Someone donated $40,000 to the family of the late WWE star Shad Gaspard ... and it's looking like the secret donor is none other than John Cena.

The family created a GoFundMe account for funeral and other expenses ... this after Shad tragically died last weekend off the Venice Beach shore. Lifeguards swam out to rescue Shad but he implored them to get his 10-year-old son first. They did, but when they came back Shad was gone -- swept out to sea. His body was found 3 days later.

Someone pledged a whopping $40,000. As for who, the person's identity was recorded as "CTC RIP."

Now the clues ...  CTC -- Cryme Tyme Cenation -- was a wrestling tag team comprised of Cena, Shad and JTG back in 2008. Cryme Tyme had existed before, but Cena joined -- though only for a short time. He suffered an injured early on and ended up dropping out, leaving Shad and JTG to continue their insanely popular tag team.

We're also told John and was extremely close to Shad and had commented to various people last week he wanted to do something for the family.

Now check out the photo John just posted ... a car with the letter CTC emblazoned on the smashed whip. It looks like Cena and Shad are spray painting the car. The pic is clearly from a match ... you see fans all around.

Carl Crawford is ready to talk about the double drowning that occurred at his home -- and his first words are ones of regret and remorse for the victims.

The former Dodger star turned record label executive took to social media this weekend to reflect on the fatal accident that took place at his crib in Houston a week ago, saying ... "My Hearts Heavy. The tragic events that occurred at my home will be with me forever. I'm at a loss for words I've struggled all week to manage my emotions and I keep thinking of the families of those who've passed and their grief, I know they have it the hardest."

He continued, "They are the first and last thing I think of these days. Please keep them in your prayers, I know they will always be in mine." He captioned his post with prayer hands.

TMZ broke the story ... Crawford's home became the site of two drownings after a woman and child both fell into his pool and, ultimately, died. Carl tried resuscitating them himself, but was unsuccessful. Paramedics eventually arrived and transported the two victims, who were unresponsive.

The boy was no more than 5 years old, but the woman he was with was not his mother -- he was simply in her care for the day. Carl was hosting a small gathering that weekend.

Former WWE star Shad Gaspard was honored Friday during a sunset memorial at the site where he tragically died.

Shad's wife, Siliana, invited lots of friends and family, along with some of his many fans, to pay homage where the beloved star drowned last weekend, after heroically directing lifeguards to help his 10-year-old son out of the churning waters of Venice Beach. Shad's body was found 3 days later.

Shad was universally liked ... a genuinely good man who died a hero.

RIP

Japanese pro wrestler Hana Kimura -- a featured member of Netflix's hit show, "Terrace House" -- has died at age 22.

Stardom Wrestling confirmed Kimura's death on Friday ... saying "We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away."

"Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends."

"We appreciate your support during this difficult time."

Kimura made her debut at Wrestle-1 and won her first title at the JWP Junior plate in 2016 ... and officially joined Stardom in 2019.

Kimura was famously a leader of the Tokyo Cyber Squad ... a fan favorite among Japanese wrestling fans.

Hana was a beloved character on "Terrace House" ... with many attaching themselves to her hopeless romantic character.

NBA Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Sloan -- who was a member of the Utah Jazz organization for more than 30 years -- has died.

Sloan died early Friday due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. The Jazz released a statement, saying, "Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz. He will forever be a part of the Utah Jazz organization and we join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss. We are so thankful for what he accomplished here in Utah and the decades of dedication, loyalty and tenacity he brought to our franchise."

Sloan was the head coach of the Jazz for 23 years with 1,223 wins, 20 trips to the playoffs and two NBA Finals appearances ... in which Sloan's teams lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

Sloan's post-game presser after Michael Jordan's "Flu Game" was recently featured on ESPN's "The Last Dance" ... the coach claimed he didn't even know MJ was sick.

The team statement continues, "Like Stockton and Malone as players, Jerry Sloan epitomized the organization. He will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Tammy, the entire Sloan family and all who knew and loved him.”

Sloan worked for the Jazz organization for 34 years as either head coach, assistant, scout or senior basketball adviser.

Sloan was 78.

"Ink Master" star Daniel Silva is reeling from the fatal car crash that killed his friend, YouTube star Corey La Barrie ... according to his attorney, who's confident Daniel will beat a murder charge.

Sources close to Daniel tell TMZ ... Silva had been working hard all day leading up to the deadly crash, and showed up to Corey's birthday party totally sober. We're also told Daniel was only at the party for 2 hours, but was seen drinking White Claw hard seltzer.

We broke the story ... Daniel was arrested and charged with 2nd-degree murder after wrecking a black McLaren sports car earlier this month. Corey, his passenger in the car, died from injuries suffered in the crash. They had just left Corey's 25th birthday party.

Daniel's attorney, Mike Cavalluzzi, tells TMZ ... Silva "This is a horrible tragedy and our hearts go out to Corey's family and friends. We are reviewing all of the evidence and will reserve comment for a later time. For now, it is most important that everyone involved is given time and space to grieve."

Remember ... our law enforcement sources say witnesses claim Silva allegedly tried to flee the scene but was stopped by bystanders. Witnesses also say Daniel was drinking before getting in the driver's seat, but he has NOT been charged with DUI.

We're told Cavalluzzi believes prosecutors will not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt Daniel was driving drunk. He says the crash was nothing more than a horrible accident.

"Shad was one of those guys that everybody loved."

That's Triple H telling TMZ Sports why the death of former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard is such a huge loss ... explaining, "He was just a great human being."

Of course, Shad began his relationship with WWE in 2002 when he tried out for the "Tough Enough 2" reality show.

He busted his ass and earned a WWE contract in 2005 -- eventually making the big stage in early 2006.

He ultimately parted ways with WWE in 2010 but Triple H says they had a good relationship ... and even chatted just a few months ago.

"Just the greatest guy," Triple H said ... "So nice."

The WWE exec also said the fact he died while trying to save his 10-year-old son "tells you everything you need to know about the guy."

Gaspard was declared missing on May 17 after he was caught in a riptide during a swim with his son in Marina del Rey.

Rescuers were able to pull his son out of the water, but they were unable to save Shad. His body was found on May 20.

Triple H says WWE honored Shad on Wednesday's 'NXT' show -- but he believes there will be another tribute on "Friday Night Smackdown."

The L.A. County Coroner has identified the body found on L.A.'s Venice Beach as ex-WWE superstar Shad Gaspard ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The body was first seen on the beach by a citizen who called cops around 1:30 AM Wednesday ... according to our law enforcement sources. We're told officers responded and recovered the body right near Venice Pier.

A short time later, several people (we're told family members and close friends) gathered at the beach.

They were hugging, talking and crying. At one point, some of the people waded into the water.

The L.A. Fire Department held a news conference Wednesday morning, saying the body matches the description of Shad ... a 6'6" black male over 240 lbs.

As we first reported, he went missing on Sunday afternoon when a group of swimmers, including Shad and his son, Aryeh, got caught in a rip current south of the Pier.

Shad heroically told lifeguards to focus on getting his 10-year-old son to shore safely, but when they returned he'd gone under.

Police and Coast Guard boats and divers searched the rough water for nearly 2 days before suspending their efforts.

Shad loved hanging out at the beach, and less than 2 weeks ago he'd posted a heartwarming vid walking through the sand and surf with Aryeh. Shad wrote, "Love the life I built for my self and my family."

He was one-half of the popular WWE tag team, Cryme Time, along with his partner, JTG.

He was also a regular at the legendary Gold's Gym in Venice, and as we learned firsthand ... a truly great guy.

Shad is survived by his wife Siliana and their son.

He was 39.

RIP

Little Richard's family, friends and former band members gathered for the icon's graveside funeral -- a surprisingly low-key and private service for the legendary showman.

Little Richard, or Richard Wayne Penniman to those close to him, was buried Wednesday at the Oakwood University Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama.

The trailblazing rock 'n' roll star's niece, opera singer Brandie Sutton, sang during his service. Dr. Carlton P. Byrd delivered a eulogy, and Richard's family spokesman David Person gave some closing remarks before he was laid to rest.

As we reported ... Little Richard died earlier this month at his Tennessee home, surrounded by his brother, sister and son. His bass guitarist, Charles Glenn, told us Richard had been sick for a couple months before he passed.

The singer, of course, is known for his enormous influence over the rock 'n' roll genre, with insanely popular hits like "Tutti-Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally." The Beatles have credited him as an inspiration, and Richard paved the way for acts like James Brown, The Rolling Stones and even Michael Jackson further down the road.

As for his connection to Huntsville, he attended Oakwood University and studied theology on campus after he'd already become a rising music star. He also recorded many of his hits in Alabama.

Little Richard was 87.

Actor Hagen Mills is dead in Kentucky after he apparently shot a woman and then turned the gun on himself ... TMZ has learned.

Mills -- who had roles on the TV series' "Baskets" and "Swedish Dicks" -- died Tuesday in the town of Mayfield ... according to his mother. She tells us he'd been living in Hollywood for several years, but still had a home in Mayfield.

The shooting reportedly left one man dead and a woman injured. Mayfield's Police Chief Nathan Kent confirmed investigators believe it was an attempted murder-suicide in which the man, Hagen, was the shooter.

The woman was reportedly taken to the hospital but survived the shooting. It's unclear what her relationship was with Hagen.

The owner of the Byrn Funeral Home in Mayfield tells us they've been in touch with Hagen's family and will be handling his service.

Along with his small TV roles, the actor costarred in an Indie film called "Star Light," which was released in February. His mother says tells us Hagen loved acting, but his true passion was his 4-year-old daughter.

He was 29.

"Ink Master" star Daniel Silva is officially facing a murder charge for the fatal car crash that killed his friend, YouTube star Corey La Barrie ... TMZ has learned.

According to new legal docs ... the L.A. County D.A.'s Office says Silva "did unlawfully, and with malice aforethought" murder La Barrie. He's been hit with one felony count of second degree murder.

We broke the story ... Silva was arrested for murder after wrecking a black McLaren sports car earlier this month after leaving a party with La Barrie. We're told they were celebrating Corey's birthday ... he'd just turned 25.

Silva allegedly tried to flee, but was stopped by witnesses ... according to law enforcement sources. Photos from the scene show Silva being taken away on a stretcher and we're told he suffered a broken hip.

Witnesses said Silva was drinking before getting behind the wheel ... however, he has not been charged with DUI. La Barrie -- who was in the passenger seat -- died from his injuries at the hospital.

A bail amount of $2 million has been recommended for the "Ink Master" star.

Gregory Tyree Boyce -- one of the guys who was vying for Kristen Stewart's heart and attention in the first 'Twilight' movie has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

Boyce passed away last Wednesday in Las Vegas. An official cause of death is pending.

His mother, Lisa Wayne, confirmed the news on social media, writing ... "My baby boy, Greg Boyce was the best chef....oh man. He was in the process of starting a wing business, West Wings. He created the flavors to his perfection and named them after west coast rappers. Snoop Dog, Kendrick Lamar, Roddy Ricch, The Game, etc." She continued, "He had flavors like, Tequila Lime Agave...those were my favorite. A Hennessy Maple flavor, oh man, just so damn good. I can say that my son was my favorite chef. He was on to something great and that was his passion."

She went on to remember in a lengthy, loving tribute, throwing up a logo for the business he had started.

As far as acting, Greg had only starred in two projects -- one was "Twilight" back in 2008, in which he played Tyler Crowley, and the other credit is for a short called "Apocalypse." In "Twilight," he's most memorable as the dude who almost hit Bella (Stewart) with his van.

At the last second, Robert Pattinson's character, Edward, jumps in the way and blocks the van with lightning speed and strength, leaving a huge indent on the vehicle.

Gregory was 30.

RIP

Marc Maron got super emotional remembering his late lover and creative partner, Lynn Shelton ... delivering a gut-wrenching eulogy through a cascade of tears.

The comic broke down crying Monday on his WTF podcast as he paid tribute to the famous writer and director who died suddenly Saturday from a blood disorder at age 54 .... describing Lynn's final days while choking back tears and openly grieving in front of millions of listeners.

Marc remembers Lynn as his partner, girlfriend, best friend and lover ... saying he never felt what he felt with her with anyone else, then looking back on all their good times -- cooking, laughing, playing Crazy Eights, traveling, writing.

MM then delves into her final days on this Earth ... explaining how their roller-coaster week went from fears of COVID-19 to negative tests, from strep throat treatments to blood tests, and then a sudden hallway collapse in the middle of the night leading to a frantic 911 call.

Marc touches on the last time he saw Lynn alive, and describes in great detail what her body endured in the hospital. He also sheds light on his final goodbye to the woman he called amazing and an inspiration to so many.

It's a very powerful and moving moment ... Marc explaining their relationship and why Lynn was beloved by all before rehashing the first time they ever met.

Ken Osmond -- famous for playing the smart-mouthed Eddie Haskell on the classic '50s family TV series "Leave It To Beaver" -- is dead ... TMZ has confirmed.

The actor died Monday at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones and family. His son, Eric, tells us, "He was an incredibly kind and wonderful father. He had his family gathered around him when he passed. He was loved and will be very missed."

Ken began his acting career when he was only 9 years old, but he got his big break in 1957 when he was cast as Eddie Haskell on 'Beaver' opposite Jerry Mathers, who played the title character.

The Haskell role was supposed to be a simple guest appearance, but Ken knocked it outta the park and his character became a series mainstay over 6 seasons and 234 episodes. As you know, Ken's portrayal of Eddie was iconic.

Osmond grew up in Glendale, CA and his first speaking role was in the movie "So Big." He also guest-starred on a ton of popular TV shows, including "Lassie," "Wagon Train, "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," "The Loretta Young Show" and "Fury."

In 1970, Osmond joined the LAPD and was an officer until he retired in 1988. During one incident, he was shot at 5 times ... 4 of the bullets hit his bulletproof vest and the fifth ricocheted off his belt buckle.

Ken was typecast after 'Beaver,' but his other acting credits include appearances on "The Munsters" and "Petticoat Junction," plus feature films like "With Six You Get Eggroll" and "C'Mon Let's Live a Little."

Ken was 76.

Geno Silva, the "Scarface" actor who performed one of the greatest hits in a hit movie ... has died from complications related to dementia.

His "Scarface" role, where he played The Skull and forever silenced Tony Montana [for the youngins ... Al Pacino played him). It's one of the most memorable scenes in what may be the greatest movie ever made ... agree to disagree.

Geno did it all ... he starred on Broadway, movies and TV. Some of the TV credits -- "Miami Vice," "Star Trek: Enterprise and Alias," and "Key West."

As for his movie credits ... "Scarface" is definitely the most memorable, but there were many others. Geno was a true working actor.

Geno leaves behind a big family, including his wife, Pamela, daughter Lucia and 2 grandchildren. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the story.

The family asks that any donations be made to The Ass'n for Frontotemporal Dementia.

Geno was 72.