Mills Lane Legendary Boxing Ref Dead At 85
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Legendary boxing ref Mills Lane -- perhaps best known for his portrayal in MTV's iconic "Celebrity Deathmatch" show -- has sadly died, his son announced.
He was 85 years old.
Tommy Lane told the Reno Gazette Journal Mills passed away on Tuesday morning in Nevada ... after being in hospice the past few days.
"He took a significant decline in his overall situation," Tommy said of his dad to the outlet. "It was a quick departure. He was comfortable and he was surrounded by his family."
Mills began boxing in his 20s while in the Marines, and quickly stacked up an impressive resume -- ultimately logging a 10-1 record as a pro. He later became a ref in the sport.
It was in 1997, though, that he gained national fame ... while reffing the infamous Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield ear-biting bout.
After Iron Mike had taken chunks of Holyfield's ear, it was Mills who ultimately DQ'ed the former champ. Mills then eventually retired from reffing in 1998.
Mills went on to host his own court show, "Judge Mills Lane" ... as well as being featured in "Celebrity Deathmatch."
In the MTV production, an animated clay version of Mills started every bout by screaming, "Let's Get It On!" The show gained a huge following for its gory representation of celebrity fights.
Mills eventually left the show in 2002 after suffering a stroke, being replaced by Chris Edgerly in the 2006 reboot.
During his lifetime, Mills -- who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013 -- also worked as a prosecutor, a district attorney and a real-life judge.
RIP.
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Kirstie Alley Dead at 71 After Private Battle with Colon Cancer
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6:10 AM PT -- 12/6 -- According to People, Kirstie Alley had colon cancer.
Kirstie Alley -- who made a name for herself on both television and film -- has died after a private battle with cancer.
Her family announced Monday, "We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered."
They continued ... "She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother. We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care."
Her two children wrote in the statement, "Our mother's zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did."
Alley became a household name as Rebecca Howe on "Cheers" from 1987-1993 … a role that netted her both an Emmy and Golden Globe in 1991. She went on to snag her second Emmy for her role in "David's Mother."
Fans will also remember her for her leading role in the 80s flick "Look Who's Talking," the films "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," "It Takes Two" and many others.
She's survived by her two kids, William True and Lillie Price.
She was 71.
RIP
Originally Published -- 12/5 5:22 PM PT
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University of Virginia 3 Slain Football Players Awarded Degrees ... Posthumous Honor
Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D'Sean Perry -- the three Univ. of Virginia football players who were tragically shot and killed in a terrifying incident on campus last month -- have been posthumously awarded degrees.
The school announced the honors on Monday ... with athletic director Carla Williams saying the gesture became important to her and the university after having talked with Davis' family at his funeral last month.
"He worked extremely hard for it," Williams said of Davis' degree.
Davis had majored in African American and African studies. Perry double majored in studio art and African American and African studies. Chandler, meanwhile, majored in American studies.
"It was a great honor to be a part of presenting these diplomas to the families of Devin, Lavel and D'Sean," Williams added.
As we previously reported, Davis, Chandler, and Perry all died while returning to campus from a class field trip on Nov. 13.
Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a former UVA football player, is the man police have accused of pulling the trigger. He's since been hit with multiple charges, including three counts of second-degree murder.
UVA Running Back Mike Hollins Released From Hospital After Shooting
Two other students, including UVA running back Mike Hollins, were also wounded in the shooting ... but both have since been released from the hospital following treatment and are expected to make a full recovery.
UVA ended up canceling its final two remaining football games of the season in wake of the tragedy.
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A$AP Rocky Hip Hop in a Weird Place ... Too Many Legends Are Dying!!!
A$AP Rocky's set to break his 5-year album hiatus soon ... but he's not exactly thrilled about the comeback.
The A$AP Mob rapper thinks today's hip hop space is marred, on account of the constant deaths and brewing competition from other genres. Rocky was speaking on his desire to have his art at the forefront, but acknowledged the string of rapper deaths is affecting him.
Migos' star Takeoff, PnB Rock, JayDaYoungan and Trouble all died violently this year ... seriously sucking the joy out of the culture.
Rocky told Complex, "It’s such a really weird time for hip hop ... we’re losing so many legends."
Rap has consistently dominated charts for the past few years, but 2022 saw Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift amongst the top streamers, with Drake being the only frequent representative for hip hop on the lists.
.@BTS_twt was the 5th most streamed artist globally in 2022, according to Spotify! They are also the only group in the Top 5. #SpotifyWrapped pic.twitter.com/UePPaktoG8
— BTS Charts & Translations⁷ (@charts_k) November 30, 2022 @charts_k
Rocky continued, "Pop is fighting for the number one spot, as far the most predominant genre. It’s a really weird time right now. I don’t really care for the politics of it. I just want to give motherfuckers some dope shit."
Rocky's comeback has begun to rev up -- courtesy of the new "Need For Speed" video game which features his new song/video mashup, "Shi**in' Me."
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Norm Pattiz LeBron, Magic Mourn Superfan's Death ... 'Rest In Paradise'
LeBron James and Magic Johnson said Monday they're heartbroken to learn Norm Pattiz -- one of the Lakers' most famous superfans -- has died ... with the duo both penning tribute notes to the late broadcasting entrepreneur.
Johnson took to Twitter to share his homage ... calling Pattiz his "long time friend."
"I'll always remember Norm cheering on the Lakers from his floor seats & clapping on every possession & play with his program!" he said. "Sending my prayers to his wife Mary and entire family."
James, meanwhile, shared his heartfelt message on his IG page -- writing, "Rest in paradise Norm!!!"
Pattiz -- the founder of the original Westwood One and PodcastOne who was ultimately inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame -- reportedly passed away on Sunday. A cause of death was not revealed. He was 79 years old.
Pattiz gained notoriety at Lakers games for his courtside seats -- which he owned for over three decades.
The Lakers themselves paid tribute to him following the news of his death, sharing a pic of him in a custom Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal suit jacket at Staples Center.
Norm Pattiz and his rolled-up game program were fixtures at Lakers home games for decades.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 6, 2022 @Lakers
We will always treasure his spirit for the game and love for the team. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/oAej27pmaJ
"We will always treasure his spirit for the game and love for the team," the team said. "He will be missed."
RIP.
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Kirstie Alley Tributes from 'Cheers' Costars And Devastated Friends
Kirstie Alley's death is not only shocking to fans, but also to her closest friends and costars -- like Ted Danson and New Kids On the Block singer Jonathan Knight -- who are expressing their love and admiration for the late actress.
Her fellow "Cheers" vet, Ted, says he was actually on a plane Monday, watching an episode of their classic sitcom -- the one where guest star Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie's character, Rebecca.
He told People he got the horrible news about Kirstie when he got off that flight.
He added, "I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her."
Kelsey Grammer also shared some of his thoughts on the loss, saying ... "I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her."
Of course, "Cheers" fans know Kirstie got her big break starring alongside Kelsey and Ted on the show.
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Jonathan, a longtime friend of Kirstie who she'd jokingly refer to as "her husband," expressed his pain too ... posting on social media about how his "heart is ripped into a million pieces, and half my soul has been taken away."
Kirstie's final TV performance was actually in April on "The Masked Singer" -- she competed as the Baby Mammoth, beltin' out to "Walkin' After Midnight" by Patsy Cline and "The Shoop Shoop Song" by Cher.
She got a standing ovation from the judges, and said she wanted to be on the show for her grandkids.
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As we reported, Kirstie's family announced her death Monday, saying "We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered."
She was 71.
A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family.
— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) December 6, 2022 @ofctimallen
More and more celebs are honoring the actress and her career as they reel from the news of her sudden passing -- making it clear how many people she touched.
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Nick Bollettieri Legendary Tennis Coach Dead At 91 ... Trained Williams Sisters
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Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri -- who trained superstars like Serena and Venus Williams, Andre Agassi and Anna Kournikova -- passed away on Sunday. He was 91 years old.
The International Tennis Hall of Famer was a pioneer in the sport ... creating the first year-round, live-in academy in Florida in the '70s, which would eventually become the famous IMG Academy.
Bollettieri coached 10 #1-ranked players over the years ... including Jim Courier, Boris Becker, Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Jelena Jankovic, and Marcelo Rios, in addition to the Williams sisters and Agassi.
He also trained Chris Evert, who shared a heartfelt goodbye on Twitter.
"Aside from being the greatest coach ever, you were so kind to me, my parents, and my siblings… that meant more to me than anything, you had a big heart and a zest for living…❤️❤️❤️."
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Tommy Haas added ... "Thank you for your time, knowledge, commitment, expertise, the willingness to share your skill, your personal interest in mentoring me, and giving me the best opportunity to follow my dreams."
"You were a dreamer and a doer, and a pioneer in our sport, truly one of a kind."
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Christine McVie Personal Items Go for Big Money ... On Heels of Death
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Christine McVie had some personal items of hers hit the auction block this weekend -- and in the wake of her death ... you better believe they fetched a pretty penny.
The event was held by Julien's Auctions on Saturday and Sunday in Beverly Hills, where upwards of 800 items belonging to three different Fleetwood Mac members -- including CMV -- were put up for sale to the highest bidder ... and Christine's stuff was in high demand.
Among the lots of hers up for grabs -- wardrobe that she once wore herself, not to mention Christine's very own musical instruments and stage gear ... so, yeah, rare collectables.
For starters, two different dresses of Christine's were sold ... one was the vintage maxi dress she donned for the hit album, 'Rumours,' (sold for $56,250) and her polka dot chiffon hippie dress -- which she wore to the 1976 Rock Music Awards (sold for $31,250).
There's more ... the singer's Leslie speaker and her very own mics raked in $37,500; her touring Hammond B3 organ fetched $28,125; her Yamaha electric baby grand piano sold for $22,400; and Christine's other stage-played organ went for $18,750. Nearly $200k all in all.
Other FM items were part of the auction too -- some of John McVie's belongings were also sold, such as his guitars and bass racked up practically a quarter of a million dollars on their own. Also, Mick Fleetwood's iconic wooden 'Rumours' balls snagged $128k on their own.
Pretty solid turnout, and you gotta imagine Christine's passing played a part in the interest.
As we reported ... Christine died Wednesday at the hospital after a short illness, while surrounded by loved ones. Her old bandmates sent a tribute in her honor. She was 79.
RIP
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'Sesame Street' Veteran Bob McGrath ... Dead at 90
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Bob McGrath -- one of the original human stars on 'Sesame Street,' and a longtime staple on the show for years -- has died ... this according to his loved ones.
The actor's family shared the sad news Sunday, writing on his official Facebook page ... "Our father Bob McGrath, passed away today. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family."
McGrath will best be remembered as a recurring cast member of the beloved children's series ... having made his first appearance when the show first aired in the '60s. He was featured in the pilot in 1969, playing himself, and went on to work in an additional 47 seasons. He stopped acting on 'Sesame Street' in 2017 ... his last episode was 'Having a Ball.'
His contributions to 'Sesame Street' can't be overstated ... not only did he provide educational lessons for children through his interactions with the puppets -- but he brought a musical element to the show too, with original songs like "People in Your Neighborhood," "Sing a Song," "If You're Happy And You Know It" and even the 'SS' theme song.
While Bob stepped away from appearing on-camera for 'Sesame Street' in recent years ... he continued to work with Sesame Workshop -- the company that runs the franchise -- by going to public events and serving as an advocate.
Bob starred in countless 'Sesame Street' productions over the years -- including standalone films, sing-alongs, holiday specials, video games and more. He was one of the longest-standing human adult cast members on the series. He's survived by his wife and kids.
BMG was 90. RIP
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'Twin Peaks' Actor Al Strobel One-Armed Man, Dead at 83
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Al Strobel -- an actor famous for his work in the "Twin Peaks" franchise -- has died.
The news came down Sunday courtesy of producer Sabrina Sutherland, who's worked with David Lynch on a lot of projects over the years. She took to Facebook to write, "I am sad to have to post that Al Strobel passed away last night. I loved him dearly."
No cause of death was provided, nor were any other details offered.
Strobel is best known for playing the one-armed man during pretty much every "Twin Peaks" installment -- including the original TV show from the early '90s, the spinoff movie thereafter and the reboot from 2017 ... for all of which he always reprised his role as Phillip Gerard.
Gerard was a traveling shoe salesman who'd occasionally get possessed by a spirit known as Mike -- who used to work with another shady character (also dead) named Bob ... the entity that inhabited Leland Palmer, who ultimately killed Laura Palmer -- the central character.
His character comes in and out of the plot a lot throughout the full 'TW' saga ... and was oftentimes featured in bizarre dream sequences that Kyle MacLachlan's character, Agent Cooper, would find himself in ... all in an effort to unspool the big murder mystery.
Through it all ... Strobel always nailed it in his performances, which were kinda campy -- but so good too. He was an amputee in real life ... having lost his arm in a car accident.
In addition to his "Twin Peaks" role, Strobel also acted in films like "Megaville," "Sitting Target," "Child of Darkness, Child of Light," "Ricochet River" and more.
Strobel was 83. RIP
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Univ. of Idaho Murders Means of Death Don't Match Victim's Father Claims
There's another big twist in the unsolved Idaho quadruple murder case ... a mysterious discrepancy in the way at least 2 of the victims were killed.
Steven Goncalves, the father of slain Univ. of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves, said Saturday night, the fatal attacks on Kaylee and Madison Mogen, her best friend, were mysteriously different in nature. He said on "Lawrence Jones Cross Country," ... "I'll cut to the chase. Their means of death don't match."
He wasn't specific, but did say, "Their points of damage don't match."
What's especially odd ... authorities say Kaylee and Madison were sleeping in the same bed at the time of the attack, yet according to the father the stabbings were somehow different.
Four people were stabbed to death in the house, and authorities seem stumped. They have given conflicting information about the attacks ... going back and forth on whether it was targeted and if the rest of the community was at risk.
Kaylee's mom has wondered why certain people were cleared "very fast."
Steven was understandably emotional, saying, "I'm just going to say it. It wasn't leaked to me. I earned that. I paid for that funeral. I sent my daughter to college. She came back in a box."
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Juice WRLD Day Festival Lineup Includes ... Trippie Redd, G Herbo, Cordae, Etc.
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Juice WRLD would've turned 24 Friday, and while his memory lives on through his family, friends and fans ... there's a massive tribute show on the horizon in Chicago, his hometown.
December 8 marks the third anniversary of the rapper's death, and will also be the day the United Center will fill up with supporters passionately celebrating what's being deemed as "Juice WRLD Day."
TMZ Hip Hop has learned the lineup is jampacked -- DDG, Trippie Redd, G Herbo, Cordae, Lil Tecca, Ski Mask the Slump God, Lucki, Sleazyworld Go, Tana and Bankrol Hayden are all in ... repping for the 999 movement this year.
Bankrol tells TMZ Hip Hop, “Juice WRLD has always been a big inspiration to my music and helped me through my toughest times. Opening up for Juice in 2018 to now performing at the celebration of his legacy means the world to me.”
Juice’s personal friend and collaborator DJ Scheme also tells TMZ Hip Hop the event is truly important because it flips a negative situation into a positive occasion, saying, “On the day he passed away, we get to celebrate it in a positive way so his supporters never forget his main ideal ‘999.’”
Juice died from an accidental drug overdose of oxycodone and codeine in 2019 at just the age of 21 ... but his popularity remains unchanged.
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He finished 2022 with over four BILLION streams on Spotify alone.
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Noodle the Pug TikTok Famous Dog Dies at 14
Noodle the Pug -- who took TikTok by storm over the past year-plus -- has died ... this according to his owner.
Jonathan Graziano announced the news Saturday, saying Noodle passed overnight while in his arms. He extends thanks to everyone who tuned in to watch his pooch on the platform and for welcoming both of them into their lives ... noting Noodle brought a lot of joy.
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JG added that Noodle had a helluva run, and mentioned this in his caption ... "It has been the privilege of my life to care for Noodle these past 7 years. The sweetest man there has ever been and will ever be."
The pug was famous for a "No Bones Day" gag that Graziano would do daily ... which basically amounted to seeing if the dog wanted to get up for the day and do stuff. He'd lift Noodle up and gauge whether he'd stand on his own or not -- if he flopped, it's "no bones." If he stayed up, it meant Noodle had bones for the day ... an indicator for the rest of TikTok.
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Naturally, the internet is in mourning ... with many pointing out just how pure Noodle's interactions were, and how well Graziano interacted with him for hilarious content. The pet owner is said to have adopted Noodle some 10 years ago, so they had a long relationship.
Noodle was 14.
RIP
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Chinx's Widow His Murder Still Feels Raw ... New Rapper Deaths Are Triggering
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French Montana's late Coke Boys artist Chinx Drugz is still dropping new music 7 years after he was gunned down -- a fact his wife sees as a testament to the countless hours he spent recording.
Chinx's widow, Janelli Caceres-Pickens, and his former manager, Doug "Biggs" Ellison, painstakingly compiled verses, snippets and unfinished tracks to complete "CR6," his third posthumous project, and the sixth installment in the "Cocaine Riot" series.
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TMZ Hip Hop spoke to Janelli about the release and she admitted it was exhausting, yet rewarding.
She also touched on the rash of rappers who've been killed at an even more alarming rate than when Chinx was murdered.
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Janelli says she's been vocal about the recent string of tragedies -- such as PnB Rock and Takeoff both getting fatally shot in recent months -- and she insists it's misplaced to blame the pattern on hip hop culture.
Instead, she says it's criminals who are ruining the vibes ... although, she admits if she and Biggs weren't A&Ring "CR6," she'd be listening to R&B.
Nevertheless, Janelli is proud of the Chinx project, citing the song "Lonely" with Offset as one of her personal faves.
Some legends never die, they live on through streaming.
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Greg Knapp Jets Honoring Late Coach ... Custom AF1s For Vikings Game
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Awesome gesture from the New York Jets' coaches ... several assistants on the roster will be wearing custom Air Force 1s this weekend against the Vikings -- to honor the late Greg Knapp.
The feet heat will feature a depiction of Knapp, who coached in the NFL for nearly three decades before he was tragically killed in a bicycle accident last July, in a headset, with his nickname, "Knapper," written on it as well.
The shoes will also have a website link to Knapp's foundation -- an org. set up following the coach's death to try to stop people from driving distracted.
Mike Jordan, the cleat artist who designed the kicks, tells TMZ Sports ... the Jets were the ones who initially tapped him for the task earlier this year -- and he was pumped to take on the job.
And, he said he was thrilled with how they ultimately turned out.
Jordan also designed several other custom cleats for Jets stars for this weekend's "My Cause, My Cleats" game ... including ones for Sauce Gardner, who will wear American Cancer Society-themed spikes.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson also copped Jordan cleats representing the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) ... while cornerback DJ Reed got a pair for multiple sclerosis, something his father died from in September.
"To help these guys support these charities and organizations that are close to them for one reason or another, like DJ Reed whose father passed away due to MS, is special," Jordan said.
Jordan -- who's been crafting cleats for 6 years -- says he spent a ton of hours on all of the custom shoes for Week 13 ... but at the end of the day, it was all worth it.
"It's a great event to be a part of and I'm really fortunate to do what I do with the Jets."
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Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds CA Ranch Sold ... After 3 Decades in the Fam
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Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds' longtime family home in Central California has a brand new owner ... we've learned it just sold.
Real estate sources tell TMZ ... Debbie and Carrie's ranch in Creston -- which is about 3 hours north of L.A. in San Luis Obispo County -- sold Thursday for the asking price of $2.85 million.
The famous mother and daughter had owned the ranch for the last 30 years.
We're told Debbie's son and Carrie's brother, Todd, put the 7-bed, 8-bath home up for sale back in September.
The 44-acre estate comes with all the extras you'd imagine for Hollywood royalty, including a library, bar and a private screening room ... where the fam enjoyed its 5,000-movie library of Hollywood classics.
The living room features a showcase grand piano used by Debbie and all the great crooners who performed in her Las Vegas showroom.
There are 2 separate buildings from the main house that include a recording studio, office and storage space -- all totaling 17,000 square feet!!!
The property is tucked away in a private valley with native deer, a natural spring and access to geothermal and solar power.
As we've reported, a portion of Carrie's ashes were placed in a coffin and buried alongside Debbie in 2017 ... as they sadly passed away only one day apart.
Ian Chandler and Jen Kennedy of Home & Ranch Sotheby's International Realty held the listing.