Celebrity Death

The driver behind the wheel of the truck that fatally struck Dixie Chicks founding member Laura Lynch last week is being investigated for potential criminal charges.

Texas Department of Public Safety PIO Sgt. Eliot Torres tells TMZ that because a life was lost, they're working to determine whether the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident.

They confirm the driver had their blood drawn at the hospital for drug and alcohol testing ... and the results will only be released by the hospital once a judge signs off on the subpoena drawn up by investigators.

If the results come back positive for drugs and/or alcohol, investigators will potentially seek charges against the other driver.

The driver could also be charged with other offenses like reckless driving or unsafe lane change after scene analysis and speaking to witnesses -- but it all depends on what the investigation yields.

As we've reported ... an eye witness has already spoken out ... detailing the moment the truck entered Laura's lane while trying to go around 2 other cars and struck her vehicle head-on on Highway 62 outside of El Paso.

El guitarrista Frankie Sullivan, miembro fundador de la banda Survivor, sufrió un robo en su casa de Los Ángeles y la policía dice que los ladrones se llevaron unos relojes de lujo que cuestan una tonelada de dinero.

La policía le dice a TMZ que los ladrones entraron a principios de este mes a su casa de San Fernando Valley, ubicada en las colinas, a través de la ventana del guitarrista de "Eye of the Tiger". Se llevaron un montón de relojes avaluados en más de $300.000.

La policía cree que fue obra de un grupo de ladrones sudamericanos que vuelan al país para asaltar casas caras -varias de ellas pertenecientes a famosos- y que supuestamente utilizan caminos de herradura en las montañas para acceder a las propiedades de lujo.

Los oficiales están instando a colocar cámaras de vigilancia en las propiedades, a asegurarse de que la zona esté bien iluminada y a poner alarmas en las puertas correderas de cristal y en las ventanas del segundo piso. Dicen que así es como los ladrones están entrando a las casas.

Como informamos, la casa de Keanu Reeves también fue asaltada a principios de este mes, y fuentes policiales nos dicen que el arma robada de su propiedad era una pistola Glock.

2023 fue un año de altos y bajos ... y, por desgracia, algunos de los puntos más bajos vinieron de la mano de algunas de las estrellas más grandes del mundo que perdieron trágicamente su vida, muchos demasiado pronto.

Matthew Perry conmocionó al mundo cuando fue encontrado inconsciente en su jacuzzi en octubre, al igual que Sinead O'Connor, quien fue hallada en su piso al sur de Londres a finales de julio.

Angus Cloud, la estrella de "Euphoria" de 25 años, fue encontrado sin vida en la casa de su familia en Oakland, California, también a finales de julio. Esto, poco después de que el actor perdiera a su padre. El forense dijo que el actor murió de una sobredosis accidental de fentanilo, cocaína y metanfetamina.

Tina Turner, conocida como la "Reina del Rock 'n' Roll", murió a los 83 años en mayo después de luchar contra una "larga enfermedad" en sus riñones. La cantante se había lamentado de no haber cuidado mejor sus riñones apenas unos meses antes de su muerte.

Jerry Springer, de 79 años, murió en su casa de Illinois en abril después de una batalla contra el cáncer de páncreas, algo que lo mantuvo fuera del ojo público. Un representante de la familia de Springer nos dijo que estaba enfermo desde hace meses y que mantuvo la enfermedad entre sus cercanos para no preocupar a los demás.

Paul Reubens, conocido por muchos como Pee-wee Herman, murió a los 70 años en julio y también luchó en privado contra el cáncer por años. En una disculpa a sus fans escrita antes de morir, Paul dijo: "Los he querido mucho a todos y he disfrutado haciendo arte para ustedes".

Otros que ya no están, pero que desde luego no han sido olvidados, son Jacky Oh!, Bob Barker, Jimmy Buffett, Raquel Welch, Heather Armstrong, Alan Arkin, Andrea Evans, Tony Bennett, Clarence Avant y Diane Feinstein.

Que en paz descansen.

2023 was a year of highs and lows ... and unfortunately, some of the lowest points came from the world's biggest stars tragically losing their lives -- many of whom died way too soon.

Matthew Perry shocked the globe when he was found unresponsive in his hot tub in October ... as did Sinead O'Connor, who was found at her flat in South London at the end of July.

25-year-old "Euphoria" star Angus Cloud was found dead at his family's home in Oakland, CA, also at the end of July ... not long after the actor lost his father. The coroner said he died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Tina Turner, known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," died at 83 years old back in May after battling a "long illness" regarding her kidneys ... and the singer opened up about regretting not taking better care of her kidneys in the months before she passed.

79-year-old Jerry Springer died at his Illinois home in April after his battle with pancreatic cancer -- something he kept out of the public eye. A rep for Springer's family told us he was sick for months, and kept the illness close to not worry others.

Paul Reubens, known to so many as Pee-wee Herman, died at the age of 70 in July ... and he also privately battled cancer for years. In an apology to fans written before he died, Paul said, "I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you."

Others who are gone but certainly not forgotten include Jacky Oh!, Bob Barker, Jimmy Buffett, Raquel Welch, Heather Armstrong, Alan Arkin, Andrea Evans, Tony Bennett, Clarence Avant, and Diane Feinstein.

RIP

The death of "Parasite" star Lee Sun-kyun is hitting his family and friends hard as they lay the South Korean actor to rest.

Lee's funeral was held Friday in Seoul, where a large congregation followed as his coffin was placed in the hearse. His wife broke down in tears during the ceremony and the procession.

As we reported, Lee was found dead in his car Wednesday ... after an apparent suicide -- and his attorney says he'd been under an intense police investigation for a drug blackmail plot. He claimed he'd been tricked into smoking marijuana, and then extorted by the man and woman who allegedly tricked him.

Detectives in the Seoul suburb of Incheon had questioned him last week after detaining the actor for 19 hours. His attorney says Lee begged police not to go public with the investigation.

Lee was best known in America for his role as the father in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite."

The 2 suspects in the plot were arrested the day before Lee was found dead.

La muerte de la estrella de "Parásito" Lee Sun-kyun está golpeando duramente a su familia y amigos mientras el actor surcoreano es velado.

El funeral de Lee se celebró el viernes en Seúl y reunió a una gran congregación que siguió su ataúd mientras avanzaba en el coche fúnebre. Su esposa rompió en llanto durante la ceremonia y la procesión.

Como informamos, Lee fue encontrado sin vida en su carro el miércoles, después de un aparente suicidio, y su abogado dice que había estado bajo una intensa investigación policial por una trama de chantaje de drogas. Afirmó que había sido engañado para fumar marihuana y luego extorsionado por el hombre y la mujer que supuestamente lo engañó.

Los detectives del suburbio de Incheon, en Seúl, lo habían interrogado la semana pasada tras haber detenido al actor por 19 horas. Su abogado dice que Lee le rogó a la policía que no hiciera pública la investigación.

Lee era conocido en Estados Unidos por su papel de padre en la película ganadora del Oscar "Parásito".

Los dos sospechosos de la trama fueron detenidos el día antes de que Lee fuera encontrado muerto.

La estrella de "Parásito", Lee Sun-kyun, le había suplicado a la policía que no anunciara públicamente que estaba siendo investigado por consumir drogas ilegales, solo cuatro días antes de su aparente suicidio.

Funcionarios de la policía confirmaron el jueves que el abogado de Sun-kyun le pidió a los policías que cerraran la última ronda de preguntas de la prensa el sábado, pero se negaron.

Un día antes de que se encontrara el cuerpo de Sun-kyun, su abogado añadió que el actor esperaba que cualquier interrogatorio futuro se realizara en privado, ya que estaba agobiado de hablar de las acusaciones en público, pues la cobertura mediática había sido intensa.

Aunque el jefe de la policía metropolitana de Incheon, Kim Hui-jung, expresó su profundo pesar por el fallecimiento de Sun-kyun, se mantuvo firme respecto a la línea de interrogatorio, añadiendo que se había hecho con su consentimiento.

Como ya informamos, el actor surcoreano fue encontrado sin vida, a los 48 años, en su carro el miércoles en la capital, Seúl. Esto, después de que su representante denunciara su desaparición a la policía.

Estaba siendo investigado por una trama de chantaje con drogas. Estaba acusado de consumir marihuana y otras sustancias en casa de una azafata de un bar local, aunque él decía que ella lo había engañado para que consumiera las drogas e intentó chantajearlo.

Fue interrogado por última vez por la policía el 23 de diciembre y fue detenido durante 19 horas antes de ser puesto en libertad.

Dos sospechosos, un hombre y una mujer, fueron detenidos en relación con la investigación de narcóticos y un día antes de que Lee fuera encontrado muerto, pidió a través de su abogado que la policía le hiciera una prueba del detector de mentiras a él y a los otros dos.

'Parasite' star Lee Sun-kyun had begged police not to publicly announce he was under investigation for using illegal drugs ... 4 days before his apparent suicide.

Police officials confirmed Thursday that Sun-kyun's lawyer requested cops to close the latest questioning round to the press on Saturday ... but they declined.

A day before Sun-kyun's body was found, his lawyer added the actor was hopeful any future interrogation would be in private ... explaining he felt burdened discussing the allegations in a public setting as the media coverage had been intense.

While the Incheon Metropolitan Police Chief, Kim Hui-jung, expressed deep regret over Sun-kyun's passing ... he stuck by their tough line of questioning -- adding it had been done with his consent.

As we reported, the South Korean actor was found dead, aged 48, in his car Wednesday in the capital city of Seoul ... after his manager reported him missing to the police.

He was under investigation for a drug blackmail plot ... accused of using marijuana and other substances at the home of a hostess from the local bar -- though he claimed she deceived him into taking the drugs and tried to blackmail him.

He was last questioned by police on Dec 23 ... and was detained for 19 hours before being released.

Two suspects – a man and a woman – were arrested in connection with the narcotics investigation ... and a day before Lee was found dead, he requested through his attorney that police administer a lie detector test to him and the two others.

It's not clear if they were given the polygraph exam.

Tom Smothers -- one half of the famous singing comedy team the "Smothers Brothers" -- has died.

In a statement released Wednesday, Dick Smothers announced his brother's passing, saying Tom died at home as a result of cancer.

Dick went on to say “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner."

Continuing, Dick said, “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years."

Dick ended with, "Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”

In the late '50s, early 1960s, Tom and Dick often appeared on TV variety shows and released popular albums of their stage performances. In 1967, they finally landed their own variety show, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," which instantly became one of the most hotly debated TV programs during the Vietnam War period.

The "Smothers Brothers" got canceled decades before cancellation became a thing. Tommy became super political when the show was in its second season, railing with satire against the Vietnam War. The Bros were especially critical of then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.

On one show Tommy looked straight into the camera and said, "Okay, all you guys in Vietnam, come on home."

During one episode, Harry Belafonte sang, "Don't Stop the Carnival," and the backdrop on stage were images of the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, where then-Mayor Richard Daley ordered law enforcement to beat Vietnam protesters in the streets.

They took on other issues as well, but it was too hot for CBS. The network pulled the plug in 1969 at the end of season 3. People in the anti-war movement, along with free speech advocates, were outraged.

Tommy and Dick sued CBS for breach of contract and they eventually got $775,000. The 'SBCH' came back for a short-lived revival in 1988 but ended after one season

Think Dixie Chicks, but 40 years earlier.

Lee Sun-kyun, mejor conocido por su papel en 2019 en la película ganadora del Óscar "Parásito"- murió a causa de un suicidio mientras era investigado por consumir drogas ilegales.

El actor surcoreano fue encontrado sin vida en su carro el miércoles en Seúl, después de que el representante de Lee denunciara su desaparición a la policía, según CNN.

Funcionarios de la ciudad capital dijeron a CNN que la muerte de Lee era "presumiblemente un suicidio", ya que los investigadores forenses fueron vistos colocando cinta policial en el lugar donde se descubrió el carro de Lee.

La policía de Incheon, una ciudad fronteriza con Seúl, interrogó a Lee en tres ocasiones durante una investigación criminal por posible consumo de estupefacientes.

Lee admitió haber consumido drogas, pero dijo que lo engañaron y lo chantajearon para que los tomara, ya que acabó demandando al extorsionador. Al parecer, la policía recibió un soplo sobre su consumo de estupefacientes justo antes de que presentara la demanda.

Como parte de la investigación policial, Lee fue sometido repetidamente a pruebas de drogas, pero los resultados siempre fueron negativos, según CNN.

Los agentes interrogaron por última vez a Lee el 23 de diciembre. Lo mantuvieron detenido durante 19 horas antes de ponerlo en libertad.

Dos sospechosos -un hombre y una mujer- fueron detenidos en relación con la investigación sobre narcóticos.

El martes -el día antes en que fue hallado muerto- solicitó a través de su abogado que la policía lo sometiera a él y a las otras dos personas detenidas a una prueba del detector de mentiras. No está claro si los tres fueron sometidos a la prueba del polígrafo.

En la comedia-thriller "Parásito", Lee interpretaba el papel estelar de Park Dong-ik, el padre de una familia adinerada atacada por un clan de intrigantes indigentes que se infiltran en su hogar. La película obtuvo 4 Óscar en 2020, incluido el de Mejor Película.

Lee tenía 48 años.

Que en paz descanse.

Lee Sun-kyun – best known for his 2019 role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" – has died by suicide while under investigation for using illegal drugs.

The South Korean actor was found dead in his car Wednesday in the capital city of Seoul after Lee's manager reported him missing to police, according to CNN.

Seoul officials told the network Lee's death was "presumed to be suicide," as forensic investigators were seen putting up police tape where Lee's car was discovered.

Police in Incheon, a city that borders Seoul, interrogated Lee on three occasions during the criminal probe into his possible narcotics use.

Lee admitted to consuming drugs, but claimed he was tricked into taking them and blackmailed, as he ended up suing the extortionist. Cops were allegedly tipped off about Lee's narcotics use just before he filed the lawsuit.

As part of the police investigation, Lee was repeatedly drug tested, but the results always came back negative, CNN said.

Officers last questioned Lee on December 23, keeping him detained for 19 hours before releasing him.

Two suspects – a man and a woman – were arrested in connection with the narcotics investigation.

On Tuesday – the day before Lee was found dead – he requested through his attorney that police administer a lie detector test to him and the two people who were arrested. It's not clear if the three were given the polygraph exam.

In the comedy-thriller, "Parasite," Lee had a starring role as Park Dong-ik – the father of a wealthy family targeted by an indigent clan of schemers who infiltrate their household. The film snagged 4 Oscars at the 2020 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Lee was 48.

RIP

Kamar de los Reyes -una estrella de telenovelas de larga data- ha muerto, según su familia.

Un portavoz dio la noticia a THR el domingo, diciendo que el actor falleció el sábado por la noche en Los Ángeles después de una breve batalla contra el cáncer. No está claro qué tipo de cáncer fue con el que estuvo luchando o cuando fue diagnosticado, ya que todo el proceso fue bastante privado.

Aunque de los Reyes es quizás más recordado por su papel de Antonio Vega en 'One Life to Live' - en la que apareció en 287 episodios - los fans de los videojuegos probablemente lo reconozcan también ... ya que puso la voz al villano Raúl Menéndez en la serie 'Call of Duty'.

Puso voz a Menéndez, un personaje principal y recurrente, en un total de 4 entregas de "COD", incluido el famoso "Black Ops II", donde debutó como el gran villano de los años venideros.

De los Reyes también tenía un currículum impresionante fuera de eso. Además de su trabajo en "OLTL" y "COD", también había protagonizado programas como "Sleepy Hallow", "All American", "The Rookie", "Reed Between the Lines", "Promised Land", "Four Corners", "Valley of the Dolls", "ER"... así como estrella invitada en "Law & Order", "CSI", "The Mentalist" y más.

También ha participado en un puñado de películas, como "Nixon", "En busca de un sueño", "La celda", "Cayo", "Salt", "Apocalipsis en Los Ángeles", "Amelia 2.0" y "Tíos buenos con pistolas", entre otras.

A de los Reyes le sobreviven su esposa, Sherri Saum, sus hijos y otros familiares. Tenía 56 años.

Kamar de los Reyes -- a longtime soap opera star -- has died, according to his family.

A spokesperson broke the news to THR Sunday, saying the actor passed away Saturday night in L.A. after a brief battle with cancer. Unclear what sort of cancer he might've been battling, or when he was diagnosed -- but it sounds like it was kept fairly private.

While de los Reyes will perhaps best remembered for his role as Antonio Vega on "One Life to Live" -- on which he was featured in 287 episodes -- video game fans probably recognize him too ... as he voiced villain Raul Menendez in the "Call of Duty" series.

He voiced Menendez -- a main and recurring character -- for a total of 4 'COD' installments ... including the famed 'Black Ops II,' where he debuted as the big bad for years to come.

de los Reyes had an impressive résumé outside of that as well. In addition to his work on 'OLTL' and 'COD' -- he had also memorably starred in shows like "Sleepy Hollow," "All American," "The Rookie," "Reed Between the Lines, "Promised Land," "Four Corners," "Valley of the Dolls," "ER" ... as well as guest starring on "Law & Order," "CSI," "The Mentalist" and more.

He had also been in a handful of films ... like "Nixon," "In Search of a Dream," "The Cell," "Cayo," "Salt," "LA Apocalypse," "Amelia 2.0," "Hot Guys with Guns" as well as others.

de los Reyes is survived by his wife, Sherri Saum, their children and other family. He was 56.

Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen's family dog died, and they're both post remembrances of the pooch -- who their kids seemed to absolutely adore.

The exes posted respective tributes to their pit bull mix, Lua, on Saturday ... announcing their longtime pet had passed on. Tom threw up a photo of his two children with Gisele -- Benjamin and Vivian -- hovering over their doggy, which had its eyes closed.

He wrote, "We love you Lua RIP." He posted another photo of Lulu, and added ... "Forever in our hearts." In yet another IG Story slide, he uploaded a boomerang of his daughter playing with Lulu.

Gisele, likewise, threw up a bunch of shots of the canine in a sprawling IG post ... and she had a sweet shout-out to Lulu that touched on just how much she meant to the family.

She wrote, "Our little Lulu, our guardian angel is gone to heaven. She will forever live in our hearts. We already miss her sooooo much! #unconditionallove RIPLua." Her caption was also translated to Portuguese ... and she included a ton of awesome photos of their doggo.

Unclear when exactly they got Lua, but we know they adopted the pit bull at some point in their marriage ... and that their kids grew up with it too. They have another dog too, Fluffy.

All dogs go to heaven.

Nick and Aaron Carter's sister, Bobbie Jean Carter, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Bobbie Jean's mother, Jane Carter, tells us ... "I am in shock from learning of the sudden death of my daughter, Bobbie Jean; and I will need time to process the terrible reality of this happening for the third time.  When I am able to think clearly, I’ll release a fuller statement; but until then I would request to be left to grieve in private."

She adds ... "[H]owever deeply a parent feels the loss of a child, the suffering of a young child at the loss of a parent must be much greater. So, I would ask the sympathetic to say a prayer for my precious eight year old granddaughter Bella, who previously lost her father and is now also left without her mother."

The exact circumstances of Bobbie's death are unclear, but we know she passed away Saturday morning in Florida.

Bobbie Jean -- otherwise known as BJ -- was somewhat involved in the family's music business during the height of her brothers' careers ... especially Aaron, for whom she served as a wardrobe stylist and makeup artist during his tours back in the early 2000s.

She also appeared on the family's E! reality TV show, "House of Carters," on which she was featured in eight episodes. In the years since, Bobbie Jean lived a relatively private life in obscurity, shying away from the spotlight.

Bobbie Jean suffered from addiction and substance abuse over the years ... something that was documented on TV, and which she continued to battle into her later years of adulthood.

She had legal troubles as well, with arrests documented as recently as this year.

BJ's death marks yet another tragedy for the family at large. Not only did they lose Aaron last year due to a drowning at his home -- which was also found to have been drug-related -- but the Carters also lost their other sister, Leslie, in 2012 ... as a result of an overdose.

Now, the only living Carter siblings are Nick and Angel ... there are half-siblings and step-siblings in the family as well. Bobbie Jean is survived by a young daughter, Bella.

Bobbie Jean was 41.

Mike Nussbaum -- a longtime character actor -- has died due to old age ... TMZ has confirmed.

His daughter, Karen, tells us her father passed away from natural causes in bed Saturday morning at his Chicago home, with her right by his side. We're told Nussbaum had been in hospice over the past year -- and Karen adds, "It was his time."

MN was one of the oldest living actors still working in the biz in recent years -- having recently performed in some plays of late ... but his on-camera résumé is impressive too.

He'll perhaps best be remembered as Gentle Rosenburg from "Men in Black" or Bob Drimmer in "Fatal Attraction" ... or even the principal from "Field of Dreams." He'd been in a lot.

Some other notable movie credits of his include ... "House of Games," "Things Change," "Desperate Hours," "Losing Isaiah," "Steal Big Steal Little," "Dirty Work," "Osso Bucco," "Towing," "Tom of Your Life" and more. He'd acted in some big TV shows as well through the years.

Just a taste of some of the series he'd been in ... "Frasier," "L.A. Law," "The Commish," "The X-Files," "Early Edition," "Cupid," "The Chicago Code," "The Equalizer," "Spenser: For Hire," etc.

Nussbaum was considered a legend in the local theater scene there in Chi-Town. He was 99, and just a week short of reaching age 100.