'm heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."

DJ Vlad says he feels guilty for not putting more pressure on the late DJ Kay Slay to get vaccinated for COVID-19 -- a battle that took his life.

Vlad and Michael Jai White were America's problem with obesity ... both agreed an aggressive approach is best for convincing loved ones to eat healthily and exercise. The discussion caused Vlad to express his regrets for not coming down on Kay Slay prior to his death.

Vlad says he and Kay Slay were texting about the COVID-19 vaccine and Kay Slay refused to get vaccinated at the time, revealing he was waiting for some of the variants to clear up.

Vlad and Kay Slay's relationship dated back 20 years to the days when mixtapes were actual physical copies but Vlad said it was the Drama King's age difference and veteran status that made him bite his tongue.

The convo was framed as their last -- Kay Slay contracted COVID-19 and battled the disease for 4 months before passing away in April.

Big Scarr, an up-and-coming artist in the rap game, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources say Scarr, real name Alexander Woods, was pronounced dead Thursday. We're told the case is an ongoing death investigation, but there are no signs of foul play.

Gucci Mane, who heads the label Scarr was signed to, posted about his death, saying, "I'm a miss you."

Big Scarr was a member of Gucci's 1017 Records ... and he was recently named to the 2022 XXL Freshman List.

The guy collaborated with big acts like Offset, Pooh Shiesty ... and he's best known for his song "SolcyBozy" with Shiesty, Foogiano and Tay Keith.

Big Scarr's debut mixtape, "Big Grim Reaper," was released on April 16 of last year and it reached the top 25 on the Billboard charts.

As for how Big Scarr got his stage name ... he was badly scarred in a scary car accident when he was only 16 years old, with the accident causing him to be thrown through the windshield of his friend's ride, leaving lasting damage.

Big Scarr was reportedly shot back in 2020, with a bullet traveling up his spine ... and he needed surgery to have his appendix taken out.

He was 22.

Ronnie Hillman, the former Denver Broncos running back who helped Peyton Manning win a Super Bowl, has died after a lengthy battle with cancer, his family announced Wednesday.

He was just 31 years old.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.," the family said in a statement. "Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends."

The 2012 third-round pick had been diagnosed in August with Renal Medullary Carcinoma -- a rare form of cancer that affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait. He had fought it valiantly -- but was recently placed in hospice care.

His former Denver teammates -- Derek Wolfe and Orlando Franklin -- had asked Broncos fans to pray for him as his condition had worsened this week.

"We as the family, appreciate the prayers and kind words that have already been expressed," Hillman's family added in a statement Wednesday night. "We ask that you would give us time to process our feelings as we prepare to lay our precious RJ to rest."

Ronnie spent six seasons in the NFL -- playing for the Broncos, Vikings, Chargers and Cowboys. But, it was his time in Denver that most will remember him for.

He spent 2012 through 2015 in the Mile High City -- and had his greatest moment with the Broncos at the end of the '15 season ... when he was a member of the Super Bowl 50 team that defeated Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.

"A bright soul gone far too soon," the Broncos said in a statement Thursday. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Hillman family during this difficult time."

R.I.P.

Franco Harris sat down for what was likely his last interview on Tuesday -- just hours before his untimely death -- where the Steelers legend talked about how happy he was to make it to the 50th anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception."

"50 years. C'mon, that's a long time, but I'm still around to enjoy it, so that's good," 72-year-old Harris said with a big smile.

We're told the interview was done around 2:30 PM Eastern on December 20, 2022 ... for "Not Just Football With Cam Heyward," the Steelers star's Omaha Productions produced show.

Of course, Harris' death was announced on Wednesday ... and it shocked the country.

During the chat, Harris and Heyward reminisced about one of the greatest plays in sports history. Franco talked about what he was supposed to do during the play, what he remembers after catching the ball (nothing!), and what transpired after the incredible catch (including when he wound up alone in a restaurant with the entire Raiders team.)

Outwardly, absolutely nothing seemed off about Franco ... and like usual, he appeared to be in a great mood.

Franco was set to be honored this weekend across the NFL ... as the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception is on December 23. Harris' #32 was also set to be retired ... and he was expected to be at Acrisure Stadium.

Actress Charlbi Dean died of a bacterial infection and other complications ... it was announced 4 months after her sudden passing.

The NYC medical examiner released Dean's cause of death Wednesday night, using the more official term, "Bacterial (Capnocytophaga) Sepsis."

According to the Center For Disease Control, Capnocytophaga is a bacteria spread to people in close contact with dogs and cats, or bitten by the animals. It can cause infections in those with weakened immune systems. Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection, which, if not rapidly treated, can lead to organ failure and death. People was first to report on the cause.

The M.E. tells TMZ ... Dean's death, which was ruled an accident, was complicated by the absence of her spleen, making her more susceptible to the bacterial infection. Fox News reported Dean was involved in a 2009 car crash, leading to the removal of her spleen.

As we reported ... Dean passed away in an NYC hospital after she unexpectedly fell ill back in August. She was only 32 and her career was beginning to take off.

Dean scored a lead role, starring alongside Woody Harrelson in the recently released film, "Triangle of Sadness," which received top honors at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the coveted Palme d'Or award.

Two of the most powerful men in United States history are heartbroken over the death of Franco Harris ... with both Joe Biden and Barack Obama saying Wednesday they're devastated by the Steelers legend's passing.

The current POTUS and the ex-POTUS both took to their social media pages to remember the Pro Football Hall of Famer ... with Biden explaining he'd actually been a friend of Harris' for years.

"I knew him for his character and compassion," Biden said, "someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter."

Obama meanwhile, said he too knew Harris off the field -- and loved the guy.

"He was an extraordinary man," #44 said ... before writing that Harris "will be missed."

The former running back passed away overnight on Tuesday, his family announced on Wednesday. A cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Harris seemed to be in great spirits just hours before his death -- posing for photos with fans in front of his statue at the Senator John Heinz History Center.

"Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation," Obama said.

Boosie Badazz isn’t letting slain Migos rapper Takeoff’s name fade from memory -- he just released a touching visual for his “Rocketman” memorial song.

The somber black-and-white video features Boosie overlooking a Takeoff portrait amid a candlelight vigil as he laments on past mistakes and ills within Black culture.

Boosie also gives shoutouts to incarcerated Lousiana rap legends B.G. and C-Murder as well as Mo3 ... his former collaborator who was killed in November 2020, which resulted in Boosie catching a bullet at his public memorial.

On Wednesday, Boosie also teased the tribute track’s remix on social media … exciting fans with appearances from Kodak Black and Jeezy coming up next!!!

Gucci Mane also mourned Takeoff with a similar lyrical tribute and justice in the late rapper’s case has been moving along according.

Princess Diana is reportedly set to be shown in an open casket in the next season of 'The Crown' -- this in the aftermath of her onscreen death ... which has some folks up in arms.

Filming for the 6th installment of the hit Netflix series is underway, and according to The Sun, one scene, in particular, is expected to be met by pushback from Brits and others alike ... because, apparently, we'll see Princess Di's body.

The paper reports the scene in question depicts actress Elizabeth Debicki -- who plays Diana -- lying in an open coffin at what sounds like the morgue following her fatal accident in Paris. The Sun says actor Dominic West -- who plays Prince Charles -- comes in to look at her and breaks down in tears and hysterics, as do Princess Diana's sisters.

There's another controversial scene that's reported to have been shot -- which includes nurses and doctors trying to save Diana at the hospital ... totally drenched in blood. The Sun describes it as gory theatre, and jarring as well.

There are concerns it could retraumatize Charles, William and Harry -- and other members of the Royal family. The Sun reports some connected to the production feel Netflix went too far in what they've recreated for the small screen ... all in an effort to chase views.

It's unclear if Debicki was done up in injury-like make-up for the scene -- where she was asked to lie in the coffin and play dead -- but you gotta imagine the state of Princess Di's body wasn't in the greatest shape considering the horrific wreckage.

There's hope, it seems, as Season 6 draws near ... word of these scenes will drum up enough indignation that it might force Netflix to remove some of them, or edit them down.

Harry has said he watches the show, but noted ... he's well aware that it's mostly fiction. Will, for his part, has said he does not watch it -- other senior Royals have also either denied watching it or not commented altogether.

Franco Harris -- a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the most legendary Pittsburgh Steelers of all time -- has died ... his family announced Wednesday.

He was 72 years old.

A cause of death has yet to be revealed ... though the Harris family said he passed away overnight.

"The entire team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened today," Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said Wednesday morning in a statement.

"We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet. Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profoundly positive ways."

Harris was taken by the Steelers in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft ... and it didn't take long for him to become a huge star. In his rookie season, he ran for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns, making the Pro Bowl team while winning Rookie of the Year honors.

Harris went on to make eight more Pro Bowls with the Steelers ... and ended up winning four Super Bowls with the team. In SB IX, he was named MVP.

In his career, Harris rushed for 12,120 yards and 91 TDs, while adding 2,287 yards and 9 TDs receiving. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound running back, though, is most well known for his role in the "Immaculate Reception" -- a wild play in a 1972 AFC divisional round playoff game against the Raiders that many consider one of the greatest moments in NFL history.

During the play, the Steelers were down 7-6 on fourth down with just 22 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw heaved a pass that was ultimately deflected backward -- right into Harris' waiting arms.

Harris then ran it in for the game-winning score.

Harris was set to be honored by the Steelers just one day after the 50th anniversary of the play ... with Pittsburgh formally retiring his No. 32 on Saturday during its game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

"Words can’t begin to describe the pain I am feeling," former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis said following Franco's death Wednesday. "Franco will always be a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness. He was a legend on the field and the personification of excellence off of the field -- A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like."

"RIP #32"

"Super Sized Salon" star Jamie Lopez had big plans for a new salon before her death, but tragically ... she was rushed to the hospital the day after construction wrapped at the new business and passed away the following morning.

Sources close to Jamie tell TMZ ... she contacted a friend last Friday, thinking she needed to go to the hospital. We're told she'd been dealing with an ongoing cough that turned into a lung infection, and even complained about her heart feeling weird the week of her death.

An ambulance took Jamie to the hospital Friday night, where we're told her heart stopped -- and although doctors were able to resuscitate her, it stopped again ... and, as we reported, she died early Saturday morning.

Sadly, she was on the verge of a career milestone -- construction of her new salon was set in motion when rent on Jamie's OG place from season 1 was raised during the COVID-19 pandemic. She made the decision to build her own, but that pushed the production of season 2 back by 4 months.

We're told construction finished last Thursday and the new sign, reading "Babydoll Beauty Couture by Jamie Lopez" had just gone up. The plan is to go forward with the opening, once the building passes inspection. Jamie's loved ones want to hold a memorial for her at the salon.

As you know, Babydoll Beauty Couture was founded to service plus-sized women, and "Super Sized Salon" -- which premiered earlier this year on WE tv -- highlighted the staff and their customers. The new salon manager Jackee has started a GoFundMe to continue to grow Jamie's vision.

Sonya Eddy, known for her work on "General Hospital," has died ... according to her close friend Octavia Spencer.

Octavia shared the sad news on social media Tuesday ... telling the world her friend passed away the night before. She says, "The world lost another creative angel" ... noting her "legions" of fans will truly miss her. The cause of her death is unclear.

Sonya was truly a staple of "General Hospital" starting in 2006, appearing in 543 episodes of the long-running soap opera. Fans remember her playing Epiphany Johnson, a no-nonsense head nurse that was the mother of the late Stan Johnson, who got wrapped up in the mob.

Apart from the soap, Sonya's been working in the industry for decades -- starting in 1995 on "The Drew Carey Show," and going on to appear in projects like "Seinfeld," "Patch Adams," "Reba," "Monk," "Joan of Arcadia," "CSI," "Glee," "Castle," and "Fresh Off The Boat."

She was 55.

RIP

Tom Browning -- who played 12 seasons in the MLB -- died unexpectedly on Monday. He was 62 years old.

The Boone County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky says it received a call regarding a person not breathing in their home around 1 PM ... and upon arrival, officers found Browning unresponsive on the couch.

EMTs and responders attempted lifesaving measures for roughly 10 minutes before Browning was pronounced dead. Foul play is not suspected.

The lefty played most of his career with the Cincinnati Reds from 1984-94 ... before joining the Kansas City Royals in 1995.

He won a World Series with the Reds in 1990 ... securing a Game 3 win over the Oakland Athletics.

Browning -- whose career record is 123-90 with a 3.94 ERA -- also threw a perfect game in September 1988.

Hall of Famer, Barry Larkin shared his condolences just minutes ago ... saying, "RIP my friend Mr. Perfect Tom Browning."

"We shared some great times as well as the same birthdate 4/28. You will be missed."

'Cincy' also released a statement ... saying, "The entire Reds family is stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Browning."

"Affectionately referred to as 'Mr. Perfect,' Tom was a true Red who after his playing days made the Cincinnati area his home and remained heavily involved with the organization."

Jamie Lopez, the driving force behind Babydoll Beauty Couture and star of "Super Sized Salon" has died ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Lopez tell us she'd been hospitalized in Las Vegas and died over the weekend as a result of heart complications. A rep for BBC said in a statement, "We regretfully announce, with great pain, the passing of The Founder & Owner of Babydoll Beauty Couture, The Legendary Jamie Lopez. We ask, on behalf of the Babydoll family, that you allow us time to process this tremendous loss."

Lopez, who at one point weighed 846 lbs, designed her salon while confined to her bed -- too heavy to get up and see the world. The show followed her progress, including her 400 lb weight loss, and her first time walking inside the salon.

Babydoll Beauty Couture was founded to service plus-sized women ... and "Super Sized Salon" -- which premiered earlier this year on WE tv -- highlighted both the salon's staff and customers. We are told she was just about to begin filming for season 2.

Jamie was only 37.