NYC SUBWAY RIDER DEATH Jordan Neely Family Calls For Action ... Prosecute Man Who Fatally Choked Him
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4:55 PM PT -- Daniel Penny's legal team, the law firm Raiser & Kenniff, tells TMZ ... "We would first like to express, on behalf of Daniel Penny, our condolences to those close to Mr. Neely."
Penny's attorneys continue ... "Mr. Neely had a documented history of violent and erratic behavior, the apparent result of ongoing and untreated mental illness. When Mr. Neely began aggressively threatening Daniel Penny and the other passengers, Daniel, with the help of others, acted to protect themselves, until help arrived."
They add ... "Daniel never intended to harm Mr. Neely and could not have foreseen his untimely death."
The family of the NYC subway rider who was choked to death wants prosecutors to go after the marine vet who put Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold ... and they wonder why he hasn't even been arrested yet.
Lennon Edwards, one of the attorneys representing Jordan's family, joined us Friday on "TMZ Live," and we asked what justice looks like for the Neelys.
Lennon says Jordan's family is outraged and feels like the justice system isn't working on their behalf -- he says it took too long for the medical examiner to rule Jordan's death a homicide, and now the family wants the marine, Daniel Penny, to face criminal charges.
Full video pic.twitter.com/ZR5Lggz9FB
— The Tank (@RickTheTank) May 4, 2023 @RickTheTank
Jordan's family is also taking issue with how some are framing the incident. The NYPD says Neely appeared to be having a mental health episode, with some witnesses telling cops Jordan's behavior made them fearful.
Lennon insists that feeling alone doesn't justify putting someone in a chokehold for 15 minutes ... arguing Penny, and not Neely, is who subway riders should have feared.
What's more, Lennon says Jordan clearly showed he was unarmed when he took off his jacket to reveal a short-sleeve shirt ... and he says Penny appears to have attacked from behind.
Bottom line: the Neely fam thinks Penny should be in an NYPD jail cell right now.
This honestly feels like a new low: not being able to clearly condemn a public murder because the victim was of a social status some would deem “too low” to care about.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 3, 2023 @AOC
The last sentence is especially rich from an admin trying to cut the very services that could have helped him. https://t.co/0DtXl9DOO5
Protests are erupting in the Big Apple and politicians are bickering over the way the incident is being discussed ... and Lennon says the marine's actions seem like they have less to do with Jordan specifically, and more to do with his general feelings toward homeless people.
Originally Published -- 1:46 PM PT
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TikTok Dad Bobby Moudy Dead by Suicide ... After Financial Struggles
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Bobby Moudy, the father of 3 who gained TikTok fame by posting wholesome content with his family, has died ... TMZ has learned.
Moudy's family writes, "Bobby was a loving father, husband, brother and friend. On April 28th, he was a tragic victim of suicide. Bobby was full of life and laughs, but also weighed down by financial pressures. His wife, Jennifer and their three children are in an emotional and financial crisis as he was their rock."
The circumstances surrounding Moudy's suicide are currently unclear, but we know he died at home in Mississippi.
If you were one of the more than 500k followers of the Moudy family accounts, you know Moudy posted a ton of videos of his wife and kids, often using humor to share his life as a dad.
Friends of the Moudy family have established a GoFundMe to help the family through their loss and financial struggles in the wake of Bobby's death.
Bobby leaves behind his wife Jennifer, and kids Kaytlin, Max and Charleigh.
He was only 46.
RIP
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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Accused University Of Idaho Killer Bryan Kohberger Talks His Way Out of Traffic Ticket ... In New Police Body Cam Footage
Bryan Kohberger had an interaction with police exactly one month before the grizzly murders of 4 Idaho college students, and body cam video reveals how he schmoozed his way out of a ticket.
Police body cam footage shows Kohberger getting pulled over by a patrol cop on the Washington State University campus in October 2022.
What's striking about the nine-plus-minute video was just how nice and respectful Kohberger acted toward the officer. His demeanor belies any notion he would commit such a gruesome crime ... but authorities say that's exactly what he did.
The footage began with the officer walking up to the open driver's side window of a car in which Kohberger was seated behind the wheel.
The cop told Kohberger -- a WSU criminal justice graduate student at the time -- he was stopped for running a red light. Kohberger responded that he was forced to turn left because he got stuck at an intersection. The officer then schooled Kohberger on Washington state traffic laws, basically outlining for him what he did wrong.
Kohberger fully accepted the officer's reasoning, going so far as to apologize to her for asking too many questions. At one point, he admitted that he wasn't familiar with the traffic laws because he's originally from Pennsylvania.
After checking his license and registration, the officer let Kohberger go without writing him up. Of course, the cop had no clue that the following month Kohberger would be embroiled in a quadruple homicide involving four University of Idaho students.
As we reported, Kohberger allegedly slipped inside an off-campus home on November 13 and fatally stabbed Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin and his girlfriend, Xana Kernodle.
Kohberger was eventually arrested and charged with the murders after police discovered his DNA at the crime scene and unearthed more evidence pointing to his possible guilt. Investigators have not disclosed his motive.
Kohberger is currently being held without bail in the Latah County jail while awaiting trial. He has denied any wrongdoing.
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WWE's Sara Lee Died By Suicide
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Former WWE wrestler Sara Lee -- a past winner of the org's famous "Tough Enough" show -- died by suicide in October ... this according to a new autopsy report, obtained by TMZ Sports.
In the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office documents, officials say Lee ingested a lethal combination of alcohol and pills. They added that the former wrestler had left "letters of intent at the scene" before her death.
According to officials in the documents, Lee had bruises and abrasions on her head and body at the time of her passing -- though they suspected she may have suffered the injuries in a fall or falls while in an intoxicated state.
She was just 30 years old.
WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Sara Lee. As a former "Tough Enough" winner, Lee served as an inspiration to many in the sports-entertainment world. WWE offers its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/jtjjnG52n7
— WWE (@WWE) October 7, 2022 @WWE
News of her death seven months ago rocked the wrestling world ... with the WWE saying in a statement at the time that it was heartbroken.
"As a former 'Tough Enough' winner, Lee served as an inspiration to many in the sports-entertainment world," the WWE said. "WWE offers its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans."
Lee participated in season six of "Tough Enough" in 2015 and earned a one-year contract with the WWE from it. She wrestled for the org for most of 2016, but moved on to the independent circuit a short time later.
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In 2017, she married WWE wrestler Wesley Blake ... and the couple had three kids together. Days after her death, Blake penned an emotional note to Sara on his Instagram page ... writing, "You were a motivator, a best friend, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, the back bone of our family, and (my favorite), my wife."
"I can’t promise that I will stop grieving but I know now, that you’re free," Blake said. "I can’t thank you enough for giving me the best years of my life so far."
RIP.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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Luka Doncic Paying For Funerals Of Serbian School Shooting Victims
Incredible gesture from Luka Doncic ... the NBA superstar is paying for the funerals of the victims who were killed this week in a mass shooting at an elementary school in Serbia, TMZ Sports has confirmed.
The tragic incident happened Wednesday morning ... when officials say a 13-year-old student opened fire inside Vladislav Ribnikar primary school, killing eight children and a security guard.
Six other children and one teacher were also injured. The alleged shooter was arrested.
Doncic -- whose father is from Serbia and still has family in the area -- was so moved by the tragedy, a rep for the basketball player told us on Thursday he's covering the funeral costs for the victims as well as providing grief counseling for classmates and school staffers.
"I am heartbroken by the tragic school shooting in Serbia and the loss of lives, including those of innocent school children," Doncic said in a statement. "My thoughts are with the families and the entire community affected by this tragedy."
"Through my foundation, I am exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support the students, faculty, and families affected by the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School. I am committed and I will continue to share updates and ways to support as details become available."
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Ex-NBA GM Lance Blanks Dead At 56 ... UT Basketball Legend
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Lance Blanks -- a Univ. of Texas men's basketball legend who later in life worked as the Phoenix Suns' general manager -- has died, TMZ Sports has learned.
A spokesperson for the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office in Texas tells us ... Blanks passed away on Wednesday.
A cause and manner of death are not yet known ... the rep said exam results are still pending.
Blanks began his collegiate hoops career at the Univ. of Virginia in 1985 ... but transferred to Texas after two seasons, and became a superstar there. In his two years at UT in 1988 and 1989, he averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He was later inducted into Texas' Hall of Honor in 2007.
Happy Birthday Lance Blanks (1988-90) 🤘#TexasFamily | #TexasBMW pic.twitter.com/Uc11b3gsSR
— Texas Men’s Basketball (@TexasMBB) September 9, 2021 @TexasMBB
The shooting guard went on to be selected by the Pistons in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft following his UT career ... and played three seasons in the league for Detroit and Minnesota.
He later played overseas -- before he returned to the States to work as an exec in the NBA.
Blanks spent time as the director of scouting for the San Antonio Spurs, before he became the Cleveland Cavaliers' assistant general manager. In 2010, he was named the GM of the Suns.
Years after he left his role in Phoenix in 2013, he signed on to broadcast UT games for the Longhorn Network.
Andrew Jones tied his career-high 20 points while going 6-of-8 from beyond the arc last night. He spoke to Lance Blanks after the game. pic.twitter.com/HwmIgnaWiX
— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) December 4, 2019 @LonghornNetwork
Former NFL star Eric Metcalf, a UT alum and Blanks' good friend, appeared to comment on Blanks' passing on Thursday on Twitter ... writing, "Everyone hug your family and friends and tell them you love them. We lost a dear friend and brother. People are going through things and you never know it!!!"
Several of Blanks' family members, including his two daughters, released statements on his passing late Thursday afternoon.
"My dad was my person," Riley Blanks Reed said. "He was my teacher, my idol, my best friend. The love I have for him is simply immeasurable."
Added Bryn Blanks Lewis, "My heart aches for the tragic loss of my daddy. He was our father, our rock, our superhero -- the one who was there when we needed him most. Life will never be the same without him."
Blanks was 56 years old.
RIP.
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'Operation Repo' Sonia Pizarro Dead at 60
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Sonia Pizarro, famous for her starring role on the reality TV show "Operation Repo," has died ... TMZ has learned.
Sonia's niece, Lyndah Pizarro -- who was also on the show -- tells us Sonia died Wednesday night in Arizona in her sleep.
Sonia's ex-husband, fellow "Operation Repo" star Froylan Tercero, is remembering her as "a bad ass chick that kicked some serious ass."
Froylan adds ... "She will always have a place in my heart and on my body since I still have her name tattooed on my stomach, Sonia we love you and I will honor you with all the good mementos you gave me, thank you and I love you."
While she's most known for her work on the TruTV series, Sonia also acted in movies ... including 2009's "Repo Chick" and, most recently, the 2018 flick "Followed."
Sonia's had major health issues in the past ... back in May 2018 she was hospitalized after suffering a stroke. Lyndah tells us Sonia did not die as a result of complications from the stroke.
Sonia leaves behind 3 children -- Ruby, Robert and Froylan Jr. -- as well as her grandchildren ... Bryant, Brie and Danica.
She was 60.
RIP
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Petr Klima Former NHL Forward Dead At 58 ... Scored GW Goal In Historic 1990 Finals Game
Former hockey player Petr Klima -- who scored the game-winning goal for the Oilers in the historic Game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Finals -- has sadly passed away, the NHL announced.
He was only 58.
The NHL broke the news by releasing a statement on Thursday ... saying its sympathies are with his family, friends, and fans.
"The NHL mourns the passing of Czech legend Petr Klima, who scored 313 goals across 13 NHL seasons," the league said.
Klima -- who was drafted in the 5th round of the 1983 draft -- suited up for several teams during his long career ... including the Edmonton Oilers, where he had one of the most iconic goals in franchise history.
Here's Petr's triple-OT goal vs. Boston that helped the #Oilers capture the 1990 Stanley Cup. pic.twitter.com/bcZ2qS8YT1
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 4, 2023 @EdmontonOilers
It happened in the third overtime in Game 1 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Finals ... when Klima scored against Andy Moog of the Boston Bruins.
This triple-OT game is the longest in Stanley Cup Final history ... and it was the last time the Oilers won the Stanley Cup.
Klima also played for the Detroit Red Wings, L.A. Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, an Tampa Bay Lightning.
"The Red Wings organization offers its heartfelt condolences to the Klima family during this difficult time," the Detroit organization said.
Klima's twin sons, Kelly and Kevin, are also pro ice hockey players.
R.I.P.
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Lil Durk & NBA YoungBoy No More Sneak Disses From Us ... Our Beef Is Cooked!!!
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Lil Durk and NBA YoungBoy's lethal rivalry is coming to a close ... as both artists seemingly confirmed a peace treaty through breadcrumbs dropped for their social media followers.
DJ Akademiks said NBA YoungBoy and Lil Durk has Officially Squashed their Beef 😳‼️pic.twitter.com/u3DM4SW0uX
— Youngboy Updates ⚜️ (@YbUpdate) May 4, 2023 @YbUpdate
DJ Akademiks informed his Twitch live stream audience of the Durk/YoungBoy truce on Wednesday ... and when the clips made their rounds on the internet, fans noted Durk liked the tweet containing Ak's update.
Additionally, the YB Instagram "fan account" -- long suspected to actually be run by the Lousiana rapper on account of its 1 million+ followers -- also shared the news for the world to see.
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Durk and YB's tensions revolve around the late King Von's issues with Quando Rondo, who's signed to YB's Never Broke Again label.
Von was shot and killed in November 2020, after attacking Quando ... and the two camps have been at odds ever since.
Their peace accord is truly a watershed moment for recent hip hop culture, given the amount of blood spilled in recent years. While we're not hearing any collaboration talks, each rapper's fans are still getting new music.
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YB just dropped his new album "Don't Try This At Home" to a Top 5 Billboard 200 debut and has the lead single on the upcoming "Fast X" soundtrack with the song "Won't Back Down."
100k replies I’m dropping album cover and date call my bluff s/o @JColeNC …. Goooooooooooooo IM BACK!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/MD28J02d32
— THE VOICE (@lildurk) May 3, 2023 @lildurk
Meanwhile, Durk has been hyping his new album with a J. Cole feature he swears will be a classic.
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NYC Subway Rider Killed Protesters Violently Clash with NYPD ... Chokehold Death Fuels Outrage
New York City is a powder keg ... on the heels of a subway rider getting choked to his death, pissed-off protesters are going toe-to-toe with NYPD officers, and it's starting to get violent.
Demonstrations are going down on subway platforms and in the streets ... where cops attempted to detain one protester while several others rushed at the handful of officers who had to form a circle to fend off attacks.
The violence is simmering over the death of Jordan Neely ... a 30-year-old homeless man who was riding a subway train Monday afternoon when a Marine vet placed him in a chokehold for 15 minutes. The Medical Examiner has deemed Neely's death a homicide.
Full video pic.twitter.com/ZR5Lggz9FB
— The Tank (@RickTheTank) May 4, 2023 @RickTheTank
NYPD has said Neely appeared to be having a mental health episode, and had been pacing and shouting on the train. Cell phone footage shows the 24-year-old veteran wrestling Neely to the ground and applying the chokehold. He eventually went unconscious, and although paramedics transported him to a hospital, they could not resuscitate Neely.
Along with the protests, there's now a war of words between NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
This honestly feels like a new low: not being able to clearly condemn a public murder because the victim was of a social status some would deem “too low” to care about.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 3, 2023 @AOC
The last sentence is especially rich from an admin trying to cut the very services that could have helped him. https://t.co/0DtXl9DOO5
AOC is ripping Adams for not calling the incident a murder. The Mayor issued a statement purely focused on Neely's mental health without mentioning the actions of the Marine which led to Neely's death. The medical examiner has already ruled it a homicide.
The Marine has not been named or arrested ... which is prompting numerous protests demanding justice for Neely, and criticizing Mayor Adams' treatment of the city's homeless.
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Timbaland Biggie's Born Again with AI ... On MY AI Song!!! 🤖
Timbaland is going against the grain of the music industry ... while most artists and execs push back against AI, he's actually embracing it with a new track featuring AI-generated Notorious B.I.G. vocals!!!
The mega-producer and Verzuz co-creator was bursting with Christmas Day excitement while introducing the song on IG ... and boldly tagged Jay-Z's engineer Young Guru, who's been one of AI's biggest opponents.
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Timbaland presented his Biggie bot production as the solution for the AI debate and gave fans a taste of the song.
After pushing play, Timbaland nodded his head furiously as AI Biggie rapped about the late rap icon's typical love for the finer things in life ... while also weirdly screwing with time and space by name-dropping Nipsey Hussle and Pop Smoke.
Both slain rappers came onto the scene decades after B.I.G. died, and Pop wasn't even born until 2 years after the fact.
Guru didn't attack Timbaland's track, but instead dropped a more general, and ominous, message ... warning humans that playing with AI is like playing with fire.
No telling if the track will ever be released as a single (or if Biggie's estate would even allow it), but the reactions to AI advancement have been a mixed bag so far.
Artists like Jojo, Grimes and LaRussell have spoken to AI's upside ... while UMG boss Lucian Grainge has been pulling out all the stops to kill it.
Timbaland joined us for "TMZ Live" today and doubled down on the AI revolution. Only time will tell if he's right!
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Menendez Brothers More Evidence Our Dad Sexually Abused Us ... Menudo Member Bolsters Our Claims
The Menendez brothers want to have their day in court ... again ... they say they have new evidence backing up their defense that their father was sexually abusing them, but there's a new wrinkle involving a member of the '80's boy band "Menudo."
According to new legal docs filed by attorney Mark Geragos, and obtained by TMZ, Erik and Lyle Menendez cited recent allegations by former Menudo star Roy Rossello that he was sexually abused when he was 13 or 14 by Jose Menendez.
Rosello made the accusations against Jose -- a then-RCA record exec -- in a new three part Peacock docuseries, "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed." In the series, two journalists dove into claims that the band's founder, Edgardo Diaz, brought Rosello to Jose's home in New Jersey to broker a deal between "Menudo" and RCA. But things took a dark turn when Jose allegedly drugged Rossello and then raped the teen.
Per the court docs, Erik and Lyle argued that Rossello's allegations of abuse by their dad only served to strengthen their original contention that they fatally shot Jose and their mom, Kitty, out of self-defense.
The petition also mentioned a letter Erik sent to their cousin, Andy Cano, months before the shootings ... where Erik accused Jose of sexual abuse.
In the letter, which the brothers claimed wasn't shown to the jury at trial, Erik says he wished he could tell his mom about the alleged abuse but says he can't risk it because he feared she would tell Jose. Erik also told Andy his father was continuing to molest him.
The Menendez Brothers say the letter was sent around 8 months before they murdered their parents, and they argued it supported their defense theory that Jose was sexually abusing them and warned them to not speak out about being molested, to the point where they became frightened of their father.
They say jurors never heard from Roy either, and they claimed if the jury knew about Roy's allegations and the letter, things might have turned out differently and they might have bought the defense's theory that the brothers were guilty of manslaughter, instead of murder.
Erik and Lyle filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in an effort to determine whether the new evidence was enough for the court to grant them a new trial or other relief.
Attorney Alan Jackson talked to us in April about the possibility of the Menendez brothers getting a new trial ... and he didn't seem to think it was likely, and told us exactly why.
It appears the Menendez Brothers are still going for it nonetheless.
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NFL Prospect Michael Jefferson Suspected Of Being Under Influence In Crash ... Cops Say
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Cops in Alabama say their initial report of Michael Jefferson's car crash was wrong ... telling TMZ Sports on Wednesday they now believe the 2023 NFL Draft prospect was the one who was impaired on the night of the tragic wreck last month.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says it somehow mixed up the drivers of the two vehicles in its first report of the fatal car accident on April 9 in Mobile County, AL.
Initially, the ALEA claimed Jefferson was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Impala ... before Charles Dunn slammed head-on into it in his 2014 Dodge Charger.
Now, however, the ALEA says Jefferson was actually driving the Charger -- while Dunn was in the Impala.
That means, according to the crash report, cops suspect Jefferson was the one who was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs at the time of the accident -- not Dunn.
It also means, per a diagram of the crash in the report, that Jefferson (labeled Unit 1) is the one who was traveling in a southbound lane before moving into Dunn's northbound lane, headed in the wrong direction, before colliding with the 55-year-old (labeled Unit 2) head-on.
As we reported, Dunn died as a result of the crash. Jefferson -- a former star wideout at Louisiana who was in line to get drafted last month before the wreck -- sustained significant injuries that required several surgeries.
NFL Draft Prospect Michael Jefferson Involved In Fatal Car Crash, Suffers Injuries
Police told us an investigation into the crash remains ongoing. According to the report, the 23-year-old's blood was taken following the crash, but the results have not yet come back.
Meanwhile, Jefferson's attorney, Brad Sohn, told us on Wednesday he had "absolutely no reason to believe that Michael Jefferson is under criminal investigation or has ever been under investigation."
Dunn's family told us in a statement they now want a public apology from Jefferson and his representatives ... adding, "Charles Dunn never drank or smoked in his life and we would like for his name to be cleared."
TOUCHDOWN RAGIN' CAJUNS!
— Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns® Football (@RaginCajunsFB) October 28, 2022 @RaginCajunsFB
Ben Wooldridge connects with Michael Jefferson on a 63-yard pass!
UL - 11
USM - 29
Q2 | 3:39 pic.twitter.com/NNeESoyY0x
Jefferson was considered to be one of the 30 best available receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft prior to the accident ... though he ultimately went unpicked. Sohn previously said the wide receiver was optimistic he'd play football again despite the severity of the injuries he suffered.
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Shaquil Barrett's Wife Breaks Silence After Daughter's Death ... 'We Love You Forever'
The wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett is breaking her silence days after their 2-year-old daughter drowned in the family pool ... saying they're devastated over her death and will love her "forever and ever and always."
The terrible incident happened on Sunday ... police received an emergency call indicating Arrayah had fallen into the pool at their Tampa area home. Sadly, despite the rescuer's best efforts, the 2-year child passed away.
Arrayah had just celebrated her birthday days earlier on April 19th.
The 2-time Super Bowl champ hasn't commented on the horrific tragedy, but his wife Jordanna -- whom he married in 2012 -- now has, releasing a statement Wednesday.
"Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts and prayers," Jordanna said. "Our world will never be the same. Arrayah was the apple of my eye, and my heart will forever be with hers."
Jordanna -- who has three other children with Shaq -- went on to say there's no "Barrett 6" without Arrayah.
"I love you so much my baby. I am so so sorry. Until we see each other again, please watch over your siblings and momma and dada."
"We love you forever and ever and always. I can’t wait to see that precious smile again, and just hug you so close. I would do absolutely anything."
The Barrett family will lay Arrayah to rest on Friday ... and the family has asked everyone to wear bright colors to honor her memory.
The Bucs -- who signed Shaq to a 4-year extension worth $72 million in 2021 -- issued a statement over the weekend, saying their "thoughts and prayers" are with the entire family during this "unimaginably difficult time."
Rest in peace, Arrayah 🙏
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Billie Lourd Calls Out Carrie Fisher's Siblings ... Todd Fisher Responds
5:35 PM PT -- Carrie Fisher's brother, Todd Fisher, is firing back at his niece ... he says he tried to hash out his differences with Billie before running to the media.
Todd says he wanted to put family differences aside for the family ceremony and move on from there, but says ... "I was told It was a no go and why would I want to heighten level of emotion for his niece, going further to say if I showed up, she would not."
Carrie's brother says he didn't attack Billie, and pushes back on the idea he knew why she didn't want him there. He says it was hurtful to learn of the snub from a press release and not Billie, especially because he was the one who started the process to get Carrie her star.
Todd says he never capitalized on the deaths of Carrie or his mother Debbie Reynolds, as Billie claims, and says Billie's dad knew Todd was writing a book about them, adding ... "I was not aware of the permissions needed from Billie, who came along 40 years later."
Carrie's brother also had this to say about his niece ... "To say that her mother's very complicated relationship with her family is known only by her and those who are actually close to her, purposely negates my 60 plus years as Carrie's only brother who lived those years by her side."
Todd says the family should be able to set aside their differences for an hour to see Carrie get her star.
Billie Lourd is calling out her aunts and uncles -- Carrie Fisher's siblings -- saying "they know why" they didn't get invited to Carrie's Walk of Fame ceremony ... and it's all about money and alleged exploitation.
Billie tells TMZ ... she's seen what her mom's brother and sister -- Todd Fisher and Joely Fisher -- have said recently and feels she has to speak up after being blasted by them for not inviting them to Thursday's ceremony.
She says her mom's death showed her all she needed to know. The way Billie sees it, they "chose to process their grief publicly and capitalize on my mother's death." She recognizes they're entitled to do what they please, but adds it hurt her a lot when they did interviews and wrote books about Carrie soon after her 2016 death, without consulting or considering how it would affect her.
Billie bluntly says there's "no feud" between them because "we have no relationship." She says she made the decision to not include them on the Walk of Fame guest list to "break a cycle" -- and thinks their public complaints about missing the ceremony back her up.
As we reported, Todd told us it was "heartbreaking" he was left off the guest list ... and he joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" to tell us more about why he should've been included.
Billie responded just a couple hours after Todd's interview.
Carrie's sisters -- Joely and Tricia Leigh Fisher -- called out Billie, calling their disinvite "deeply shocking."
Billie clearly doesn't care, and is putting it all out on the table now.
Originally Published -- 5:40 PM PT
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Track Star Tori Bowie Found Dead at Home ... Loved Ones Concerned After No Communication
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Former Team USA track star Tori Bowie was found dead inside her home, TMZ Sports has learned ... after her loved ones told cops they were concerned they hadn't heard from her in several days.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Florida, officers conducted a well-being check at Bowie's home Tuesday afternoon. When authorities arrived at the residence, they made entry ... and found the three-time Olympic medalist deceased. A preliminary investigation showed no foul play was involved.
A cause and manner of death are not yet known -- the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office tells us they're still investigating the matter.
Bowie's management team said Wednesday they were crushed to learn of her passing.
"We've lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister," the agency said. "Tori was a champion … a beacon of light that shined so bright! We're truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends."
Bowie -- a two-time NCAA long jump champion who won three medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil -- was just 32 years old.
RIP