Disney Star Coco Lee DEAD AT 48 BY SUICIDE
Coco Lee, famous for voicing Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney's "Mulan," has died by suicide.
Coco's sisters, Carol and Nancy, say she attempted suicide at home Sunday and was sent to a hospital, where she slipped into a coma and died on Wednesday despite attempts to save her life.
Coco suffered from depression for years, her family says, and she sought professional help ... but her condition drastically deteriorated over the last few months and she ultimately took her own life.
In addition to her work with Disney, Coco performed an Oscar-nominated song, "A Love Before Time," in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" as part of a three-decade career as a singer.
Coco was born in Hong Kong but attended middle school and high school in San Francisco, where she was crowned 1991's Miss Teen Chinatown.
She was the first Chinese singer to go big in America, with her song "Do You Want My Love" reaching No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Breakout chart way back in 1999.
Coco's family is remembering her for working "tirelessly to open up a new world for Chinese singers in the international music scene, and she went all out to shine for the Chinese."
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She was 48.
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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Robert De Niro Grandson Died from Fentanyl-Laced Drugs, Mom Says
Robert De Niro's grandson is one of the latest victims of the fentanyl crisis ... according to his mother.
Leandro De Niro's mother confirms TMZ's story ... police are investigating the 19-year-old's death as a possible overdose, and adds someone consciously sold him tainted drugs.
Drena De Niro said on Instagram, Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him."
She went on ... "So for all these people still f**king around selling and buying this s***, my son is gone forever."
As we reported, police found drugs and drug paraphernalia near his body at a New York City Apartment.
The Medical Examiner has not determined an official cause of death. Toxicology tests could take a while. The Manhattan D.A. is now on the case as well, so it appears authorities are looking for the drug dealer.
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Don Reinhoudt Legendary Strongman Dead ... 1978 World's Strongest Man Winner
Legendary strongman Don Reinhoudt, winner of the 1979 World's Strongest Man competition and perennial powerlifting champ, has died at the age of 78.
According to police, Don was involved in a car crash on Monday in upstate New York. Further details are not yet clear.
6'3" Reinhoudt started competing in the early '70s ... and was a four-time IPF Men's World Powerlifting champ between 1973 to 1976, according to Generation Iron. He was also a 3x AAU US National Powerlifting champion from '74 to '76.
Don Reinhoudt absolutely stole the show in 1979!!! pic.twitter.com/JghuLAx28w
— SBD World's Strongest Man (@WorldsStrongest) September 15, 2022 @WorldsStrongest
Then, the World's Strongest Man competition launched in 1977. After declining to participate during the first year, Don agreed to compete in 1978, where he came in second place (behind 2x champ Bruce Wilhelm).
The following year, Reinhoudt returned, and took the top spot ... earning the moniker the "world's strongest man." Don was just the second man to ever win the competition.
Reinhoudt, who set dozens of records throughout his career, was inducted into the National Strength and Power Hall of Fame in 2018.
News of Don's death has begun the spread throughout the powerlifting and strongman community, with competitors and fans alike expressing condolences over the loss.
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Strongman Laurence Shahlaei weighed in, writing ... "Very sad to learn about the passing of Don Reinhoudt, the second man to win The World’s Strongest Man, and one of the pioneers of the modern sports of Powerlifting and Strongman."
"I was lucky enough to talk to Don a couple of times, and he was incredibly kind and a real gentleman with so many stories to share. Our thoughts are with his wife, family and friends."
R.I.P.
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Millwall FC Soccer Club Owner John Berylson Dead At 70 ... After Fatal Car Crash
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John Berylson, owner and chairman of English Football League team (EFL) Millwall FC, tragically died in a single-car crash in Massachusetts Tuesday morning.
He was 70 years old.
Berylson was driving his 2019 Range Rover around 8 AM when police say he lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over, and ultimately hit a tree. Despite rescuers' best attempts, John succumbed to his injuries.
"John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him," Millwall Football Club said in a statement.
"He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness. He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people."
"John reveled in the club’s underdog status and mentality," the statement continued. "He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters. He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan base will miss him beyond measure."
Millwall -- which just began preseason training camp in Spain -- honored Berylson during practice on Wednesday.
RIP the Millwall FC owner John Berylson, who was killed this morning in a tragic accident.
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) July 4, 2023 @FBAwayDays
A fantastic owner that did so much for the club, a Millwall legend. 💙pic.twitter.com/kcpWRTFC7o
Berylson, who first became involved with Millwall in 2006, was very involved in philanthropy ... running the Amy Smith and John G. Berylson Foundation. He was also a trustee of the Smith Family Foundation, which awards grants of approximately $15 million a year, according to its website.
John is survived by his wife, Amy, and three children, Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth.
Rest in peace.
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Robert De Niro Filmed Heading To Funeral Home ... After Grandson's Apparent Overdose Death
Robert De Niro was pictured for the first time since news broke of his grandson Leandro's apparent overdose death ... and the images captured him heading to a Manhattan funeral home.
The legendary actor left his Upper East Side townhouse with a newspaper clutched in his hand, before getting into an SUV, which then chauffeured him to the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel nearby, according to photos taken by the Daily Mail.
The footage also showed De Niro walking into the funeral home with Leandro's parents, De Niro's adoptive daughter, Drena, and her ex-husband, Carlos Rodriguez. De Niro then returned to his Manhattan home after making funeral arrangements for Leandro, who was only 19.
As we reported, 19-year-old Leandro was found dead inside an NYC apartment Sunday when a friend went to check on him after not hearing from him for a while. NYPD detectives discovered what appeared to be narcotics and drug paraphernalia at the scene, leading them to believe Leandro's death was an overdose. The medical examiner will make the final determination on how he died.
De Niro issued a statement, mourning Leandro's passing, "I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
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Robert De Niro Grandson Leandro Dead at 19 ... Possible Overdose
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9:00 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Leandro's death is being investigated as an overdose. We're told the teen was house-sitting, and both drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.
Robert De Niro released a statement Monday, saying, "I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
De Niro's grandson, actor Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, has died ... TMZ has confirmed.
The 19-year-old was found dead sitting in a chair, inside a New York City apartment Sunday afternoon, law enforcement tells TMZ. We're told there were no obvious signs that led to his death. He was found by a friend who hadn't heard from him in a few days and was checking in on him.
His mother, Drena De Niro, confirmed her son's passing on Instagram Sunday night.
"My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly. You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life. I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you. I don’t know how to live without you but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama. You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you. 😞 Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy."
Leandro appeared in the 2018 film, "A Star is Born." He played the son of Bradley Cooper's best friend, George "Noodles" Stone, played by Dave Chappelle. Leandro also appeared in "Cabaret Maxime" in 2018.
Drena was adopted by Robert De Niro in 1976, after marrying Diahnne Abbott.
Leandro's dad was artist Carlos Rodriguez.
Leandro was only 19. RIP
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Ryan Mallett GF's Message After Tragic Drowning Death ... 'I'm So sorry I couldn’t save you'
It's only been a week since former NFL QB Ryan Mallett's tragic death ... a moment obviously still weighing heavy on his girlfriend, as she shared in a heartbreaking message.
Madison Carter took to Facebook Sunday night, writing, "I prayed for you for 27 years, and we finally found each other. I trust that God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I will ever understand why this happened. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, and I hope you know how hard I tried."
She goes on to talk about how loving Mallett was, always looking for the good in the world ... a trait many who knew him outside of football were quick to notice about Ryan.
Madison continues, "We were planning our future. We were just getting started. I’m sure some think we’re crazy for feeling the way we did about each other in such a short time. I thought we were crazy at first too. But you helped me understand that when two souls connect the way ours did, love has no set timeline."
It was June 27 when Mallett drowned in Florida, a spokesperson for the Okaloosa Co. Sheriff's Office called the incident a "tragic loss of life," but indicated there were no dangerous conditions at the beach to cause Mallett's death.
In closing, Carter writes, "I don’t know how I’ll ever get past this. But I’m so honored to love you and be loved by you. You changed my life, and I’m forever grateful for the time we had. No amount of time would have ever been enough. I love you, Ryan. Please watch over us. I can’t wait to see you again."
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Doomed Titanic Submersible 5 Passengers Were In Darkness ... To The Bitter End
Frightening new details have emerged about the 5 people trapped inside the Titanic-bound sub ... and what they experienced leading up to their deaths, which was nothing less than a nightmare come true.
The doomed passengers were engulfed in darkness the entire time they were inside the Titan submersible while descending into the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean to view the wreckage of the Titanic on June 18, according to the New York Times.
As you know, Titan imploded after it took off on its voyage from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, killing everybody on board, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, whose company ran the ill-fated operation.
Christine Dawood, whose husband Shahzada and son Suleman also perished, told the NYT .... Rush turned off all the floodlights on the way down to the ocean floor to conserve battery power for the tour of the Titanic, leaving the passengers in almost total darkness.
Dawood said the only light in the sub came from glowing marine organisms, such as flaming fungus, shimmering squid, and flashing fish. She noted laptop computer screens provided slightly more illumination, but that was it.
Christine also said OceanGate recommended the passengers download their favorite tunes onto their phones so they could listen to the tracks on a Bluetooth speaker for what was supposed to be a four-hour expedition. Country music, though, was barred from everyone's playlist.
Dawood learned all this information because she was present during the tutorial to go over safety procedures before her husband and son launched to sea.
Perhaps even more chilling ... Christina said she was originally scheduled to go on the trip with her husband in 2019. But COVID interrupted their plans, and her son eventually took her seat on the deadly journey after he met the age requirement this year.
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Vegas Financier Jay Bloom Here's Why My Son & I Skipped Titan Sub ... Too Many Red Flags
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Jay Bloom and his son, Sean, dodged death by skipping a ride on the doomed Titan submersible at the last minute -- and, now they're explaining why ... red flags galore.
The multimillionaire Vegas tycoon -- who recently disclosed he and his boy were on the verge of being passengers themselves -- were out in Bev Hills and he further explained what he and Sean saw that gave them major pause.
It sounds like it was the younger Bloom in this instance that might've saved his old man -- based on what he describes here ... common sense and good judgment kicked in.
Take a listen for yourself ... Sean says there were a few things that stood out to him when he did his research -- including the fact that OceanGate's CEO, Stockton Rush, was literally piloting this thing with nothing more than a Logitech video game controller.
That spelled trouble to Sean ... as did the actual construction/makeup of the vessel itself, which Sean wisely surmised would not be able to withstand the ocean's immense pressure at those far-down depths. While Titan had completed successful voyages up until that point, something in Sean's gut told him to steer clear ... and they obviously chose correctly.
As we all know ... the five people aboard, including Rush, perished after the sub imploded. Their spots were given to another father-son duo (Shahzada and Suleman Dawood) which is something that, as Jay and Sean explain, lingers. As they say, it could've been them.
Jay believes that Stockton's decision-making did not come from a bad place... but he was just so passionate about his project that it clouded his judgment.
Now, here's the kicker ... Jay and Sean say their prospective Titanic exploration days are NOT behind them, despite everything that's unfolded. In fact, they're down to go down there ... but with the right person.
Take a guess at who they have in mind.
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France In Flames Riots Hit Paris 'Burb and Other Cities After Police Kill Teen
France was roiled by riots for a fourth night Friday after police killed a 17-year-old as the country's leader, Emmanuel Macron, blasted the protesters.
Mobs of people went on an evening rampage through the streets of a Paris suburb, where the teen, identified as Nahel M, was fatally shot by cops during a traffic stop Tuesday.
The crowds expressed their fury over Nahel's death by smashing windows and setting cars and buildings ablaze. They also violently clashed with cops in riot gear as more than 1,300 demonstrators were arrested and detained overnight all across France.
France's Interior Ministry said 2,560 fires were reported on public roads, 1,350 cars were burned, and there were 234 incidents involving damaged or charred buildings.
In addition, police were attacked 58 times by militants and 79 officers suffered injuries. A total of 45,000 cops were dispatched Friday to quell the chaos in the Paris suburb and other towns and cities like Marseille.
President Macron condemned the combatants, accusing them of justifying their anarchy by "unacceptable exploitation of the adolescent's death."
But the boy's mother, Mounia, sees it differently, blaming the police for killing her son and taking part in the protests while screaming, "Justice for Nahel."
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'1000-LB Sisters' Tammy Slaton Husband Caleb Willingham Dead At 40
10:41 AM PT -- Tammy just released a statement regarding Caleb's passing, writing, "I am devastated to share the news of my husband’s passing. He was my best friend and I loved him dearly.
"When I met Caleb he became my guardian angel and now he really is watching over me. Our families appreciate everyone’s sympathy and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Caleb Willingham, best known as the husband of "1000-Lb. Sisters" star Tammy Slaton, has died.
His stepmom, Shirley Willingham, confirmed the sad news to TMZ ... but couldn’t provide further details or a cause of death.
As you might know, Caleb -- nicknamed "Killa K" or "Double K," was an infrequent, yet much-beloved character on the reality show alongside Tammy chronicling their constant battle with weight. In 2022, the two met at a rehab facility in Ohio, where they underwent treatment for obesity and they tied the knot that same year.
Weeks later, Slaton told People mag, "Our wedding day was perfect, there was so much love in the room. I literally married my best friend."
But The Sun reported the couple split in May because Caleb was not following his diet, and Tammy was reportedly getting set to file for divorce.
Caleb was 40.
RIP
Originally Published -- 6:05 AM PT
Ex-WWE Star Darren Drozdov Dead At 54
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Former WWE star Darren Drozdov -- who was tragically paralyzed after suffering an injury during a match in 1999 -- has died ... the wrestling org. announced Friday.
He was 54 years old.
"There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now," Drozdov's family said in a statement. "We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to everyone. All of his fans, teammates, colleagues, and friends for all the love and support he received over the years."
WWE is saddened to learn that Darren Drozdov passed away on Friday, June 30, at age 54.
— WWE (@WWE) June 30, 2023 @WWE
WWE extends its condolences to Darren Drozdov’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/7gDRO0tiGl pic.twitter.com/EqPtbGIPy8
"You all gave him meaning, purpose and something to live for," the Drozdov family continued. "He loved each and every one of you and cherished the conversations, notes and letters he received. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you've shown him, he loved you back."
Drozdov's family added that he passed away due to natural causes.
Drozdov was initially introduced to the sports world through football ... when he played noseguard in the NFL for three seasons.
But, following the end of his playing days, he found his true calling in wrestling ... first appearing in the ECW -- before debuting with the WWE in 1998.
Drozdov initially competed under the pseudonym "Puke" -- a nickname he had previously been given for his affinity for throwing up during football games -- but, he later wrestled as "Droz" ... gaining fame for the way he teamed up with the Road Warriors.
Sadly, in Oct. 1999 -- just as his wrestling career looked poised to take off -- he broke his neck in a match with D'Lo Brown ... and was paralyzed from the neck down.
He eventually gained movement in his arms and upper body -- but he would still require a wheelchair to get around for the rest of his life. He did, though, remain steadfast that Brown was not to blame for the incident -- and the two stayed friends over the years.
Following Drozdov's passing Friday ... Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson penned an emotional tribute to the wrestler, writing on his social media page, "We wrestled on a lot of cards together. Such an awesome dude."
"Great personality and great wrestling talent," he added. "We always talked about football and fishing. Sending love, strength, mana and light to his family. RIP brother."
Rest in peace.
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Alan Arkin Dead At 89
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Alan Arkin, the Oscar and Tony-winning actor, most famous for playing Edwin the grandfather in "Little Miss Sunshine, has died.
Alan's sons confirmed the actor died Friday morning at his home, telling People, “Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man. A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed.”
The legendary actor started as a stage performer, joining Chicago's Second City comedy troupe as an early member before making his Broadway debut in 1961 in "From the Second City" ... picking up a Tony 2 years later for his work in "Enter Laughing."
Alan's worked consistently through the decades -- most notably in films like "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," receiving an Oscar nomination for his performance ... as well as other projects like "The In-Laws," "Argo," and "Little Miss Sunshine," for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
His lengthy list of credits also includes projects like "The Kominsky Method," "Inspector Clouseau," "Edward Scissorhands," "The Rocketeer," "Will & Grace," and "Glengarry Glen Ross."
TMZ broke the story, he suffered a stroke in 2015, although there was no major damage.
He was 89.
RIP
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Nike Relaunching Kobe Bryant Line ... By Kobe Day on 8/24!
Nike is gearing up to relaunch Kobe Bryant's line with the Swoosh, the sportswear giant's CEO announced to investors on Thursday ... and fans won't have to wait long, products are expected to drop before the end of August!
CEO John Donahue spoke on an earnings call this week, where he announced some seriously awesome news ... "It's going to be an exciting summer as we set the stage to relaunch the Kobe brand in advance of Kobe Day on 8.24," JD said.
Donahue, nor Nike, expounded further, so specifics surrounding Kobe's brand are still unclear.
A relaunch wasn't always a foregone conclusion. The longtime partnership between Nike and Kobe/KB's estate came to an end in April 2021 when a new contract could not be agreed upon.
Fast forward to March 2022 ... when Vanessa Bryant announced the estate reached a new deal with Nike, restoring one of the most successful partnerships in shoewear history.
At the time, Vanessa said of the new agreement ... "We're excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! I am so proud that my husband's shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remains so desired by his fans around the world."
Bryant continued ... "With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike products for years to come and with Nike donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation."
Since the reunion, the releases from Nike have been sparse. There were Kobe 4 and 6's released on a limited basis, but there haven't been any major drops.
If you listen to Donahue, it sounds like it's only a matter of time ... Kobe Day (8/24) is just 55 days away.
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French Prez Emmanuel Macron What, Me Worry??? Hits Up Elton John Concert Amid Riots
French Prez Emmanuel Macron got his groove on Thursday night in Paris, as rioters hit the streets protesting a police shooting that killed a 17-year-old.
Macron and his wife hit up Elton John's Farewell Tour in Paris, seeming at least on the surface unbothered by the explosion of violence in his country.
The riots were triggered by a confrontation Tuesday in the city of Nanterre, who French police fatally shot a driver in the chest ... after the 17-year-old tried to leave the scene.
Rioters hit the streets in several cities. So far more than 600 hundred people have been arrested for starting fires, looting and other crimes.
Macron has said the riots are just an excuse to commit crimes, calling it "an unacceptable exploitation of the adolescent's death."
Some rioters have compared the police shooting to the George Floyd murder.
The officer has been charged with voluntary homicide.
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Travis Scott No Criminal Charges for Astroworld Tragedy
2:05 PM PT -- A rep for Travis Scott tells TMZ, "Travis Scott will not be charged with criminal charges or any wrongdoing for his involvement with Astroworld festival."
The rep continues, "Today's decision by the Harris County District Attorney confirms what we have known all along - that Travis Scott is not responsible for the Astroworld tragedy. This is consistent with investigative reporting by numerous media outlets and federal and state government reports that have squarely placed the onus for event safety crises on organizers, operators and contractors -- not performers."
The rep concludes, "While waiting patiently for the District Attorney’s decision to not file charges, Travis Scott has been inaccurately and wrongly singled out, despite stopping the show three separate times and being unaware of the events as they were unfolding. Now that this chapter is closed, we hope for the government efforts to focus on what is most important - stopping future heartbreaking tragedies like Astroworld from ever occurring again."
12:22 PM PT -- Sources close to Travis expect he won't be charged.
Travis Scott is in the crosshairs of a Texas grand jury ... facing possible criminal prosecution for the deadly Astroworld tragedy.
The rapper's lawyer, Kent Schaffer, tells TMZ ... the Harris County Grand Jury is meeting now, to decide whether his client should be prosecuted for continuing to perform at the 2021 festival as thousands of people in the crowd stampeded ... causing 10 people to die and an untold number injured.
Travis' attorney tells us the rapper will NOT be testifying and his team remains hopeful the jurors will agree Travis did not commit any crime.
Travis has maintained from the beginning he had no idea there was a stampede and points to the fact many police officers in the crowd who were responsible for the safety of the fans were clueless as well. In fact, you see in the videos some cops dancing as Travis performs.
The deadly concert sparked a number of civil lawsuits against Travis and the festival's organizers ... but he has never been criminally charged.
We reached out to the Harris County District Attorney's Office ... and they declined to comment.
Originally Published -- 11:58 AM PT