Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Former Escort and Stylist Says She Dined with Rex Heuermann in 2015
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More than 4 years after the bodies of at least 8 sex workers were found on Long Island's Gilgo Beach, a former escort and current stylist says she had dinner with accused killer Rex Heuermann, and she says she knew he was the serial killer.
TMZ interviewed Nikki Brass for Sunday's Fox documentary, "TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs," and she describes in great detail how she spent an evening with Heuermann at a Long Island restaurant, 45 miles from where the bodies were buried.
She says during their dinner in 2015, he asked if she was a fan of true crime, which she was. He then asked if she was familiar with the Gilgo Beach murders, and she said of course she was.
Then things turned ... according to Nikki, Heuermann was not so much talking about the murders as he was bragging about them. She was so creeped out, she called a friend to pick her up.
When dinner was over, Heuermann asked her to come home with him, and she declined. Nikki says he got angry and she left.
Nikki, who is now a stylist, says the way he spoke about the murders, she was convinced Heuermann was the Gilgo Beach serial killer and told many of her friends for years.
She didn't go to cops because she was on probation for a drug offense.
"TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs" airs Sunday on FOX at 9 PM ET, 8 Central.
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Man Splits In Half Plunges 750 Feet To His Death Off New York City High-Rise
A man died a gruesome death after jumping roughly 750 feet to his death in NYC ... and he reportedly ended up split in 2 on the pavement.
The man made his fatal jump from the top of the Deutsche Bank Center Thursday night in Manhattan, located on what many call "Billionaire's Row" in Columbus Circle. Creating even more of a spectacle is the fact he ended up slamming into the glass marquee above the entrance to the ritzy Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which is part of the same building.
His body was reportedly split in half by the impact with the marquee -- parts of his body were found across the street on construction scaffolding which was dripping with blood.
The 55-story building houses the hotel, several companies and super expensive luxury apartments where celebs like Jay-Z and Gisele Bündchen have once lived.
It's unclear if the man, who was in pajamas when found dead, worked or lived in the building at the time ... but some reports claim he might have taken a service elevator to the top before meeting his demise.
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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Quavo 🚀 Power Liftoff!!! Dedicates Album to Takeoff, Who Raps On It
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Quavo's mourning of Takeoff hit its apex Thursday evening with a high-powered listening session for his album, "Rocket Power" ... which he's dedicated to the late Migos rapper.
TMZ Hip Hop obtained video from inside the Hayden Planetarium in NYC, where Quavo previewed the album for some lucky fans, and spoke openly about his pain.
He told the crowd he's been floating through life since Takeoff's death -- comparing it to an out-of-body experience -- and thanked fans for still rocking with him.
Takeoff was shot and killed back in November, just as he and Quavo were revving up the promotion for their joint album.
Luckily, he left behind material Quavo was able to use for this solo project, and Takeoff actually helps kick off the album with the song "Patty Cake."
The album was officially released Friday, and also features Future and Young Thug ... but the main theme remains R.I.P. to Takeoff.
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Gilgo Beach Serial Murders Alleged Killer ID'd by Witness in 2010 ... Cops Ignored Critical Information
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The alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann, could have been nabbed in 2010 -- 13 years before his arrest -- if only cops had taken a guy named Dave Schaller seriously.
Schaller, who appears in our latest documentary -- "TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs" -- was roommates with Amber Costello, one of the "Gilgo 4."
In 2010, Amber, a sex worker, had an encounter with a man at her home ... he was paying for a lap dance. Shortly after he arrived, Amber called Dave, telling him the man was trying to rape her.
Dave quickly returned home, walked in the door, and says he saw a giant of a man -- around 6'5" -- standing ominously in the living room. Dave told him to leave, and the guy refused. Dave ended up grabbing the guy, trying to get him out, and a fight ensued.
Eventually, the guy left in what Dave says was either a green or black Chevy Avalanche.
A month later, Amber had an appointment with a man and never returned home. The second she went missing, Dave knew it was the same man who was there a month earlier. Dave says Amber needed the money so she took a fatal chance.
After Amber's body was found, Dave was interviewed by police and told them the story, describing the man in great detail, "right down to his beady-ass eyes." He followed up 2 more times with cops, but they never chased down the lead.
Had cops run registrations for anyone in Long Island who had a green or black Avalanche, they could have then looked at the driver's licenses of the registered owners and they would have found a 6'5" man who fit Dave's description to a tee. That man was Rex Heuermann, and the Avalance was routinely parked in his driveway.
Authorities and others we spoke with say ... it's likely the serial killer killed other women after his encounter with Amber Costello.
"TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Murders: Missed Warning Signs," airs Sunday on Fox at 9 PM ET, 8 Central.
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Max Holloway The Government Failed Lahaina ... Heartbroken Over Fires
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Max Holloway is crushed by what's happening on Maui, and the UFC star, born and raised in Hawaii, believes matters have been made worse by the government's response to the disaster.
TMZ Sports talked to a very emotional Holloway, 31, as he finished preparation for his UFC Fight Night scrap against The Korean Zombie on August 26. Although the fight is going down in Singapore, it was Maui that was very much on Blessed's mind.
"It's tough man. Everything that's going on in Lahaina now is heartbreaking."
As bad as things are, Max says he's seen incredible strength in the community.
"The amazing thing is how Hawaii can come together and pull through. The people of Hawaii are coming strong together."
Of course, Maui is in crisis. The death count is currently at 111, including children, but is expected to rise sharply, as over 1,000 people are still missing. Aside from the tragic loss of life, the area has been ravaged, with hundreds, if not thousands of structures -- homes, businesses -- burned to the ground.
Much of the affected area still hasn't been searched ... and Max says he's not satisfied with the government's response.
"Here, the state, the government at so many levels, I'm straight up going to say it, they failed the people of Lahaina and it's kind of heartbreaking," Holloway said.
"When it felt like they were lollygagging, too, after everything happened, the people, the Hawaiian people, the locals there are the ones that stood up, that took on the responsibility, and are helping, and are still helping as we speak. Man, it's just super heartbreaking."
Because it's clearly having such an effect on Max, we asked him if he considered backing out of the fight. But that wasn't going to happen, because Holloway believes this can be a distraction for the people.
"If I can take their minds off of it for a second, a minute, five minutes, whatever it is, I always go in there thinking Hawaii is on my back. I'm going in there a little bit heavier right now."
As for those people impacted, Max had a message.
"My main message to the families that are directly impacted, stay strong. We're all here for you guys. We're gonna keep this going for you guys. We're in for the long haul on this fight."
"This is just the beginning, and we know. The recovery is going to take a long time. Everything is gone, and we know this, and we're here for the long ride."
If you'd like to help, Max recommended a few organizations that he says are doing incredible work, including an aid fund for residents of Lahaina who lost everything, the Maui Food Bank, and the Hawaii Community Foundation.
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Aaron Carter Death House Sells Bathroom Gets Remodel
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The home where Aaron Carter died has officially sold ... and the bathroom where the singer's body was found has been completely remodeled.
Christie Limpus of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices held the listing, and tells TMZ … Aaron's Lancaster house closed Wednesday for $765,000. You'll recall, it was put on the market in April for just under $850k.
We're told the bathroom got a big facelift, although no photos are being shared of the remodel. The purchase was a probate sale because Aaron died without a will ... and Christie says the keys are being handed over to a happy family.
TMZ broke the story, the money made from the sale was going directly to Aaron's estate, and into a trust for his 1-year-old son, Prince. Remember, Aaron bought the place in 2019 for $430k, and actually put it on the market about a month before he died.
The 4,131-square-foot home has 7 bedrooms, a spacious pool out back with a jacuzzi, and a 4-car garage. Aaron shared a lot of excitement when he first picked it up, and had some work done on it in the years that followed.
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WWE Legend Tammy Sytch Facing Up To 25 Years In Prison ... After Pleading No Contest To DUI Causing Death
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WWE legend Tammy Sytch just pleaded no contest to a felony charge of DUI causing death ... and she's now facing a prison sentence of up to a quarter of a century, TMZ Sports has learned.
The 50-year-old wrestling Hall of Famer was first hit with the count -- and seven others -- back in May 2022 ... after officials alleged she killed a 75-year-old man during a drunken car crash just two months prior.
WWE Legend Tammy Sytch Involved In Fatal Car Crash, Cops Suspect DUI
Sytch had initially pleaded not guilty to all of the charges ... but changed her pleas in a Volusia County courtroom on Wednesday afternoon -- days before the case was slated to go to trial.
According to court documents, in addition to the plea to felony DUI causing death, she also pleaded no contest to one felony charge of driving with license suspended causing death, four misdemeanor counts of DUI with damage to a person, and two misdemeanor charges of DUI with damage to property.
A sentencing hearing for Sytch has not yet been put on the docket ... though, according to court docs, she's facing a maximum sentence of 25 years behind bars whenever it comes up.
Sytch has been in jail since May 2022 in the case ... after prosecutors claimed she crashed her car into the back of another vehicle on a Florida road in March 2022 while it was stopped at a traffic light. The officials alleged at the time of the accident she had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.
Sytch had at first received bond in the case, but days later, she was thrown back in jail after prosecutors called her a danger to the community.
The case was not the first time Sytch had been accused of drinking and driving -- she had also been arrested at least six times for impaired driving before, including back in 2019 in New Jersey.
The former wrestling personality was also jailed last year for allegedly threatening to kill a man with scissors.
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Olympian Helen Smart Dead At 43 Swam For Great Britain In Sydney
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Helen Smart, an Olympic swimmer who represented Great Britain in the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, died suddenly at the age of 43, according to the school where she was working.
"It is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce the sudden death of our beloved Headteacher, Mrs. Helen Smart," an administrator announced on social media, breaking the awful news to students and parents.
As a 19-year-old, Smart (known by her maiden name of Helen Don-Duncan), the British backstroke champion, competed for GB in the 50-meter backstroke and 200-meter backstroke in Australia.
She retired from swimming shortly after, going into education, where Helen became a principal at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in England.
After the school announced Helen's passing, her husband Craig Smart received a ton of love from the community. He responded with a comment of his own, despite dealing with the tremendous loss of his wife.
"Thank you for your kind words. She loved the school, staff, children and parents so much. She was so proud to reach her goal of being Head Teacher. She used to say to me all the time she could never see herself at another school. She was Worsley Mesnes through and through!"
Craig continued, offering some sage life advice ... "Please learn from this and live your best life, no regrets, take lots of photos, make memories and keep smiling just like Helen always did! Love to you all! Xx"
In addition to competing in Sydney, Helen won the bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, in addition to several other titles.
R.I.P.
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KATHARINE MCPHEE Son's Nanny Fatally Run Over in Accident At Toyota Dealership
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Katharine McPhee and David Foster's son's nanny died after an elderly woman at a Toyota dealership ran her over with an SUV.
Our sources say the nanny, Yadira Calito, is the woman who died last week in an incident at a San Fernando Valley car dealership.
The fatal accident happened Wednesday morning at Hamer Toyota when an 84-year-old woman behind the wheel of a Toyota RAV4 crashed into the customer reception area.
Kat's nanny was pinned under the SUV and dragged for about 20 feet before eventually being freed from under the car. She was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, and later pronounced dead.
Police say the elderly driver was taking her car in for service when she hit the gas instead of the brakes ... sending her car from the service bay driveway into the customer reception area. The driver has not been arrested.
Two men working at the Toyota dealership were also injured in the crash ... but both are expected to make full recoveries.
As we reported, Katharine left her concert tour in Asia with David the day after the nanny was hit. At the time, she explained she needed to return home to deal with a family tragedy.
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Alex Collins Crash, 911 Audio Driver 'Hysterical' After Wreck ... 'I Can't Find Him!!!'
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The woman involved in the car crash that killed Alex Collins on Sunday night was "hysterical" after the wreck ... telling cops she did not realize the force of the collision had sent the former NFL star into her vehicle.
"I can't find him!" she can be heard saying in the 911 audio, obtained by TMZ Sports.
The call was placed just a few minutes after Collins' motorcycle had collided with the woman's SUV at around 10:20 PM in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.
The woman told dispatch that Collins had "hit me from behind" ... though she was frantic -- because she had no idea where his body had gone after the crash had occurred.
"I'm trying to look to see where he is," she said.
Minutes later, bystanders can be heard in the background of the call telling her Collins was in her car -- screaming at her to open the vehicle's door ASAP.
As we reported, authorities eventually pronounced Collins dead at the scene. He was just 28 years old.
To one of my favorite teammates.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) August 15, 2023 @DangeRussWilson
You brought joy to every huddle.
Keep Dancin’ in Heaven.
Love you AC. Forever missed. #RIP pic.twitter.com/X6dbhWzifH
The NFL community mourned his passing on Monday ... with his former teammates Russell Wilson, Geno Smith and Robert Griffin III all honoring him with tribute posts on their social media pages.
Others around the league -- including Tyler Lockett, Jimmy Graham and Marlon Humphrey -- sent their condolences as well.
"Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went," said Collins' former team, the Baltimore Ravens. "May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life."
RIP
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Surfer Kai Lenny Critical Of Government Response In Maui ... Leading Citizen Recovery Effort
Pro surfer Kai Lenny has stepped up in a major way after wildfires devastated Maui ... something he says he was forced to do after help from federal and local government never came.
"For some of us, we were kind of sitting back, waiting for help to arrive, but nothing was happening. We were sort of in shock," the 30-year-old Maui resident told CBS News.
Lenny, born and raised in Hawaii (Paia, Maui County), says he began receiving requests for assistance and knew he had to help.
"When I started getting texts and messages from friends on the other side saying, 'Hey, no one is here. Do you know anyone you can call? Can you help us?'"
That's when Kai and other locals started collecting resources, including jet skis and charter planes to transport supplies like clothing, medicine, and food.
Inexplicably, Lenny says the government initially intervened, blocking the airplane from transporting medicine like Insulin ... before ultimately relenting and approving the delivery.
As for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the organization says they have 300 people on the ground in Maui. The Red Cross also says they have 250 disaster workers in the area, too.
Despite what FEMA claims, Kai says he hasn't personally seen a government presence.
"I haven't seen one state, one county, one federal official at any one of the donation hubs where people are most suffering."
The death toll has already reached 99 people, but there are fears it will rise sharply in the coming days, as many people are still missing. Over one thousand structures have also burned to the ground, and the community is shaken.
"At one moment you're in beautiful Hawaii, and it's just another great day, and the next, this amazing tragedy occurs, and it's so violent, I don't know what to do. I haven't prepared for a whole town going up in flames."
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Alex Collins Crash Scene Shows Mangled Motorbike ... Destroyed SUV
Images from the Alex Collins crash scene are horrifying ... showing the ex-NFL running back's motorcycle and the SUV that it ran into were completely mangled following the collision.
The former Baltimore Ravens star was killed in the accident on Sunday night ... after authorities say his 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K bike collided with the side of a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban that had appeared to turn in front of him on a busy road in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. at around 10:20 PM.
According to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, the wreck was so violent, Collins was thrown from his motorcycle ... and later pronounced dead on the scene.
Video shot just moments after the impact shows both vehicles were completely destroyed ... with Collins' bike left in pieces in the middle of the street.
Officials say the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation ... though they added the driver of the SUV did remain on scene and was cooperative.
Collins was picked by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft ... and went on to have a solid career for both Seattle and Baltimore. In his five seasons with the two teams, he piled up 1,997 rushing yards and 18 rushing TDs. He added 467 receiving yards on 59 catches as well.
After leaving the NFL following the 2021 season, Collins attempted to resurrect his football career in the USFL -- signing with the Memphis Showboats earlier this year.
He was just 28 years old.
RIP.
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Angus Cloud No Suicide Note ... Supports Theory of Accidental OD
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There's more evidence suggesting Angus Cloud's death was the result of an accidental overdose and not suicide -- as first suspected -- because the young actor did not write a note for loved ones ... TMZ has learned.
Multiple law enforcement sources involved in the death investigation tell us Angus did not leave behind a note when he died suddenly. As we first reported, Cloud was found dead in his bedroom last month at his family home in Oakland ... and an initial statement the family provided hinted he might have taken his own life.
The statement revealed Angus' struggle after the recent loss of his dad, adding, "Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence."
A source close to Cloud also told us he'd had severe suicidal thoughts after his dad's death.
However, just a few days after his death, Angus' mom, Lisa, came out denying her son took his own life, saying just the day before he died he was talking about the future, helping family members out and even reorganizing his room.
As we reported, the 911 call to Angus' family home was for a "possible overdose" ... and Lisa said in her statement, "I don't know if or what he may have put in his body after that. I only know that he put his head on the desk where he was working on art project's, fell asleep and didn't wake up. We may find out that he overdosed accidentally and tragically, but it's abundantly clear that he did not intend to check out of this world."
Angus' autopsy is complete, pending toxicology results, but without a note it appears Lisa's theory on the circumstances surrounding how her son died are validated even further.
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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Alex Collins Former Ravens RB Dead at 28 After Motorcycle Accident
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7:30 PM PT -- Alex Collins was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident in Florida around 10:20 PM Sunday night, according to the Broward County Sheriff's Office Traffic Homicide Unit.
BSO says Collins was riding a 2004 Suzuki GSX-600K in Lauderdale Lakes when the accident occurred.
Broward County says the investigation is still ongoing, but the information they've gathered thus far indicates a woman driving a Chevrolet Suburban made a turn, crossing over the lane Collins was traveling in, causing him to strike the rear passenger side of the SUV.
Emergency responders rushed to the location, but Alex was pronounced dead on the scene.
Law enforcement says the woman remained on the scene and is cooperating with authorities ... who are still investigating the crash.
Alex Collins, a running back who played five seasons in the National Football League, is dead.
The Baltimore Ravens, one of Alex's former NFL teams, announced his death Monday ... it's unclear when he died, ditto for the cause of death.
Alex had his two best NFL seasons with the Ravens in 2017 and 2018, and the team is remembering him "for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life."
The Ravens say Alex was "quick to greet everyone with a smile, a genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went."
The Seattle Seahawks, the team that selected Alex in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, says the franchise is "absolutely heartbroken" by his death.
Alex had two stints with the Seahawks ... he played with Seattle as a rookie in 2016 and then returned to the club for the 2020 and 2021 NFL seasons.
Overall, Alex played in 50 NFL games ... racking up 1,997 rushing yards, 467 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns.
Alex was out of pro football altogether in 2022 before signing this year with the Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League, ending the season on injured reserve.
He was 28.
RIP
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Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Rodion Amirov Dead At 21 Diagnosed w/ Tumor Last Yr.
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Rodion Amirov -- the Toronto Maple Leafs 2020 first-round draft pick --- died Monday after courageously battling a brain tumor, his agent announced.
He was just 21 years old.
"It is we great sadness that we announce the passing of Rodion Amirov. Two years ago, Rodion was diagnosed with a brain tumour. From the moment he received the news, he refused to speak in the negative, determined to enjoy every day, facing it with the same positive attitude he showed during his hockey career," agent Daniel Milstein wrote.
Amirov was diagnosed with the tumor in February 2022 after undergoing treatment for an unrelated injury in Russia. Rodion, a left winger, spent his entire career with the Maple Leafs on loan in his native Russia ... before halting his career permanently.
Toronto signed Rodion to a three-year entry-level contract after he was selected 15th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan also released a statement addressing the terrible news.
"The entire Maple Leafs organization is devastated by this tragic loss. Over the duration of his courageous battle, Rodion’s positivity inspired everyone around him, and he made lasting impressions with our team and fans in his brief visits to Toronto."
Shanahan continued ... "It’s incredibly sad to see a young man with so much promise taken from us so soon. We offer our deepest condolences to Rodion’s family and friends as we mourn this loss together.”
Playing on loan in the Kontinental Hockey League for Salavat Yulaev Ufa -- his hometown club -- Rodion scored one goal during the 2021-2022 season and 10 across his six-year professional career.
Rodion also played for Russia internationally and won a silver medal at the World U18 Championships.
"We will always remember his courage, his desire, his will, his smile, all of the great things about him."
R.I.P.
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Rapper Magoo Dead At 50 ... Celebs Celebrate Him
Rapper Magoo, Timbaland's former collaborator, has died.
Recording artist Digital Black confirmed Magoo's passing in an Instagram post, writing, "Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasnt ready for this at all." Digital accompanied his message with a cover of Magoo (real name Melvin Barcliff) and Timbaland's 1997 album "Welcome To Our World.”
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Magoo's cause of death was not disclosed, nor were details about the circumstances surrounding it. Many of his famous friends took to social media to share their condolences.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Singer Ginuwine lamented 'time was short.' 'I don't even know how to say anything at this point, I have lost 3 friends now within a month to LIFE and it's due date. Ginuwine went on, "This dude, always pushed me …I will mis you maganooo that's what we called him ….. totally one of the best ever in my eyes always pressing forward I know we didn't talk a lot but the love was and will be always there my brotha."
Musician ORyan Omri Browner wrote, "Damn rest in heaven Mag a nu." Rapper Mr. Dalvin added, "He was such a good guy." Timbaland has not yet addressed his ex-partner’s death.
Magoo was 50 years old.
RIP