RIP

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo -- one of the greatest defensive basketball players ever -- has died after a battle with brain cancer. He was 58 years old.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement announcing Mutombo's passing ... saying, "Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA."

"Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others."

Pro boxer Mylik Birdsong -- a 15-1-1 pugilist who was slated to step in the ring as part of a UFC Fight Pass card in just a few weeks -- was killed on Sunday ... during a shooting in Los Angeles.

The LAPD says the incident took place at around 4:50 PM near Watts -- just a few miles south of downtown -- when several men inside of a dark-colored SUV drove up on the fighter and opened fire.

Cops say as Birdsong attempted to flee -- two men got out of the car, chased him down, and shot at him further.

Tragic news out of Malaysia -- human remains were discovered inside a massive crocodile, believed to have devoured a 6-year-old girl as she went swimming in a river.

Cecelia Julan Intik vanished after a giant croc dragged her underwater last Tuesday -- and in the search for the little girl, Sarawak Forestry Corporation experts caught and gutted 2 massive crocs ... resorting to using a tugboat and a crane to haul the heavy beasts ashore.

In the horrifying video, you can see one of the crocs being hoisted into the back of a pickup truck, and it’s enough to turn stomachs -- some of what was inside its belly spills onto the road.

Kris Kristofferson -- the legendary country singer and star of the 1976 version of "A Star Is Born" -- has died, according to a statement released by his family.

The singer-songwriter passed away peacefully Saturday at his home, according to the statement. The family says they feel blessed with all the time they spent with the star. They did not reveal a cause of death.

The statement also tells fans "when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all" ... seemingly a reference to his song "Here Comes That Rainbow Again."

John David Ashton ... the actor best known as the hard-nosed, by-the-book detective in the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise has died, TMZ has learned.

John died peacefully Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado after a battle with cancer ... his rep tells us.

During his 50 years in Hollywood, John appeared in more than 200 film, TV and stage productions ... but he arguably became a household name when he co-starred alongside an up-and-coming Eddie Murphy in 1984's "Beverly Hills Cop."

Drake Hogestyn, a mainstay on the long-running soap, "Days of Our Lives" has died.

Hogestyn's family announced the sad news on the "Days of Our Lives" Instagram, saying, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.”

They continued ... “After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”

Shelby Daniele -- a college track star who broke records at California Polytechnic State University -- has passed away according to a statement from the university.

The university's athletic department released a statement via Instagram Friday ... saying they were profoundly sad to hear about the former athlete's passing who they say had a remarkable heart. Cal Poly did not reveal a cause of death.

Daniele -- who received both a bachelor's and a master's degree at the school -- served as Cal Poly's team captain and was a six-time All-Big West honoree and a two-time Big West champion.

Maggie Smith may be gone, but she'll live on forever in the Wizarding World ... 'cause "Harry Potter" fans have been tributing her ever since her death was announced yesterday.

The legendary actress -- who played Professor McGonagall is seven of the eight films -- inspired several "Harry Potter" related tributes with one of the largest taking place outside Hogwarts ... the replica at Universal Orlando, that is.

Check out the clip ... a group of fans congregated outside the castle -- which houses a popular ride in the theme park -- wands raised to the sky. It's an homage to the sixth 'HP' movie after Professor Dumbledore dies to ward off the darkness ... led by Maggie, of course.

Chino XL's family has broken their silence around his sudden death in July ... revealing the veteran rapper died of suicide.

His family is hoping to turn the tragedy into a healing and preventable moment for anyone battling mental illness, and released a statement Friday.

The statement reads ... “With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to end his own Life. It’s been the most painful and personal experience of our lives but in honor of Suicide Awareness Month, we decided to share this truth. Dad would hope that this news may help someone else stay alive.”

Barbara Leigh-Hunt, a legendary actress of the stage and screen, has died ... her family has confirmed.

The British star, who was best known for appearing in Alfred Hitchcock's 1972 thriller, "Frenzy," died peacefully in her home in Warwickshire, England on Monday, Sept. 16.

She leaves behind a 7-decade-long acting legacy, which includes one of Hitchcock's most controversial movie scenes.

Maggie Smith -- a legendary actress who worked professionally for more than 70 years -- has died ... according to a statement from her family.

Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, released a statement ... saying Smith passed away in the hospital peacefully early Friday morning. They did not give a cause of death.

Smith's family thanked the staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and support during their mother's final days ... and asked for privacy during this trying time.

Madonna's family is in mourning ... because her stepmother has died.

The "Like a Virgin" singer's stepmom, Joan Ciccone, died Tuesday after a battle with a very aggressive cancer ... according to her obituary.

Joan was Madonna's housekeeper growing up in Michigan ... and a couple years after Madonna's mother died at age 30 -- also from cancer -- Joan married Madonna's father, Silvio Ciccone.

Memphis jurors took several hours to reach a verdict Thursday, ultimately delivering a guilty verdict to Justin Johnson ... one of the men prosecutors claim murdered Young Dolph back in 2021.

The jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts to the charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm -- and Judge Jennifer Mitchell immediately threw the book at him with a life sentence!!!

Closing arguments were delivered Wednesday. Johnson never took the stand but Cornelius Smith testified during the trial Yo Gotti's slain brother Big Jook and suspect Hernandez Govan orchestrated for them to kill any Paper Route Empire rappers they could find.

Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon is opening up on his brother's tragic death ... crediting his teammates for their support "every step of the way" -- even attending the funeral services.

Gordon spoke with the media on Thursday -- the first time since Drew's passing in May -- and he praised the players for being there for him as he grieved the unthinkable loss.

Gordon admitted he didn't have the strongest relationships outside of his family prior to the fatal car accident ... but now, he cherishes all his connections -- and he considers the players his "brothers."

Fatman Scoop passed away after collapsing onstage in Connecticut last month ... and, now the medical examiner has revealed his official cause of death.

A rep for the Connecticut M.E.'s office tells TMZ ... Scoop -- born Isaac Freeman III -- passed away from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

We're told they consider this cause of death to be natural ... no foul play suspected.

Wrestling star Alan Vera -- who just narrowly missed qualifying for Team USA's Olympic roster earlier this year -- has sadly died at 33 years old ... after he suffered a medical emergency while playing soccer earlier this summer.

USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender announced the tragic news on Wednesday ... revealing Vera had been in the hospital fighting to recover from a July 29 cardiac arrest when he passed away.

"The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world," Bender said.