MacKenzie Scott Bezos' Ex-Wife Donates $1.7 Billion to Charity!!!

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MacKenzie Scott truly is putting her money where her mouth is -- she just announced she's donated nearly 2 BILLION BUCKS to a slew of charities.

MacKenzie, who restored her maiden name after divorcing Jeff Bezos, said Tuesday, "Like many, I watched the first half of 2020 with a mixture of heartbreak and horror." Referring to her enormous wealth, she acknowledged the privilege and opportunities she had and said she wanted to help organizations that level the playing field for all.

As she put it, "Many will choose to share some of what they have with people whose equal participation is essential to the construction of a better world."

Here's the breakdown of her jaw-dropping gift:

-$586.7 million to racial equity
-$46 million to LGBTQ+ equity
-$133 million to gender equity
-$399.5 million to economic mobility
-$55 million to empathy and bridging divides
-$72 million to functional democracy
-$128.3 million to public health
-$130 million to global development
-$125 million to climate change

MacKenzie -- who last year pledged to give away the majority of her wealth -- wanted to make it crystal clear ... she didn't just blindly shove money to non-profit organizations. She said, "On this list, 91% of the racial equity organizations are run by leaders of color, 100% of the LGBTQ+ equity organizations are run by LGBTQ+ leaders, and 83% of the gender equity organizations are run by women."

As you'd expect, she's getting big props for her donation, although that's not always a given ... as her ex-husband knows. Remember, even though Jeff's thrown his support firmly behind the Black Lives Matter movement, that hasn't stopped others from targeting him ... like when his D.C. home was targeted by angry protesters with a guillotine.

That Bezos divorce came with a lot of zeros, but ya can't say MacKenzie isn't paying it forward!

Black Lives Matter Austin Protest Ends in Gunfire with One Dead

Published

A man was shot dead Saturday night during a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin.

The protest was largely peaceful, with cops there monitoring the scene, when a confrontation erupted and 5 gunshots rang out.

Before opening fire, the shooter, who was driving a car, sped at the protesters in an apparent attempt to strike them.

The victim, identified as Garrett Foster, reportedly was protesting, carrying a rifle and approached the shooter's car, and that's when he was struck.

Foster's mother, Sheila, claims her son was pushing his fiancee in a wheelchair before the shooting. She says, "This gentleman got out of his car and started firing shots, and my son was shot three times."

The suspect has been arrested and is in custody. Cops say he's cooperating.

The victim reportedly was carrying a rifle and came up to a vehicle. The man inside the car shot the victim.

'Bad Girls Club' Demitra 'Mimi' Roche Dead at 34

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Former "Bad Girls Club" star Demitra "Mimi" Roche has died.

Demitra's death was announced Wednesday in a touching Twitter tribute from record producer Vince Valholla, the founder of Valholla Entertainment where Roche also formerly worked as Vice President of A&R.

Vince remembered Demitra as a "big dreamer" and said, "I'm at a loss for words. Don't know what to say. Mimi was kind to everyone she came across."

Demitra's former boss added ... "I'm heartbroken by the news of her passing. I'm thankful I got to know & work w/ her. My thoughts are with her family & loved ones."

Valholla did not reveal Mimi's cause of death.

Roche was named VP of artists and repertoire at Valholla Entertainment back in 2011, but she's best known for her role in "Bad Girls Club" season 8 in 2012. Her nickname on the show was "The Miami Maverick."

One of Mimi's friends also paid tribute to the late reality TV star on Facebook, saying ... "I just wished you a happy birthday then the next day this is what I see. Some of you may know her from bad girls club but I knew the real her. Such a sweet soul and with radiant energy so full of life. Gone to soon."

Demitra was only 34.

RIP

NFL's Michael Bennett I'm Retiring 'Feels Like Death, Looking Forward to Rebirth'

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NFL star Michael Bennett is retiring after 11 seasons in the NFL -- and admits the COVID pandemic played a key role in his decision.

Don't get it twisted, Bennett's not retiring because of the virus -- but admits the lockdown forced him to think more about his life and his priorities.

And in the end, 34-year-old Bennett -- a Super Bowl champ and 3-time Pro Bowler -- told the New Yorker he wants to focus on his family, social justice and charity work.

"Retiring feels a little like death of self," Bennet said on IG ... "but I’m looking forward to the rebirth -- the opportunity to reimagine my purpose."

The defensive lineman wasn't just a beast on the field -- where he racked up 69.5 career sacks -- but he's been VERY active off of it.

He's already authored the book "Things That Make White People Uncomfortable" (which he's developing into a TV series) -- and co-hosts a podcast with his wife, Pele.

Bennett also works with various charity organizations including Athletes for Impact -- a network for pro athletes looking to give back to the community.

During his NFL career, Bennett made roughly $60 MILLION in contract money playing for the Seahawks Bucs, Patriots, Eagles and Cowboys -- not bad for an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M.

"I would like to thank my wife and children, who have sacrificed so much for me to succeed," Bennett said.

"I’m looking forward to supporting them the same way they have me these past 11 years. I have never been more at peace in my life."

Congrats!

Air Force QB Donald Hammond 'Not In 'Good Standing' ... 'Cannot Represent Academy'

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Donald Hammond -- starting QB for Air Force -- is no longer considered to be in "good standing" with the academy and could be OUT for the 2020 season, the team announced.

We know what you're thinking ... what happened? Officials are keeping the details close to the vest.

"Donald Hammond is no longer a cadet in good standing and cannot represent the academy in outside activities," Air Force said in a statement.

Unclear if the situation is based on academics or behavior -- but either way, it's a big blow for Air Force. Hammond is a pretty solid player.

He started 11 games for Air Force in 2019 -- leading the team to an 11-2 record. The team finished the season ranked #23 in the country in the coaches poll.

In fact, the 6'2", 220 pound quarterback made the 2020 Davey O'Brien National QB Award Watch list ... which spotlights the nation's top 30 returning QBs.

In 2019, he racked up 1,316 passing yards, 553 rushing yards and 26 total TDs.

According to his Air Force profile, Hammond is an aeronautical engineering major -- with dreams of being a developmental engineer or fly remote piloted aircraft in the Air Force.

"He completed Operations Air Force and was on the cadet cadre for Basic Cadet Training last summer."

Black Lives Matter D.A. Clears Cop Who Appeared to Put Knee on Suspect's Neck

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The Pennsylvania cop who appeared on video to put his knee on a man's neck didn't commit a crime ... this according to the Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin.

The D.A. concluded Friday the cop did NOT put his knee on the man's neck during an incident that sparked outrage last weekend. The D.A. insists the cop in question put his knee on the man's head ... not his neck.

Martin said, "Based upon my review and the totality of the circumstances surrounding this event, I have concluded that there is absolutely no evidence to support filing criminal charges against either of the Allentown police officers involved in this incident."

He went on to say, "I am satisfied that given Mr. Borrero's obvious intoxication and his actions, he was clearly a danger to himself and potentially to others."

Martin said he assigned several detectives to investigate. He says the detectives interviewed the man and he revealed he was a heroin addict who ingested powder cocaine and did so just hours before the altercation.

As we reported ... a man was driving in Allentown Saturday when he saw cops trying to subdue the man. A few seconds into the video, the officer seems to employ the type of neck restraint that killed George Floyd. The police department had recently banned the use of chokeholds and other neck restraints.

Allentown PD had said the man yelled, screamed and spit at officers and hospital staff before they were finally able to restrain him.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Undergoing Cancer Treatment ... Says Still Fit for SCOTUS

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg recently completed a round of chemotherapy to treat "a recurrence of cancer" ... but insists she's still fully able to sit on the Supreme Court.

RBG says she began the cancer treatment on May 19 after a February biopsy revealed lesions on her liver. She says the chemo is yielding positive results -- and no new disease -- and she'll continue biweekly treatments.

The legendary justice points out that her recent hospitalization was to remove gall stones and treat an infection, but was unrelated to the cancer.

Ginsburg adds ... throughout her health issues, she has maintained an active daily routine and been keeping up with all her Supreme Court work.

She says ... "I have often said I would remain a member of the Court as long as I can do the job full steam. I remain fully able to do that."

President Trump's Niece Of Course I Heard Him Use N-Word ... Anti-Semitic Slurs

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Mary trump JULY 2020
CARELESS FROM THE START

Donald Trump drops the n-word and hurls anti-Semitic slurs in the presence of his family ... this according to Mary Trump, the President's niece.

Mary, who rips her uncle in her new book, "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man" wrote it was pretty much normal to hear the n-word and anti-Semitic slurs bandied about in family settings.

In an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, which aired Thursday night, Mary says back in the day she personally heard her uncle use the n-word as well as anti-Semitic slurs.

Mary, a clinical psychologist, didn't hesitate when asked if Trump uttered the hurtful words in her presence ... and she says it shouldn't come as a shock to anybody "given how virulently racist he is today."

As we reported ... in her tell-all book, Mary also alleges Trump cheated on the SAT by paying someone to take the college entrance test for him, and claims her uncle developed "twisted behaviors" while growing up in a rich and notorious real estate family lead by Fred Trump Sr.

The White House blasted Mary over her claim Trump used racist slurs, saying, "This is a book of falsehoods, plain and simple. The President doesn't use those words."

Zion Williamson Leaves NBA Bubble 'Urgent Family Matter'

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Zion Williamson has left the NBA bubble Thursday to deal with an "urgent family matter," this according to the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 20-year-old plans to return to the bubble if possible, but no word on a time table.

"Zion Williamson departed Orlando this morning to attend to an urgent family medical matter," the team said.

"He intends to rejoin the team in Orlando for the NBA restart at a later date."

Pels Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin added, "We fully support Zion’s decision to leave the NBA campus to be with his family."

"Out of respect for the Williamson family, we will have no further comment at this time."

The Pelicans are 10th in the west and would need to go a crazy winning streak during the NBA's 8-game regular season in the bubble to have a shot at the NBA playoffs.

They're a talented young team -- and it's clear the NBA was hoping to spotlight Zion and his teammate Lonzo Ball during the restart.

Zion was the #1 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft -- he's the most hyped rookie since LeBron James.

Kanye West 2020 Presidential Bid Still Alive ...Files to Get On Oklahoma Ballot

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UPDATE

5:13 PM PT -- Kanye is officially on the ballot in Oklahoma, according to the state's Election Board, beating Wednesday's deadline. As we reported, contrary to other stories, Kanye is still very much in the 2020 Presidential race. We first told you he filed docs with the Federal Election Commission, but filing docs in an individual states shows he's getting granular about his run.  Remember, the latest poll shows he's nabbed 2% of the vote.

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UPDATE

That's one down ...

UPDATE

However, the bad news for Campaign Ye is they did NOT meet Thursday's deadline in Florida ... a major battleground state for the Presidency.

Kanye West has taken his first official step on his road to The White House -- he's filed with the Federal Election Commission ... seeking the office of President.

Kanye filed the first form required by the FEC Wednesday -- Form 1, Statement of Organization -- declaring that the Kanye 2020 committee will serve as the "Principal Campaign Committee" with West as its candidate. The party is listed as BDY ... which Ye's said stands for the Birthday Party.

However, he's yet to file the more important Form 2 -- Statement of Candidacy -- which shows he's raised or spent more than $5,000 in campaign activity and triggers candidacy status under federal campaign finance law.

Regardless, the move comes on the heels of reports that Kanye was dropping out just 10 days after making his surprise July 4 Twitter announcement ... and after news broke that he was polling at just 2 percent.

Looks like he's trying to keep hope alive ... at least for now.

Kanye, who's had Elon Musk's support from the jump, has managed to stir up plenty of publicity -- and controversy -- in his less than 2 weeks on the campaign trail so far.

As we reported ... he turned on his former buddy and incumbent, Donald Trump, compared Planned Parenthood to a Satanic baby-killing cult and got blasted by the org, and picked a running mate with some odd takes on mental health.

Ye's still facing an uphill battle to even get on the ballot in several states, and as we already mentioned ... his first poll numbers really sucked.

Our sources have also told us Kanye's in the throes of a very serious bipolar episode through all of this, which has worried his family and loved ones.

Originally published -- 10:42 AM PT

Megan Thee Stallion I Was Shot in the Foot!!! New Vid Shows Bloody Footprints

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UPDATE

3:17 PM PT -- TMZ's obtained new footage of the incident, starting with Megan being asked to exit the vehicle and back up toward police. As you can see ... with each step she takes, she leaves a trail of blood.

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Meanwhile, Lanez is already lying face down and sprawled out in the middle of the street.

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After Meg sits down on the sidewalk, the other woman in the vehicle is asked to come out. As we told you, she can be heard saying, "My hands are up" as she follows the cops' instructions.

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All 3 people appear to be in swimwear. According to Megan's Instagram story, she and Lanez were at Kylie Jenner's pool party earlier in the night.

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12:07 PM PT -- The LAPD tells TMZ Megan never told them she was the victim of a crime. The spokesperson said, "At the time Megan Thee [Stallion] was with police she did not report that she was the victim of any crime. And the LAPD has not received any additional information at this time."

Megan Thee Stallion was shot in the foot early Sunday morning ... when she and Tory Lanez were pulled over, and he got arrested for gun charges.

Megan says, “The narrative that is being reported about Sunday’s morning events are inaccurate and I’d like to set the record straight. On Sunday morning, I suffered gunshot wounds, as a result of a crime that was committed against me and done with the intention to physically harm me."

071520_lanez_stallion_arrest_kal_vF JULY 2020
SURROUNDED BY POLICE

Megan does not say who pulled the trigger, but she wants to make it clear ... she did nothing wrong. She adds, "I was never arrested, the police officers drove me to the hospital where I underwent surgery to remove the bullets. I’m incredibly grateful to be alive and that I’m expected to make a full recovery, but it was important for me to clarify the details about this traumatic night. I’m currently focused on my recovery, so I can return back to my life and back to making music as soon as possible.”

As we reported, police were responding to reports of multiple gunshots outside a Hollywood Hills party were Meg and Tory had been.

LAPD found a handgun in the SUV that was driving Tory, Meg and another woman -- and Tory was booked for possession of a concealed weapon. As for Megan's injuries ... our law enforcement sources say she told the cops that night she had cut her foot on glass -- that's why officers took her to the hospital for treatment.

To this point ... police have NOT connected Tory to the shots that were fired outside the party.

Originally Published -- 11:16 AM PT

Musk, Bezos, Obama & More Targets of Massive Twitter Hack ... Bitcoin Scam Underway!!!

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The Twitter accounts of some of the most high-profile celebs, politicians and business leaders around have been hacked ... and it appears it's all part of a massive Bitcoin scam.

The hack began Wednesday afternoon and is ongoing, but it seems to have started with Elon Musk. Around 4 PM ET, the Tesla founder's Twitter account was seemingly compromised by a hacker ... and it tweeted out a message asking users to send $1,000 to his Bitcoin address and they'd get $2k in return.

Shortly afterward, Bill Gates' account tweeted out a similar message with the identical BTC address. The hacker or hackers are continuing to rack up victims by posting the scam on other accounts ... including those of Kanye West, Jeff Bezos, Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg, Barack Obama and most recently, Kim Kardashian West.

Gates' people were quick to respond to the hack, saying ... "We can confirm that this tweet was not sent by Bill Gates. This appears to be part of a larger issue that Twitter is facing. Twitter is aware and working to restore the account."

Some of the scam tweets are being deleted, but then follow-up tweets are going up just as quickly ... or popping up elsewhere.

Stay tuned for more ...

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Released from Hospital ... After Possible Infection

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Breathe a sigh of relief ... Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been sprung from the hospital, and she's back at home recovering.

The Supreme Court Justice was discharged Wednesday from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, one day after she was admitted with a possible infection after experiencing fever and chills.

An S.C. spokesperson says ... "She is home and doing well."

The 87-year-old underwent an endoscopic procedure Tuesday afternoon to clean out a bile duct stent that she got last August. It was initially reported she'd be receiving antibiotic treatments and hospitalized for a few days.

Looks like she's ahead of schedule.

Get well soon, RBG!!!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized for Possible Infection Experiencing Fever, Chills

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg is back in the hospital and is being treated for a possible infection.

The Supreme Court Justice was admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital early Tuesday morning for treatment. She was initially evaluated at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., Monday night after experiencing fever and chills.

RBG underwent an endoscopic procedure at Johns Hopkins this afternoon to clean out a bile duct stent that she got last August. The 87-year-old Justice is now resting comfortably and will stay in the hospital for a few days to receive intravenous antibiotic treatment.

You'll recall Ginsburg was discharged from the hospital a little over 2 months ago after she was treated for a benign gallbladder condition. She's one tough cookie though. Remember, she's been treated for cancer 4 times.

Get better, RBG!!!

Black Lives Matter D.A. Investigating After Cop Puts Knee on Man's Neck ... Surveillance Footage Released

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6:32 PM PT -- 7/13 -- Allentown PD just released surveillance video from the incident, which cops say was captured from across the street.

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In the video, you see the moment cops and the man fall to the ground and the ensuing struggle, plus the cop putting his knee to the man's neck and eventually taking it off.

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6:25 AM PT -- 7/13 -- The Allentown Police Department announced there's an investigation into this incident being reviewed by the Lehigh County D.A.'s Office, and the department's also conducting an internal investigation over use of force. The D.A. has also assigned 2 county detectives to the investigation.

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Allentown PD says part of the investigation will include reviewing the video posted on social media, witness statements and additional videos of the interaction.

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Allentown PD says this all began when APD officers observed a male outside a hospital who was vomiting and staggering on the street. They say the erratic behavior resulted in cops and hospital staff interacting with the individual, who began to yell, scream and spit at officers and hospital staff.

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Cops say, "as the officers attempted to restrain the individual, all parties fell to the ground." They say the individual continued to be noncompliant which required officers to restrain the individual. The man was escorted to a hospital for treatment and later released.

UPDATE

The D.A.'s office is expected to issue a statement when its review is complete later this week.

A Pennsylvania city is the latest to deal with the outrage over cops holding a man down with a knee to the neck ... and the incident was captured on video, quite by accident.

A man was driving on a street in Allentown Saturday afternoon when he saw cops trying to subdue a man. A few seconds into the video you see an officer in the same position that killed George Floyd and others.

The man recording the incident says what he's watching makes it clear ... black lives don't matter to these cops.

Famed Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump was among the outraged, saying, "Allentown Police held down this man's face to the pavement and then one of its officers placed their knee on his neck!! This happened yesterday and is exactly what led to #GeorgeFloyd's death.  We need this officers name and bade# NOW #ICantBreathe."

The police dept. recently banned the use of chokeholds and other neck restraints, so at the very least this would seem to violate department policy.

Allentown PD Sub, Protest
WE'RE FED UP

Protests erupted in the area -- organized by Black Lives Matter -- once the video was posted on social media. The Mayor and Police Chief showed up to keep the peace.

It's unclear why police were trying to subdue the man. Police have not released any details, including the man's condition.

Originally published -- 7/12 7:18 AM PT

Naya Rivera Dead at 33 ... Sheriff Says No Sign of Foul Play or Suicide

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UPDATE

2:26 PM PT -- Sheriff Bill Ayub says they’re confident the body discovered in Lake Piru today is Naya Rivera, and there’s nothing to indicate any foul play took place or she died by suicide ... this was simply a tragic accidental drowning death.

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Ayub says Rivera was discovered in the northeast portion of the lake, near the surface of the water. Her body will be taken to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy and positive identification.

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2:26 PM PT -- Sheriff Bill Ayub says they’re confident the body discovered in Lake Piru today is Naya Rivera, and there’s nothing to indicate any foul play took place or she died by suicide ... this was simply a tragic accidental drowning death.
THE SEARCH IS OVER
UPDATE

The sheriff says investigators used FaceTime calls Naya had with family members to help focus their search, along with speaking to other people who rented boats the day she went missing and saw her on the water.

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Ayub says based on a conversation with Naya’s son, the 2 went for a swim, and she was able to boost him back on the boat ... but when he turned around she disappeared below the surface.

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The current was apparently very strong the day Naya went missing and Ayub says it may have contributed to her drowning. He says her boat was not anchored when she went for a swim with her son.

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Naya's family was taken to her in a boat after her body was discovered.

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1:40 PM PT -- The Ventura County Sheriff's Department is set to hold a press conference at 2 PM PT about the recovery of Naya's body. It's unclear if any friends or family will speak ... but TMZ will be live streaming.

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1:11 PM PT -- A powerful moment just occurred at Lake Piru, where Naya's body was found Monday morning -- fellow costars of hers from "Glee" stood shoulder to shoulder with members of Naya's family ... holding hands and looking out at the water.

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UPDATE

There's also this eerie fact -- Cory Monteith, who was a lead on the show in its heyday, died 7 years ago on the same day Naya's body was discovered ... July 13. He was killed in 2013 by a deadly cocktail of intoxicants, including heroin and alcohol.

Naya Rivera's body has been recovered from Lake Piru ... TMZ has learned.

Ventura County officials said Monday that a body had been found at the lake, and our law enforcement sources have confirmed it is, in fact, her. A press conference sharing the news publicly is forthcoming.

As we reported ... Naya and her 4-year-old son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, were swimming in Lake Piru when something terrible happened Wednesday. Josey got back in the boat and when authorities arrived for a check, he told them he and his mom were swimming and he didn't know what happened to her.

Naya made a name for herself as a child actress and model, who appeared in various national TV commercials. She landed the role of Hillary Winston on "The Royal Family" at just 4 years old. She received a nomination for a Young Artist Award.

Naya's big break came in 2009 when she landed the role of Santana Lopez on the FOX hit series, "Glee." She was a talented singer ... signing with Columbia Records in 2011. That same year ... she was part of the "Glee" ensemble nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Don't Stop Believin'."

In 2013, she released a single, "Sorry," featuring Big Sean, whom she dated and was briefly engaged to in 2013, before ending the relationship in 2014.

Naya later dated Josey's father, actor Ryan Dorsey, marrying him in Cabo San Lucas in July 2014. They divorced in 2018 and had been sharing custody of Josey.

She was also no stranger to the big screen ... making her debut in 2014 in the horror film "At the Devil's Door." She also appeared on Lifetime's "Devious Maids."

Last time we saw her was in October 2018 at LAX, ... where we talked to her about doing her own lobbying for a part in Steven Spielberg's flick, "West Side Story."

Naya Rivera October 2018
LAST TIME WE SAW HER

Naya is survived by her son. She was 33.

RIP

Originally Published -- 9:53 AM PT