RIP

7:53 AM PT -- A BAFTA spokesperson tells TMZ ... "We were very sorry to hear of Roy Battersby’s recent passing - he was a renowned and trailblazing director. Roy Battersby was awarded the Alan Clarke Award in 1996, a BAFTA Special Television Award. We confirm he will be honoured in our forthcoming BAFTA Television Awards in May, and on the In Memoriam Section on our website."

Kate Beckinsale says the folks running BAFTA can't make any promises when it comes to honoring her late stepfather -- which she thinks is outrageous ... and she may be right.

The actress tore the British academy a new one Thursday in an IG post -- in which she alleged producers for the annual award show (basically, the UK version of the Oscars/Globes) told her the recently late Roy Battersby might not be recognized in their program.

KB posted a pic of her stepdad receiving a lifetime achievement BAFTA award years ago for work he'd done in television across the pond, and Kate went on to air her frustration.

She writes, "Today BAFTA told me they ‘could not guarantee’ he would be included in their “in memoriam” tribute , to honour the industry members we have lost. So a man dead less than a week somehow has to audition in front of a committee after a decades long career (in which he has been awarded from said organisation the highest accolade they have) to decide IF his death is worth mentioning."

As if that wasn't scathing enough, Kate adds ... "I am paralysed ,sick and sickened and I will honour him and his work every day of my life." She went on to say her mother, Judy Loe, has been quietly battling cancer behind the scenes too ... making this perceived snub worse.

One last final dig at BAFTA from Kate ... "[T]hanks again , BAFTA for your horribly cold email." Oof, talk about honest -- something tells us Roy will make it in there after all.

Pole vaulter Shawn Barber -- a 3x NCAA champion who also competed in the Olympics -- died on Wednesday. He was only 29 years old.

Barber's agent Paul Doyle made the devastating announcement earlier today on social media, calling Barber "a friend that will never be forgotten."

The cause of death is unknown but reports indicate Barber was dealing with health issues.

Barber, while at the University of Akron, won back-to-back NCAA indoor championships in 2014 and 2015, and the 2015 outdoor championship. Shawn also placed first in the 2015 World Championships in Beijing and the Pan American Games that same year.

He also set the Canadian indoor record with a vault of 6 meters in 2016 ... a record that still stands 'til this day.

Barber also in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro ... where he placed 10th in subpar weather conditions.

As news of his passing spread, fans and fellow competitors alike paid tribute to Barber, including star Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones who's heartbroken over the death.

"The last time I saw him was years ago in Poland. We all hung out after the race," Jones said on IG.

"Praying for his family right now."

Warriors coach Dejan Milojević's tragic death has resulted in heartbreak throughout the NBA ... including Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, who gave a touching tribute to his friend in Wednesday's postgame press conference.

The Serbian coach was visibly emotional when asked about the shocking news following the Raptors' 121-97 win over the Miami Heat ... a victory he dedicated to Dejan.

Rajakovic -- who became the Raptors HC last June -- explained he addressed the team prior to tipoff ... and shared a special message from the heart.

"I told my guys that I love them," the 44-year-old coach said, fighting back tears.

Rajakovic -- who had been close with Dejan for years -- revealed the opening play of the game had been designed by the late coach ... something he did on purpose.

"Opening play in the game was [an] ATO that Decky, my friend, I learned that play from him," Rajakovic said.

"That's what he brought to [the] NBA, that's what he brought to Golden State. I stole that play from him and that was our opening play tonight and we were able to score on that one."

Several NBA players and coaches also paid tribute to Milojević since his unexpected death ... including Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Boban Marjanovic, who is also from Serbia.

"You inspired me to be the best version of myself every day and your influence has changed my life," the Houston Rockets center said.

"Thank you for helping me accomplish my dreams! You’re one of the best coaches I was blessed to play for. I pray for your family and friends during this time as we will miss you greatly. God received an angel today. Forever in our hearts. 🙏"

The Warriors' home matchup against the Mavericks slated for Friday has been postponed ... with the NBA making the decision to move the game following Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević's tragic death.

The Association made the announcement just minutes ago ... saying the contest will be made up at a later date, and the Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Lakers game will air on ESPN instead.

The move is understandable -- the entire organization is grieving over the loss of Milojević ... with Golden State head coach Steve Kerr saying Wednesday it was "a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him."

As we previously reported, the team stated 46-year-old Milojević -- a former pro in Europe -- suffered a heart attack during dinner in Salt Lake City on Tuesday ... and he tragically passed away Wednesday morning.

The league also postponed the Warriors' game against the Utah Jazz, which was scheduled for Wednesday.

Donald Trump's taking a break from his legal issues to support Melania as she lays her mother to rest in Florida.

The former prez stood somber Friday morning next to his wife and their son Barron -- the whole family was dressed in Black as they attended the funeral for Amalija Knavs in Palm Beach.

Melania's dad Viktor remained glued to her side as they followed the casket out of the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, ready to lay Amalija in her final resting place.

As we previously reported ... the former First Lady announced her mother passed away last Tuesday It's not clear exactly how she died, but Trump told a crowd on New Year's Eve his mother-in-law had recently fallen "very ill."

Trump also called the night Amalija passed a very sad one for the family, while adding she "has just gone to a beautiful place in the sky. She was an incredible woman, and will be missed far beyond words!”

The leading Republican presidential candidate is clearly prioritizing his family's mourning -- he's off the campaign trail after dominating the Iowa Caucus, and also skipped the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial in NYC to be at the funeral.

One other takeaway from Thursday's service ... Barron's really grown up in recent years and is the spitting image of his father, when he was young. Check out the pics, especially the one where he's extending a hand to support Dad.

Champion bodybuilder Chad McCrary -- who continued competing even after a horrific motocross accident decades ago left him paralyzed from the waist down and in a wheelchair -- has died.

He was 49 years old.

McCrary's brother, Lance, confirmed his brother died earlier this month, and sent thanks to everyone who sent love "during this difficult time."

The Texas native started his bodybuilding career in 2000, weighing just 160 pounds before bulking up to 240 by 2003.

Unfortunately, Chad was involved in a serious accident while riding his dirt bike during a cross-country motorcycle race in 2005.

McCrary was attempting a 100-foot triple jump, when he landed hard, and it wreaked havoc on his body, damaging his spinal cord, which left him a paraplegic.

Despite the misfortune, McCrary didn't stop living, and doing what he loved -- including competing in bodybuilding. Chad became an inspiration to people in similar situations.

"I was already involved in bodybuilding," McCrary said, "and just carried it over to the wheelchair."

Over the years, McCrary competed in several IFBB PRO Contests ... including the Arnold Classic in 2022, where he placed 4th. He also finished in the top 10 in the 2022 Wheelchair Olympia.

Chad also won several NPC Wheelchair Nationals (2020, 2016) and other Amateur Contests.

El campeón de culturismo, Chad McCrary, que siguió compitiendo después de que un terrible accidente de motocross lo dejara paralizado de la cintura para abajo, ha muerto.

Tenía 49 años.

El hermano de McCrary, Lance, confirmó la muerte de su hermano a principios de este mes y le dio las gracias a todos los que le enviaron cariño "durante este difícil momento".

El tejano comenzó su carrera en el culturismo el año 2000, pesando solo 160 libras, antes de llegar a las 240 en 2003.

Por desgracia, Chad sufrió un grave accidente mientras conducía su moto de cross durante una carrera de motociclismo a campo traviesa en 2005.

McCrary estaba intentando un triple salto de 30 metros cuando aterrizó con fuerza y causó estragos en su cuerpo, dañando su médula espinal, lo que le dejó parapléjico.

A pesar de la desgracia, McCrary no dejó de vivir y hacer lo que le gustaba, incluyendo competir en culturismo. Chad se convirtió en una inspiración para personas en situaciones similares.

"Ya estaba involucrado en el culturismo", dijo McCrary, "y simplemente lo trasladé a la silla de ruedas".

A lo largo de los años, McCrary compitió en varios concursos de IFBB PRO, incluido el Arnold Classic de 2022, donde quedó 4 cuarto. También terminó entre los 10 primeros en el Wheelchair Olympia de 2022.

Chad también ganó varios NPC Wheelchair Nationals (2020, 2016) y otros Concursos Amateur.

Jay Briscoe was honored in an amazing way on the anniversary of his death Monday ... his daughter -- who was seriously injured in the crash that took his life 12 months ago -- showed the world she can walk again.

The powerful moment happened at AEW Dynamite -- after Jay's brother and former tag-team partner, Mark, jumped on the microphone to remember his sibling one year after the wrestling star passed away in a wreck in Delaware.

Mark started his speech by hyping up the crowd, before he remembered Jay as his "partner" and "brother." Then, he started talking about Jay's daughters.

"Man, my nieces were in the truck with him," Mark said on the mic in front of the South Carolina crowd. "Tragically, they told my oldest niece -- they were injured severely -- they told my oldest niece, 'You know, you'll never walk again.'"

But, suddenly, Gracie, Jayleigh and their brother, Gannon, walked out behind Mark -- all looking as healthy as can be.

"God is on the throne!" Mark said as his family joined him. "We Dem Boys, dammit. We won't stop, 'cause we can't stop. We ain't going nowhere!"

Mark then hugged Jay's kids -- before AEW revealed a video tribute to the late wrestler.

As we previously reported, Briscoe -- real name Jamin Pugh -- was pronounced dead on Jan. 17, 2023 after a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 veered into his lane and slammed head-on into his 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

He was just 38 years old.

Dana Carvey todavía está muy afectado por la muerte de su hijo Dex hace un par de meses, pero espera que volver a trabajar con su amigo David Spade acelere su proceso de sanación.

La ex estrella de 'Saturday Night Live' habló por primera vez sobre la dolorosa experiencia que vive su familia luego de la fatal sobredosis de Dex. Dice que sería genial volver a reír con David durante el regreso de su podcast "Fly On the Wall".

Dana dijo el miércoles que volver a trabajar es saludable, porque está en el "tren del dolor", al igual que millones de personas y no sabe cuando va a terminar ese viaje.

Además, dice que sentarse y sumergirse en sus pensamientos durante las vacaciones no le hizo ningún favor, así que básicamente está tratando de mantenerse ocupado, añadiendo que las cosas pasan en la vida, pero tenemos que seguir adelante.

Por su parte, David dice que es duro ver a su mejor amigo pasar por algo semi-imaginable.

TMZ dio la noticia, Dex falleció en noviembre pasado después de que su novia llamara al 911. Los primeros auxilios lo encontraron sin respuesta en el baño de una casa de Los Ángeles. Los paramédicos trataron sin éxito de revivirlo.

Poco después, Dana reveló que este murió de una sobredosis accidental de drogas mientras rendía un emotivo homenaje a su "hermoso" hijo.

Dana Carvey is still deep in grief over his son Dex's death a couple months ago, but he's hoping getting back to work with his buddy David Spade will speed up his healing process.

The former 'SNL' star spoke for the first time about his family's painful experience since Dex's fatal overdose ... telling David during their "Fly On the Wall" podcast return, it would be cool to laugh with him again.

Dana said Wednesday, his return to work is healthy, because he's on the "pain train," just like millions of other people -- and doesn't know when that journey will end.

Also, he says sitting around and getting in his head over the holidays did him no favors ... so, he's basically trying to keep busy -- adding things happen in life, but we've got to move forward.

For his part, David says it's hard watching his best bud go through something semi-unimaginable.

TMZ broke the story ... Dex passed away in November after his GF called 911, and first responders found him unresponsive in the bathroom of an L.A. home. Paramedics tried unsuccessfully to bring him back to life.

Not long after, Dana revealed he died of an accidental drug overdose while paying emotional tribute to his "beautiful" son.

1:17 PM -- NBA commissioner Adam Silver just addressed the tragedy ... saying, "The NBA mourns the sudden passing of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević, a beloved colleague and dear friend to so many in the global basketball community."

"In addition to winning the 2022 NBA Championship in his first season with the Warriors and mentoring some of the best players in the world, Dejan had a decorated international playing career and was a distinguished head coach in his native Serbia."

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Natasa, their children, Nikola and Masa, and the Warriors organization during this tragic time."

Golden State Warriors assistant coach and former professional basketball player Dejan Milojević has passed away. He was just 46 years old.

Milojević suffered a heart attack during dinner at a Salt Lake City restaurant on Tuesday ... and despite life-saving efforts, he tragically passed late Wednesday afternoon, the team revealed in a statement.

The Warriors were in Utah to face off against the Jazz -- a game that was slated to go down Wednesday night, but has since been postponed.

The Serbian power forward went unpicked in the 1999 NBA Draft, but he had a stellar career in Europe nonetheless -- winning ABA League MVP honors three straight times.

He also won the ABA scoring title in consecutive seasons.

Milojević's playing career ended in 2009 ... and he found success leading the bench for organizations in Serbia and Montenegro before joining the Warriors in 2021. He coached several future NBA players -- most notably two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

He also spent time as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team.

On the Golden State staff, Milojević focused on helping the big men on the roster ... and won a championship when the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr released a statement on Milojević's passing ... saying the entire organization is "devastated."

"This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him," Kerr said.

"In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful human beings I have ever known, someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy."

1:17 PM -- El comisionado de la NBA, Adam Silver, acaba de abordar la tragedia diciendo: "La NBA lamenta el repentino fallecimiento del entrenador asistente de Golden State, Dejan Milojević, un querido colega y querido amigo de tantos en la comunidad mundial del baloncesto".

"Además de ganar el Campeonato de la NBA 2022 en su primera temporada con los Warriors y ser mentor de algunos de los mejores jugadores del mundo, Dejan tuvo una carrera internacional como jugador condecorado y fue un distinguido entrenador en jefe en su Serbia natal".

"Nuestras más sinceras condolencias a su esposa, Natasa, a sus hijos, Nikola y Masa, y a la organización de los Warriors durante este trágico momento".

El entrenador asistente de los Golden State Warriors y exjugador profesional de baloncesto Dejan Milojević ha fallecido. Tenía tan solo 46 años de edad.

Milojević sufrió un ataque al corazón durante la cena en un restaurante de Salt Lake City el martes, y a pesar de los esfuerzos por salvarle la vida, falleció trágicamente a última hora de la tarde del miércoles, según reveló el equipo en un comunicado.

Los Warriors estaban en Utah para enfrentarse a los Jazz en un juego que estaba programado para la noche del miércoles, pero desde entonces ha sido pospuesto.

El ala-pívot serbio no fue elegido en el Draft de la NBA de 1999, pero tuvo una carrera estelar en Europa, ganando tres veces consecutivas el MVP de la Liga ABA.

También ganó el título de anotador de la ABA en temporadas consecutivas.

La carrera como jugador de Milojević terminó en 2009 y encontró el éxito dirigiendo el banquillo de organizaciones en Serbia y Montenegro antes de unirse a los Warriors en 2021. Entrenó a varios futuros jugadores de la NBA, más notablemente al dos veces MVP de la NBA Nikola Jokic.

También pasó un tiempo como entrenador asistente de la selección nacional de Serbia.

Milojević se centró en ayudar a los hombres grandes en el Golden Gate Staff... y ganó un campeonato cuando los Warriors vencieron a los Boston Celtics en las Finales de la NBA de 2022.

El entrenador en jefe de los Warriors, Steve Kerr, emitió un comunicado sobre el fallecimiento de Milojević, diciendo que toda la organización está "devastada".

"Este es un golpe impactante y trágico para todos los asociados a los Warriors y es un momento increíblemente difícil para su familia, amigos y todos los que tuvimos el increíble placer de trabajar con él", dijo Kerr.

"Además de ser un magnífico entrenador de baloncesto, Dejan era uno de los seres humanos más positivos y hermosos que he conocido, alguien que aportaba alegría y cada día con su pasión y energía".

The "Friends" cast wasn't at the Emmys Monday night to honor the late Matthew Perry ... and now we know why they bailed.

Emmy producers are now explaining that while Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer all bagged an invite, they opted not to come together onstage ... cause it was just too soon after Matthew's sudden death in October.

Emmy's EP Jesse Collins tells The Hollywood Reporter he totally gets it from their POV -- they're mourning someone they were very close to for years.

He says while they can't speak on their behalf, they must respect that the "Friends" cast was their own little family.

Matthew was the last person to appear on screen during the Emmys' in memoriam segment honoring fallen stars .... with singer Charlie Puth transitioning from "See You Again" to a stripped-back version of the "Friends" theme song, "I'll Be There for You."

TMZ broke the story ... Matthew was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on Oct. 28 after playing 2 hours of pickleball at Riviera Country Club near his home in Pacific Palisades. First responders rushed to the property on a cardiac arrest call, and he was declared deceased on the scene after an apparent drowning.

The L.A. County Medical Examiner's Office released the toxicology report in December ... he died from "the acute effects of ketamine," a drug used to treat depression and is also used as a recreational drug.

El elenco de "Friends" no estuvo en la ceremonia de los Emmys el lunes por la noche para honrar al fallecido Matthew Perry y ahora sabemos por qué se lo perdieron.

Los productores de los Emmy están explicando que, si bien Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc y David Schwimmer fueron invitados, ellos optaron por no subir al escenario juntos, pues era demasiado pronto después de la repentina muerte de Matthew en octubre.

El productor ejecutivo de Emmy, Jesse Collins, le dijo a The Hollywood Reporter que lo entiende totalmente, pues aún están de luto por alguien que fue muy cercano durante años.

Él dice que si bien no pueden hablar en su nombre, deben respetar que el elenco de "Friends" era su propia pequeña familia.

Matthew fue la última persona en aparecer en pantalla durante el segmento in memoriam de los Emmys en honor a las estrellas que fallecieron en el último tiempo. El cantante Charlie Puth hizo la transición de la canción "See You Again" a una versión el piano de "I'll Be There for You", el tema principal de "Friends".

TMZ dio la noticia, Matthew fue encontrado sin respuesta en su jacuzzi el 28 de octubre después de jugar 2 horas de pickleball en Riviera Country Club cerca de su casa en Pacific Palisades. Los primeros auxilios se apresuraron en llegar a la propiedad por un paro cardíaco, y luego fue declarado muerto en la escena después de un aparente ahogamiento.

La Oficina del Médico Forense del Condado de Los Ángeles dio a conocer el informe toxicológico en diciembre. Matthew murió de "los efectos agudos de la ketamina", un medicamento utilizado para tratar la depresión y que también se utiliza como una droga recreativa.

Actress Lynne Marta – best known for her film roles in "Footloose" and "Joe Kidd" --- has died in California.

Marta passed away Thursday at her L.A. home after she was diagnosed with cancer, according to the Hollywood Reporter. It was not clear what type of cancer she had.

Born and bred in New Jersey, Marta moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting, landing parts in several big movies.  She snagged the role of Elma in the 1972 western classic, "Joe Kidd," starring Clint Eastwood and Robert Duvall. She also played Lulu Warnicker alongside Kevin Bacon as Ren in 1984's "Footloose."

As for her TV work, Marta appeared in producer Aaron-Spelling's "The Mod Squad," "The Rookies," "Starsky & Hutch," "Charlie's Angels" and "Matt Houston." Marta also had small parts in Quinn Martin-produced telecasts, such as "The F.B.I.," "Dan August," "Cannon," "The Streets of San Francisco," "Barnaby Jones," "The Manhunter" and "Caribe."

Her personal life was tied to her day job. Marta reportedly had an open relationship with "Starsky & Hutch" star David Soul while he was married to Karen Carlson.

In 1983, People magazine wrote, "All through the 'Starsky & Hutch' years, David and Lynne lived together but spent time with other people." Earlier this month, Soul died at 80 ... his cause of death was not disclosed.

Marta was 78.

Breonna Taylor's mom is thanking Niecy Nash-Betts for mentioning her late daughter while winning her first Primetime Emmy ... praising her for using her platform for justice.

Niecy won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in an anthology series, and her powerful acceptance speech prompted a standing ovation ... with Niecy saying, "I accept this award on behalf of every Black and Brown woman who have gone unheard, yet overpoliced, like Glenda Cleveland, like Sandra Bland, like Breonna Taylor!”

Breonna's mother, Tamika Palmer, tells TMZ … it's "amazing" Niecy used her big moment to  "acknowledge women, including my daughter, who have tragically fallen victim to police brutality."

Niecy also told the Emmys audience she feels it's her responsibility as an artist to speak truth to power, and she plans to do so until the day she dies.

Breonna's mom adds ... "The lack of accountability for these injustices is undeniable, and it is crucial for us to keep saying their names and reminding people of the profound impact of their loss."

As you know, Breonna was shot and killed by cops in Louisville during a botched raid back in March 2020, and her death sparked demonstrations against racial injustice and policing.