YouTube's 'King of Random' Filmed His Own Death ... Parachute Snafu to Blame

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The fatal crash that killed Grant Thompson -- creator of YouTube's popular "King of Random" series -- was all caught on camera ... and though we're told it'll never see the light of day, it's helped investigators determine exactly what went wrong.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... authorities have reviewed footage from a camera mounted on Grant's paramotor, and it appears a change in the updraft caused the parachute to malfunction. It's unclear if the parachute twisted ... but we're told Grant died on impact, less than 4 seconds after the problem surfaced.

The video makes it apparent ... Thompson immediately knew something was wrong but couldn't recover because he lost altitude in rapid fashion. By the time he deployed his reserve parachute, it was just too late. We're told the reserve chute did in fact deploy, but not in time.

We're told authorities are adamant the video will never be released to the public ... it would be gratuitous, gruesome and painful for his family.

TMZ broke the story ... Grant died after a paramotoring accident in Utah. The Washington County Sheriff's Office had said a report came in Monday of an overdue paraglider who had gone off the radar near the Sand Hollow State Park. His coordinates were pulled from GPS data and a helicopter located his body.

As we first reported ... Grant had taken up the sport only 5 months ago and called it his new obsession. He was only 38.

Saoirse Kennedy Hill RFK Granddaughter Dead at 22 ... Apparent OD at Kennedy Compound

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UPDATE

10:02 AM PT -- An autopsy was performed on Hill Friday and revealed there was no trauma inconsistent with the lifesaving measures taken by paramedics. According to the Cape and Islands D.A.'s Office ... the cause and manner of death are pending a toxicology report, and the matter remains under investigation.

Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy's granddaughter is dead after suffering an apparent drug overdose while staying at the family's famous Hyannis Port estate.

Saoirse Kennedy Hill was already in cardiac arrest Thursday by the time paramedics arrived at the Kennedy compound ... around 2:30 PM. She was rushed to a hospital, but doctors could not resuscitate her, and she was pronounced dead there.

Multiple reports said the cause of death appears to be an overdose, but there's no official word from police or the family.

Saiorse's death is the latest in a decades-long string of tragedies for the Kennedys. The family released a statement saying, "“Her life was filled with hope, promise and love. She lit up our lives with her love, her peals of laughter and her generous spirit. We will love her and will miss her forever."

Her grandmother, Ethel, added, "The world is a little less beautiful today."

Saiorse studied communications at Boston College, and before that attended the Deerfield Academy private boarding school in Massachusetts. While she was there, she wrote an article for the school paper about battling depression and attempting suicide.

Her parents are Courtney Kennedy -- Ethel and RFK's 5th child (out of 11) -- and Paul Michael Hill.

Saiorse was 22.

RIP

Originally Published -- 8/1 10:08 PM PT

YouTube's 'King of Random' Vid Shows Grant Paramotoring with Ease ... Months Before Death

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Grant Thompson, creator of YouTube's popular "King of Random" series, died doing an extreme sport he loved and mastered -- based on this video -- even though he'd just picked it up a few months ago.

TMZ's learned Grant Thompson was paramotoring -- it's also called powered paragliding -- when he died Monday night in Utah. In this video shot in March ... Thompson's seen handily operating a paramotor to fly all around and high above an open field.

At one point he pulled off a maneuver his friend calls "so risky" as he recorded the flight.

Law enforcement confirmed a paramotor was involved in Grant's accident.

His brother, Mark, tells us Grant took up the sport about 5 months ago and says it was his new obsession. We're told the footage seen here was taken at the same spot near his home where he was supposed to land ... had he made it back from the flight that killed him.

We broke the story ... authorities found Grant's body Tuesday. The Washington County Sheriff's Office got a call about an overdue paraglider who'd gone off radar near a state park, and they quickly launched a massive search.

Along with Grant's paramotoring gear, a video recording device was found at the crash site and is being reviewed to determine the cause of the accident.

Grant started his YouTube channel in 2010 and amassed more than 11 millions subscribers while documenting experiments, life hacks and random weekend projects.

He was 38.

Nick Buoniconti NFL Legend Dead at 78

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti -- who famously launched a charity to cure paralysis -- has died after a struggle with dementia. He was 78.

Buoniconti was a stud linebacker at Notre Dame who was drafted by the Boston Patriots of the AFL in 1962 ... but went on to become a superstar for the Miami Dolphins from 1969 to 1976.

During his career, Buoniconti racked up 2 Super Bowl rings, made 2 Pro Bowls and was a 6-time AFL All Star. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Buoniconti believed he suffered from CTE due to his football career and in 2017 he announced that he would donate his brain for research purposes after his death.

During an interview, Buoniconti once said of his condition, "I’m positive that football caused this ... I always loved [the game]. I still do. But I’m paying the price."

Nick famously launched The Buoniconti Fund after his son, Marc, became paralyzed during a college football game in 1985. The Fund helped launch the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, which has become one of the global leaders in neurological research.

Nick and Marc were famously featured on an episode of HBO's "Real Sports."

Nick also hosted "Inside the NFL" from 1980 until 2001.

And get this, while playing for the Patriots, Nick earned his law degree and became a sports agent who represented a bunch of MLB players ... including Andre Dawson.

Yankees legendary owner George Steinbrenner once said Nick was the toughest negotiator he ever faced.

Long story short, Nick lived a pretty amazing life and will be missed.

RIP

Cameron Boyce Cause of Death Officially Ruled Epilepsy

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Cameron Boyce suffered a sudden, unexpected death due to epilepsy ... according to the Medical Examiner, confirming what we already knew about the young Disney superstar.

The L.A. County M.E.'s report also says Cameron did not have any drugs or alcohol in his system ... except for Keppra -- which is an epilepsy medication.

We broke the story ... Cameron's offical cause of death was deferred on his death certificate until the medical examiner's office could complete its investigation. The report says the 20-year-old developed non-traumatic epilepsy about 3 years ago ... and had "several major seizures" over the years.

As we told you, despite suffering epileptic seizures for a long time ... Cameron was able to achieve great acting success in both TV and in movies. The M.E.'s report says his seizures typically occurred months apart.

Boyce suffered the fatal seizure on July 6 and died in his sleep. Our sources told us his roommate found him unresponsive, and when paramedics arrived they could not revive him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cameron's death led to heartfelt tributes from many celebrities, including Michelle Obama, who said, "not only did he have incredible talent, but also an incredible heart."

His family says his spirit will live on through "the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him." It's already evident -- the actor's favorite charity has raised thousands since his death in his honor ... with some help from his movie dad, Adam Sandler.

YouTube's 'King of Random' Grant Thompson Dead at 38 ... Paragliding Accident

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Grant Thompson -- the creator and star of the viral YouTube series "King of Random" -- died this week after a paragliding accident in Utah ... according to his family.

Grant's brother, Mark, tells TMZ ... the YouTuber went paragliding Monday evening, but never returned home. Mark says Grant's body was discovered by authorities Tuesday, and that the family is still being briefed on what exactly happened.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office says a report came in Monday of an overdue paraglider, who'd gone off the radar near the Sand Hollow State Park. They say the caller reported the paraglider should have returned an hour earlier, and he couldn't be reached on his cellphone. The call triggered a massive search.

Grant's coordinates were pulled from GPS data, and a helicopter located his body that night. WCSO says detectives found paragliding equipment at the crash site, as well as a video recording device ... which they're reviewing to determine cause.

Mark tells us that Grant got into paragliding around 5 months ago. He had an affinity for skydiving, flying and other airborne activities.

Grant started his YouTube channel in 2010, documenting experiments, life hacks and random weekend projects. King of Random amassed more than 11 million subscribers and nearly 2.5 billion views total. His was the 321st most subscribed to channel on YouTube.

It appears Grant took something of a backseat on his series as of late. Two new hosts have been fronting the video experiments for a while.

YouTube commented on Grant's death as well, saying ... "We're deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Grant Thompson, a gifted, passionate and endlessly curious creator. We send our deepest condolences to his loving family, The King of Random team and fans."

He was 38. RIP

Eli Manning On Jared Lorenzen's Funeral 'It Was Tough'

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Eli Manning says the death of his former New York Giants teammate, Jared Lorenzen, hit him pretty hard ... saying, "I went to the funeral and I saw his parents, to see his kids, it’s just sad."

Lorenzen was Manning's backup during the 2006 NFL season, when the Giants beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Before that, they had been friends for years.

Lorenzen -- aka the Hefty Lefty -- passed away on July 3 ... and Manning (along with NY Giants co-owner John Mara) flew to Kentucky to pay his respects to his friend at a small burial service.

"We came in at the same time, competed against him in college, we were friends here for four seasons, won a Super Bowl, had so many good memories," Manning told the New York Post.

Lorenzen's father, Joe, praised Eli for coming out to the funeral -- and for being a good friend to Jared over the years.

"I wish nothing but the best for Eli," Joe told The Post ... adding, "He is a good man. I want to say a good kid, but he is a good man. I hope he has a great year this year."

Nipsey Hussle Police on High Alert for Birthday Celebration

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Nipsey Hussle's birthday is still a couple weeks away ... but cops are already gearing up and bracing for a huge turnout at his Marathon Clothing store in his honor.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... LAPD has August 15 marked on its calendar, planning a heavy presence at the location where the rapper was shot and killed earlier this year.

The police force is fully aware Nipsey was a beloved member of the community, so its anticipating thousands of fans showing up to pay their respects on his bday.

We're told the LAPD is not taking any chances.

Our sources say more than 100 officers will be in the area -- but many will be in plain clothes because they don't want to come off as threatening.

Interestingly, Hussle's camp hasn't even released any official plans about how it will celebrate his bday ... but cops are making an educated guess it will revolve around Marathon.

Nipsey's memorial service and funeral procession were attended by thousands in April. We're told just like that gathering, cops don't foresee violence ... but they'll be ready if things get out of control.

As we reported ... Nipsey and his business partners were being investigated at the time of his death for alleged gang activity around his clothing store, despite the LAPD praising him at the very same time for taking a stand against gang violence.

The LAPD later said it wasn't specifically targeting Hussle ... just looking to curb the long-standing gang problem in the area surrounding Marathon.

Adrien Broner Nothing Has To Change After Boxing Deaths ... 'Hell Nah'

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Adrien Broner thinks Maxim Dadashev's death from in-ring injuries was tragic ... but the star boxer tells TMZ Sports nothing about the sport has to change going forward.

"Hell nah," Broner says ... "Ain't nothing got to change."

Dadashev -- a 28-year-old Russian junior welterweight contender -- took repeated punches to the face and head during his fight last Friday night with Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias.

After his trainer threw in the towel to stop the bout ... Dadashev collapsed and was rushed to the hospital -- where he later died Tuesday from brain injuries suffered during the fight.

Broner tells us the tragedy was eye-opening ... and says people need to start appreciating him more now because "it only take one shot and we can die."

But, as far as putting in measures to prevent that from happening in the future, Broner says that's unnecessary for boxing.

"It's a part about growing up," Broner says ... "Who your teacher is. What he taught you. 'Cause when I grew up, my coach, Mike Stafford, the first thing he taught me was defense."

"And that's why my career is still lasting as long as it is."

As for whether Dadashev's corner let him down by not stopping the fight sooner ... Broner says their actions were fine by him.

"As a fighter, it's like, 'Nah, don't stop this fight.'"

Voice of Minnie Mouse Actor Russi Taylor Dead at 75

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Russi Taylor -- the woman who voiced Minnie Mouse for more than three decades -- has died.

Taylor passed away Friday at her Glendale home in Southern California, according to Disney CEO Bob Iger. He says, "Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor."

Iger went on to say, "We’re so grateful for Russi’s talent as well as the tremendous spirit and great joy she brought to everything she did. It was a privilege to have known her and an honor to have worked with her, and we take comfort in the knowledge that her work will continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come."

He added, "Russi will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to her family and friends, along with our deepest condolences." The circumstances around her death are unclear.

Russi voiced the iconic Disney character consistently since the '80s -- 1987 to be exact, which is when she's first credited for playing Minnie in a TV movie called "DTV 'Doggone' Valentine." She auditioned and landed the coveted role. Hers is the Minnie voice most millennials and kids are familiar with.

She's continued to voice Minnie as recently as 2019, and has a little over 80 Minnie credits to her name over the a variety of Disney projects. Some of the most notable contributions to the Disney canon as Minnie ... "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" "Runaway Brain," "Goofy and the Three Musketeers," "Mickey Mouse Works," "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and lots of others.

Russi's voice talents went well beyond Disney though ... she's voice other iconic characters too, like Pebbles on "The Flinstones," the Mackleberry Twins and Martin Prince on "The Simpsons" and other characters on "The Jetsons," "Scooby Doo," "The Muppets" ... plus plenty of other Disney favorites.

She was once married to longtime Mickey Mouse voice actor Wayne Allwine, who died of diabetes in 2009. They didn't have any children together, but she's got a whole country of kids who love her.

Russi was 75. RIP.

Cameron Boyce Gets a Walk of Fame Shout-Out ... From 'Descendants' Director Kenny Ortega

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Cameron Boyce's memory is living on in the people he was closest to in his career -- which couldn't have been more clear than at Kenny Ortega's Walk of Fame ceremony.

The esteemed director -- who headed up Disney's "Descendants" film, which starred Cameron -- was honored Wednesday with his own star on Hollywood Boulevard. During his speech, he made sure to mention the late actor, who tragically died this month.

Kenny said Cameron -- whose father and sister attended the event as well -- had inspired him beyond words, and also inspired a generation of kids who were familiar with his work.

He went on to say that Cameron told him something once that he relayed to the crowd -- watch the clip ... it's pretty profound that Cameron was talking like that before his sudden passing. Kenny also touted a foundation Cameron's family has started in his name.

As we've reported ... Cameron suffered from epilepsy throughout his life, before dying in his sleep in early July after enduring a fatal seizure. His exact cause of death has yet to be released, but authorities have listed it as a "natural death."

His family has thanked all of Cameron's fans for the outpouring of love and support, and said of their son ... "He was and is, so cherished and we will hold him in our hearts forever. He is our shooting star."

Cameron was just 20 years old. RIP

Rutger Hauer 'Blade Runner' Star Dead at 75

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Rutger Hauer -- the Dutch actor best known for costarring with Harrison Ford in the classic film "Blade Runner" -- has died.

The veteran actor died at his home in the Netherlands last week after a short illness, according to his agent. His funeral was held Wednesday.

Hauer's Hollywood career spanned over 5 decades, and his credits include leading roles in movies like "The Hitcher" and playing Roy Batty in Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi film, "Blade Runner."

Rutger won a Golden Globe in 1988 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in the TV series "Escape from Sobibor," and was nominated again in 1995 for "Fatherland."

His more recent credits include "Sin City," "Batman Begins" and the titular role in 2011's "Hobo with a Shotgun." He also had a notable supporting role on the HBO series, "True Blood."

After several big roles in the Netherlands in the '70s, Hauer made his mark on American cinema in 1981, starring alongside Sly Stallone in "Nighthawks."

He was big in the horror genre, as well -- he played Van Helsing in 2012's "Dracula 3D" to follow up going full vampire in the 2004 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s "Salem’s Lot."

Rutger was 75.

RIP

Gennady Golovkin Maxim Dadashev's Death ... 'Very Bad for Boxing'

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Gennady Golovkin
NOT A GOOD LOOK

Boxing superstar Gennady Golovkin is speaking out about the death of fellow boxer Maxim Dadashev ... telling TMZ Sports the tragedy isn't just sad on a personal level, but it's also terrible for the sport.

"It's very bad for the sport of boxing," Triple G told us outside of Spago in Beverly Hills.

You can see in the video, GGG is clearly emotional about the situation ... and said the entire community "feels crazy" right now.

We asked Gennady if there's anything the boxing community can do to help prevent deaths like this in the future ... but he simply told us there's nothing anyone can do can bring Maxim back.

As we previously reported, 28-year-old Dadashev suffered a brain bleed and went into a coma from the damage he took during his fight on Friday night. He later died from his injuries.

Dadashev was 13-1 in his boxing career and was considered one of the sport's bright young stars before Friday's fight.

Boxer Maxim Dadashev Dead At 28 After In-Ring Injuries

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UPDATE

4:01 PM PT -- The wife of Maxim Dadashev, Elizaveta Apushkina, released a statement to ESPN's Steve Kim, saying ... "It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of my husband, Maxim Dadashev. He was a very kind person who fought until the very end. Our son will continue be raised to be a great man like his father."

UPDATE

"Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that cared for Maxim during his final days. I ask that everyone please respect our privacy during this very difficult time.”

Maxim Dadashev -- the boxer who went into a coma after suffering injuries during a fight Friday night -- has died, both his trainer and coach announced Tuesday.

He was 28 years old.

Dadashev, a Russian junior welterweight contender, was fighting Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias in the co-main event of Top Rank's boxing card on ESPN last week, when things took a horrible turn in the later rounds.

Dadashev was taking a lot of punches to the face and head ... and it got so ugly, his trainer, Buddy McGirt, had to beg the boxer to throw in the towel.

Ultimately, McGirt was able to get the fight stopped -- but the damage had been done ... Dadashev collapsed after the bout and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Maryland after taking more than 300 punches in the bout.

Dadashev was diagnosed with a brain bleed and underwent a 2 hour procedure Friday evening in the hopes of saving his life. He was later placed in a medically induced coma.

But, McGirt announced Tuesday Dadashev had passed away from his injuries.

Dadashev was 13-1 in his boxing career and was considered one of the sport's bright young stars before Friday's fight.

RIP

Art Neville NOLA Funk Legend Dead at 81

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Art Neville of the Neville Brothers -- a legend in the New Orleans music scene and a funk pioneer -- has died.

The musician passed away Monday after years of declining health, according to his family. His longtime manager, Kent Sorrell, said Art's death was "peaceful" ... adding that he died at his home with his wife, Lorraine, by his side.

Art was a singer, songwriter and prominent keyboardist in the NOLA music scene for a long time. He's perhaps best known as the voice of the Carnival season anthem, "Mardi Gras Mambo," which he wrote and originally recorded in the 1950's ... and has endured to this day.

He formed multiple bands throughout the decades -- and along the way, pumped out well over 10 singles and at least a couple dozen albums between the Neville Bros. and The Meters.

Art is survived by his wife and his three children. He was 81.

Tyler Skaggs Funeral Set for Today Angels Expected to Attend

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UPDATE

1:49 PM PT -- Skaggs' family and friends arrived at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Santa Monica ... with the group entering the church together.

UPDATE
UPDATE

A large picture of Skaggs and his wife, Carli, sat at the entrance to the church.

Tyler Skaggs will be laid to rest at a private funeral service on Monday ... with his family, L.A. Angels teammates and MLB friends expected to attend.

Per their schedule, the Angels do not have a game on Monday which means players and other personnel are available to attend the service for the 27-year-old.

Milwaukee Brewers star Ryan Braun -- who was very close with Skaggs -- is reportedly missing his team's Monday night game against the Reds to attend the funeral. The two grew up in Southern California together.

Skaggs died in his team hotel room in the Dallas area on July 1 during a road trip to Texas to play the Rangers. A cause of death has not been released.

Sources who had spent time with Skaggs the day before his death told us they didn't notice anything unusual about Tyler's behavior in the hours before he died ... explaining, "He seemed completely normal."

When the team returned to Anaheim for their first home game following Tyler's death, they combined for a no-hitter ... which they dedicated to Skaggs.

In fact, Tyler's mother threw out the ceremonial first pitch that night ... and Angels players credited her with setting the tone. The entire team had worn Skaggs' #45 jersey to honor the pitcher.

A few days before the no-hitter, teammate Mike Trout, wore Tyler's #45 during the MLB All-Star Game.

Originally Published -- 10:33 AM PT