SINÉAD O'CONNOR Died Inside London Home ... No Foul Play
New details have emerged in the death of Sinéad O'Connor … the singer was discovered unconscious inside a London home and police do not believe foul play was a factor.
Scotland Yard says cops responded Wednesday morning to a report of an unresponsive woman at a residence in the southeast part of the UK capital. When officers arrived, they found Sinéad already dead, but they tried to revive her, though nothing could be done. The coroner will perform an autopsy to determine Sinéad's cause of death.
Best known for her 1990 smash hit "Nothing Compares 2 U," Sinéad had reportedly moved back to London recently after leaving the city 23 years ago and was preparing to go on tour in 2024.
In the last few years, Sinéad's life was marked by tragedy, including the death of her 17-year-old son, Shane, who died by suicide in January 2022. All of it had a negative impact on Sinéad and troubled her deeply.
Back in March, Sinéad was seen smiling from ear to ear while accepting the Classic Irish Album award at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize in Dublin.
Sinéad was 56.
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Sinéad O'Connor Dead at 56
11:19 AM PT -- Sinéad O'Connor's family tells The Irish Times, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
Sinéad O'Connor, the acclaimed singer behind "Nothing Compares 2 U" has died.
The Irish Times was first to report the news, without much detail, it's unclear where O'Connor died or the circumstances surrounding her death.
The last few years of Sinéad's life were marked with tragedy, including the death of her son, 17-year-old Shane, who died by suicide in January 2022. Prior to his death, Shane was on suicide watch inside an Irish hospital ... but he'd gone missing from the hospital just two days earlier.
After his death, Sinéad released a statement saying, "My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O'Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God. May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace."
Sinéad has had her own personal struggles with mental health, she was reported missing and suicidal in Chicago back in 2016 ... but was later found safe. In an interview with Dr. Phil, Sinéad admitted she'd attempted suicide 8 times in one year.
Sinéad's music career kicked off in a big way with the release of "The Lion and the Cobra" -- her first album -- back in 1987. The album earned her a Grammy nom for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and reached gold status.
However, Sinéad's 1990 album, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" -- which contained her biggest hit, "Nothing Compares 2 U" -- propelled her to stardom. The single, written by Prince, scored her a win for Video of the Year at the MTV Video Awards.
Sinéad continued to record, release and tour music over the next several decades, but announced she was postponing all of her tour dates in 2020 until 2022 to enter a one-year trauma and addiction treatment program. At the time, she stated, "I had a very traumatic six years and this year was the end of it but now recovery starts."
Sinéad announced her retirement from music in June 2021.
She's survived by her three children, Jake, Roisin and Yeshua.
Sinéad was only 56.
RIP
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Originally Published -- 11:05 AM PT
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Conor McGregor Mourns Sinéad O'Connor's Death ... 'An Irish Treasure'
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Conor McGregor was devastated to learn of the passing of musical icon Sinéad O'Connor on Wednesday ... telling TMZ Sports he considered her "an international star and an Irish treasure."
The UFC fighter grew close to the singer throughout his career in the Octagon ... particularly after she sang during his walkout at UFC 189 in Las Vegas.
Sinead O'Connor, Conor McGregor and the thousands of Irish fans who had taken over Las Vegas for UFC 189 gave us one of the most incredible walkouts the UFC has ever seen.
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) March 17, 2021 @ufcontnt
Happy St. Patrick's Day 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/MaptngxHuf
You'll recall ... during the July 2015 performance, she belted out "The Foggy Dew" -- and many have since considered it one of the best entrances to a UFC fight ever.
In fact, McGregor himself called it "an honor to go out to that" ... adding that it was "go-to-war music."
Following her death this week, McGregor told us in a statement he was absolutely heartbroken.
"The world has lost a beautiful voice and an even more beautiful person," he said. "I am honored to have known her, to have played her music both in and out of the Octagon. God rest Sinéad."
He later added in a tweet, "Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot."
The Irish Times was first to report the news of O'Connor's passing ... though the circumstances surrounding her death are still unclear.
She was just 56 years old.
RIP.
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Sinéad O'Connor Expressed Heartache Over Son's Suicide Days Before Her Own Death
Sinéad O'Connor was a mother in agony in the days leading up to her death ... expressing her heartache over her 17-year-old son's suicide, and revealing she was living as an "undead night creature."
O'Connor was very open with her emotions on social media, opening up about Shane's 2022 suicide in a post on July 17. Sinéad wrote, "Been living as undead night creature since. . He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him."
Shane was clearly always on her mind, in a video posted July 8, the singer showed off her apartment, making note of her own appearance, saying, "I look like s*** either way, which is why I didn't want to make a video ... but you know, the way your kid unfortunately passing away it isn't good for ones body, or soul to be fair."
Shortly after his death in 2022, Sinéad released a statement, saying, "My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O'Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God. May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace."
As we reported, Sinéad's family told The Irish Times of her death Wednesday in a statement that read, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The singer's had her own battles with mental health over the years, including an incident in 2016 where she went missing and was suicidal in Chicago. She was later located safe.
Sinéad's cause of death is currently unknown.
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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Barack Obama Personal Chef Drowns Near Martha's Vineyard Estate
Barack and Michelle Obama's personal chef, who used to cook for them at the White House, is dead ... after drowning in water near the couple's Martha's Vineyard estate.
Tafari Campbell's body was found by divers Monday after going missing Sunday night in water that backs up to the Obama's compound ... this according to police in Massachusetts.
In a statement, Barack and Michelle say Tafari was a beloved part of their family and their hearts break over his death.
The Obamas are remembering Tafari as a talented sous chef who was "creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together" ... and as a "warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter."
Police say they received reports Sunday of a missing paddleboarder, and a search of the waters near the Obama estate ended Monday morning when divers recovered Tafari's body from Edgartown Great Pond.
Cops say Tafari's body was found 100 feet from shore and 8 feet below the surface.
The Obamas were not home at the time of the incident, according to police, and an investigation into Tafari's death is underway.
Tafari is survived by his wife, Sherise, and their twin boys, Zavier and Savin. He was 45.
RIP
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'Married To Medicine' 3-Year-Old Drowns In Quad Webb's Pool
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12:06 PM PT -- A source close to Quad Webb tells us the young girl, Ari, who died is Quad's great niece. Quad's rep tells us, "Quad Webb and family have suffered the loss of two beloved family members, in separate occasions, in just one week. This has been an incredibly challenging experience for the entire family. Your understanding and support are deeply valued."
"In this trying time, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and compassion shown by the public, fans and media. We kindly request much needed privacy during this period of mourning as Quad is taking time to grieve with her family.”
A tragic story out of Atlanta, as 3-year-old girl has drowned in the home swimming pool of "Married to Medicine" star Quad Webb ... TMZ has confirmed.
Law enforcement sources tell us police and fire in Cobb County responded to a drowning at Quad's Marietta home July 7. Two men told officers they were hanging out around the pool before going inside -- later noticing what they thought was a doll floating in the water ... according to a police report, obtained by WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta.
The report states the men immediately called 911 after realizing it was the little girl. The child who drowned is Aryanna "Ari" Rice, daughter of Tamica Webb. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.
It's unclear if Quad was at home at the time of the incident.
Quad posted about a girl named "Ari" turning 3 earlier this year ... writing, "I remember you falling to sleep laying on my chest ... You're so special to me and I'm grateful to be apart of your life! I got you forever!!!"
She spoke out about Ari back in 2020 when she was born, telling The Daily Dish she's "not my adopted daughter" ... noting the child has a mother, but adding she's in a supportive role for her.
We've reached out to Quad's rep for comment ... so far, no word back.
Originally Published -- 11:36 AM PT
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YNW Melly Judge Declares Mistrial ... In Double Murder Case
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11:18 AM PT -- 7/22 -- Broward County State Attorney’s office confirmed this week they're gearing up for a retrial, with a hearing set for this Friday.
YNW Melly's years-long double murder case has just ended in dramatic fashion ... he's off the hook, for now, 'cause a judge just declared a mistrial.
The rapper got the good news Saturday in a Broward County courtroom -- where the jury actually came in on a weekend to reaffirm they had not been able to come to a unanimous decision, this after starting deliberations on Thursday ... following closing arguments.
Judge in YNW Melly Trial declared mistrial after jury couldn’t come to a conclusion 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ReopQHQJta
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) July 22, 2023 @shannonsharpeee
It's one of the wildest hip hop murder cases to happen ... Melly and his co-defendant Cortlen -- aka, YNW Bortlen -- Henry were accused of killing their friends Christopher “Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “Sakchaser” Williams in South Florida circa October 2018.
Investigators used forensic evidence to argue Melly and Henry fatally shot the pair in the back of a Jeep Compass and staged the scene to look like a drive-by. The killings, at the time, were described as gruesome ... and alleged to have been carried out in cold blood.
Apparently, however, that wasn't enough to sway the jury ... at least not all of them, anyway.
Melly had been locked up since February 2019 while he awaited trial but the time away didn't hurt his rap career. Fans streamed his music faithfully and ran the numbers up ... his discography now has 10 platinum and gold plaques when he had zilch when he was initially arrested for the murders. Remember, he was facing the death penalty ... so high stakes.
Now, Melly's a free man ... that is, assuming prosecutors don't go after him again -- which they certainly can. It's unclear if the state plans to do it all over again ... stay tuned.
Originally Published -- 7/22 11:49 AM PT
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Tony Bennett Memorials Pop Up Around Country After Music Legend's Death
Tony Bennett's music will leave a lasting impression in the history of the business, and his death is already hitting home for millions ... with memorials popping up around the U.S.A.
Check out the beautiful flowers laid next to Tony's statue at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The arrangement was reportedly ordered by the hotel itself ... and the building served as the first place Tony ever sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" back in 1961.
Fans also flocked to Tony's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Friday to pay their respects and leave flowers on his marker ... a common sign after a celeb death on the Walk.
Of course, New York City is also showing love to Tony, there's been a bouquet left on a bench in Central Park -- the same spot Tony posed for a cute pic with his pooch while out on a walk.
As we reported ... Tony died at home in NYC Friday after a several-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. The singer was first diagnosed in 2016 but didn't announce it until 2021 ... he last performed at Radio City Music Hall with Lady Gaga in 2021.
RIP to a legend.
We discussed Tony's legacy on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
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Tony Bennett Dead at 96
Tony Bennett, the legendary singer and songwriter of numerous classic American standards is dead ... according to his publicist
Sylvia Weiner confirmed to the Associated Press that Tony died Friday at his home in New York City. While no cause of death was revealed, Tony had battled Alzheimer's disease ... he first announced his diagnosis in 2016.
Tony set a standard for American crooners with timeless hits like his 1962 classic, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco," and, in the process, earned generations of fans and admirers within the music industry ... from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga.
He released more than 70 albums over a career that spanned 7 decades and earned him 19 Grammys. Most recently, he recorded, performed and toured with Lady Gaga ... who had a deep admiration for him, personally and professionally.
In fact, his last public appearance came with Gaga at Radio City Music Hall in August 2021, two months before his last release, the Bennett-Gaga set “Love For Sale,” the sequel to their chart-topping 2014 collaboration “Cheek to Cheek.”
That album enabled him to break his own record as the oldest living performer with a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. He was 88 at the time.
- Three years earlier, he topped the charts with “Duets II,” featuring such contemporary stars as Gaga, Carrie Underwood and Amy Winehouse, in her last studio recording
His rapport with Winehouse was captured in the Oscar-nominated documentary “Amy,” which showed Bennett patiently encouraging the insecure young singer through a performance of “Body and Soul.”
Despite his medical challenges, Tony continued performing and recording until 2021.
Tony was 96.
RIP
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Gilgo Beach Murders Cops Think Suspect Killed in His Home ... While Family Was Gone
Investigators in the Gilgo Beach murders case are digging into a grisly theory -- the suspected serial killer might have murdered his victims in his family's home.
Rex Heuermann lives in Massapequa Park, NY, roughly 15 miles away from Gilgo Beach, and since the spring, detectives have been looking into whether any of the victims were killed there ... according to a source who spoke to CNN.
According to the report, the source claimed the disappearances went down during times when Heuermann's family was out of town, leading investigators to theorize he potentially lured victims to the home.
Investigators think Heuermann would've had a big advantage using his own home, where he'd more easily be able to access materials like burlap bags ... and as you know, the 4 bodies found over a decade ago were wrapped in burlap.
As we reported, Heuermann was taken into custody last week in connection with some of the killings -- a total of 11 sets of human remains have been found at Gilgo, which included multiple sex workers, a man, and a toddler.
A lot of chilling details have surfaced in the week since his arrest ... including an account from a former escort who claims she went on a "date" with Heuermann while the murders were happening. She says he brought up the Gilgo Beach killings and was oddly enthusiastic about it.
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Gillie Da Kid's Son YNG Cheese Shot Dead In Philly
Gillie Da Kid's son YNG Cheese was shot and killed in Philly on Thursday evening, TMZ Hip Hop can confirm as heartfelt tributes flowing in for the "Million Dollarz Worth Of Game" podcaster.
Philadelphia police tell us they responded to a shooting around 8:24 PM on the block of 5800 Mascher Street and when officers arrived, they found three shooting victims, including YNG Cheese, real name Devin Spady, who had been shot in the back.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
We're told YNG Cheese later succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital ... prompting his cousin and Gillie's 'MDWOG' cohost Wallo to take to IG for a heartfelt eulogy, where he promised to continue to speak out for good.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Cops are still investigating but tell us they are currently looking for a potential suspect with a light complexion male, either Black or Hispanic.
YNG Cheese was 25.
RIP.
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Tyson Fury Man Found Guilty ... For Murder Of Boxer's Cousin
The man who stabbed Tyson Fury's cousin to death last year has been found guilty of murder by a jury following a three-week trial.
After three and a half hours of deliberation on Friday, the jury announced their verdict, finding 22-year-old Liam O'Pray guilty of the killing of 31-year-old Rico Burton, Tyson's cousin, and wounding with intent.
As we previously reported, Burton was stabbed in the left side of his neck with a 7-inch blade after a fight at a popular bar in Altrincham, Cheshire last August.
The fatal stab wound caused major blood loss, as it severed the major carotid artery in his neck.
O'Pray was also found guilty of injuring an 18-year-old, Harvey Reilly, in the same incident.
According to The Sun, witnesses said O'Pray was drinking and acting "very erratic" prior to the brawl with Burton and his friends around 3 AM.
Fury was devastated over his cousin's tragic death and called for the UK government to hand down harsher punishment for knife crimes.
"My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck," the heavyweight boxer said on IG last August.
"This is becoming ridiculous idiots carry knives. This needs to stop 🛑 Asap, uk 🇬🇧 government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime, its a pandemic & you dont know how bad it is until its 1 of your own!"
"Life is very precious & it can be taken away very quick enjoy every moment🙏RIP RICO BURTON 🙏 may the lord god grant you a good place in heaven. see you soon 🔜🙏"
O'Pray, who faces life in prison, will be sentenced on August 4.
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Ex-NFL Star Aqib Talib Brother Pleads Guilty To Murder ... In Youth Football Shooting Case
The brother of ex-NFL star Aqib Talib, Yaqub Talib, has pled guilty to murder ... stemming from his role in the shooting of a youth football coach last summer.
A rep for the Dallas County District Attorney's Office tells TMZ Sports ... Yaqub entered the plea this week -- agreeing to be sentenced to 37 years in prison.
Formal sentencing for the 40-year-old has been slated for August 7, the rep said.
Yaqub was initially accused of pulling out a firearm and shooting Michael Hickmon following an argument at an Aug. 13, 2022 youth football game involving a team that the Talib brothers were helping coach.
According to a lawsuit against the Talibs filed by Hickmon's family, the Talib brothers had gotten upset with Hickmon -- who was helping coach the opposing team -- over a call on the field ... and abruptly ended the game.
When Hickmon then went to retrieve the game ball -- he was allegedly "confronted" by Aqib, who, according to the lawsuit, threw a punch.
Hickmon's family said in their suit that after Hickmon "defensively backpedaled," Yaqub then pulled out a handgun and fired five shots -- striking Hickmon with several bullets. Hickmon later died at a local hospital.
The alleged altercation was captured on cell phone video by bystanders.
Aqib Talib Sued Over Fatal Shooting At Youth Football Game
An attorney for Aqib said in a statement following the confrontation, "Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life. He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy."
The five-time Pro Bowler -- who starred for the Buccaneers, Broncos, Patriots and Rams in his career -- has not been charged criminally over his alleged role in the incident.
He's yet to publicly comment on his brother's plea.
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'Final Destination' IRL Fatal Car Crash With Log Truck ... Lumber Falls On Car
A woman in Florida suffered a horrific death after her car collided with a log truck -- causing the contents to tumble onto her vehicle ... a terrifying ordeal that's eerily familiar to "Final Destination" fans.
The 25-year-old woman was driving her SUV on SR 200 Tuesday around 12:45 AM when the incident went down. According to Florida Highway Patrol, she was in the outside lane behind a semi-truck that was hauling logs, but allegedly wasn't keeping a safe distance.
The woman reportedly hit the truck, which caused the lumber to fall on her car -- the Fernandina Beach local was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.
If this sounds like something out of a horror movie, it is ... because 2003's "Final Destination 2" -- a franchise known for freaky deaths -- featured a scene involving a fatal car crash and falling logs.
In the movie, Kimberly, played by A.J. Cook, has a vision of the fictional Route 23 pileup in New York, killing 18 people. The devastation starts after logs fall off a truck, smashing through a cop car and killing the officer.
What makes this week's real-life tragedy even more ominous is its location -- in the movie, Kimberly is heading to Florida for spring break when the pileup occurs.
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USWNT Safe In New Zealand After Mass Shooting
A mass shooting broke out in New Zealand near where the U.S. women's national soccer team is gearing up for this week's World Cup ... but, thankfully, officials for the squad said all of its players and staffers are safe.
According to New Zealand police, gunshots initially rang out on Wednesday morning at a construction site in Auckland's CBD -- just a few miles from where the USWNT and other countries are slated to compete in the prestigious soccer tournament.
Police said a shooter opened fire inside the site at around 7:22 AM ... and then continued moving through the building while repeatedly discharging his gun.
BREAKING: Multiple people killed in Auckland, New Zealand mass shooting - NZHerald pic.twitter.com/COuI0A8IPl
— BNO News (@BNONews) July 19, 2023 @BNONews
Cops say when they arrived on scene, officers attempted to engage the gunman ... who had barricaded himself inside of an elevator shaft.
"Further shots were fired from the male," cops said in a statement ... "he was located deceased a short time later."
Authorities say two people -- plus the suspect -- died during the incident. Several others, they added, were injured.
The USWNT said in a statement following the tragedy that "all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe."
"Our security team is in communication with local authorities," team officials continued, "and we are proceeding with our daily schedule."
The 23.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 10, 2023 @USWNT
We can’t wait to represent you Down Under 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/mXjaRRAZ08
New Zealand officials added that while the situation was "alarming," they believe the incident "has been contained and is an isolated" one.
"We can also advise that this is not a national security risk," they said.
The World Cup is slated to kick off in Auckland on Thursday ... when New Zealand takes on Norway at Eden Park.
The USWNT, meanwhile, is scheduled to begin its group play at Eden Park on Friday against Vietnam.
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Biggie Murder Investigator Weighs In on Pac Vegas Warrant ... A Long Time Coming
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A former detective who worked on The Notorious B.I.G. murder case -- which overlapped with Tupac's murder -- says Vegas PD might finally be able to close the infamous case ... especially in light of whose home they raided.
Greg Kading gained extensive knowledge of both Pac and B.I.G.'s murders while he was with LAPD, and joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" to offer insight into the Henderson, NV raid. We broke the story ... Vegas cops searched the home of Paula Clemons Monday night, and they say it was in connection with the still-open Tupac murder case.
Paula's husband is a guy named Keefe D, and Kading says Keefe has spoken openly about his involvement with Tupac's murder for years now -- alleging his nephew and fellow Crip Orlando Anderson was the trigger man that fateful night in 1996.
Kading says Keefe first confessed to this way back in 2009, during a police interview conducted by Kading. He says they struck a deal with Keefe, so they couldn't use the info he provided to prosecute him -- but he says that deal went out the window the moment Keefe started telling his story in public.
Kading suspects Keefe still thinks he's safe from prosecution, but the fact cops now appear to be zeroing in on him -- or at least, his loved ones -- will probably make him realize he's mistaken.
As for why Vegas cops are jumping on this now -- Kading tells us they might have been working on this in recent years, and only now have all the pieces lined up to prosecute someone.
He's hoping this big break will finally lead to solid, official answers about Tupac's murder.