Celebrity Death

TikTok star Cooper Noriega has died at the age of 19 ... just hours after a very eerie social media post about dying at a young age.

Law enforcement sources tell us a passerby called 911 Thursday after discovering Cooper unconscious in a mall parking lot outside Los Angeles. We're told paramedics arrived on scene shortly thereafter, but were unable to revive the young social media star.

Our sources say Cooper was not in a vehicle, and there were no signs of trauma on his body. At this time, we're told there's no foul play suspected and an autopsy will be performed.

Just hours before Cooper died, he posted an image of himself in bed on TikTok with the caption, "who else b thinking they gon d!€ young af."

Simiso Buthelezi's opponent has terrifyingly admitted he's having suicidal thoughts after the boxer tragically died following their fight last weekend.

Siphesihle Mntungwa made the troubling admission this week to Sowetan Live, a daily newspaper in South Africa, saying he's received threats and horrible messages accusing him of causing the 24-year-old's death during their sanctioned bout on Sunday.

"I came under heavy criticism and insults on social media platforms when Simiso was hospitalised," Mntungwa said, "it has taken another level now that he has passed away."

"I just can't take it anymore. One thing is left for me -- I am going to kill myself."

Mntungwa went on to say that he did not kill Simiso, nor was it his intention to end the fighter's life. Rather, the 27-year-old said he was just competing in a boxing match, focusing on winning the title so he could provide for his family financially.

"I did not kill Simiso," he said. "We may have been involved in a boxing fight but it was not a matter of life and death."

"All I wanted was to win the title, which maybe was going to help change my life and that of my family."

As we reported, Simiso became so disoriented during the 10th round of the contest with Mntungwa in South Africa that he began punching thin air -- forcing the referee to end the match.

Simiso, who collapsed in the ring following the scary scene, was rushed to the hospital ... but unfortunately, later died there.

Mntungwa's trainer, Mmeli Mkhize, said he's seeking professional help for Mntungwa following the fighter's disturbing admission to the outlet.

He added that the threats against Mntungwa have been so bad, they can't even pay their respects to Simiso out of concern for what people might try to do them there.

"We will not even be able to attend the funeral because we are scared," he said.

George Thompson, one of the greatest players in the history of Marquette basketball, has died at 74 years old, the school announced on Wednesday night.

The university shared the sad news in a tweet ... saying Thompson passed away due to complications from diabetes.

"George made a tremendous impact, not only on the program, but the entire Milwaukee community after his arrival on campus," school officials said. "RIP Brute Force."

The Brooklyn native was a standout at Marquette from 1966 to 1969, playing under legendary coach Al McGuire. In 87 career games at the school, spanning three seasons, he averaged 20.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

He went on to be selected by the Boston Celtics in the 5th round of the 1969 NBA Draft ... but chose to start his pro career with the Pittsburgh Pipers of the American Basketball Association.

George spent 5 total seasons in the ABA -- playing for the Condors/Memphis Tams for 2 years -- before taking his talents to the NBA to play for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The 3-time ABA All-Star only played one season with the Bucks, but his iconic #24 jersey hangs in the rafters at Fiserv Forum thanks to his storied career at Marquette.

Thompson -- a member of Marquette's Hall of Fame -- was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

The residence Bob Saget called home before his unexpected death has hit the market.

The home which was newly renovated when Bob bought it in 2003 is listed for $7.765 million. Bob's nephew, Adam Saget at Compass holds the listing.

As expected, the property has a ton of entertaining space -- including a pool, spa and barbecue hosting space -- complete with 6 bedrooms, including a guest house. The home was first built in 1964, but got a total renovation when Bob bought it for $2.895 million.

Bob shared the home with his wife, Kelly Rizzo, but recent reports said she felt the home had become a burden -- even though it was also filled with happy memories.

The listing comes just before the Netflix premiere of "A Tribute to Bob Saget" which is set to release June 10 -- featuring some of the industry's best comedians, who Bob called friends.

It was back in January when Saget died at The Ritz-Carlton in Orlando after suffering a brain bleed. Investigators believe the comedian struck his head -- possibly on the hotel headboard -- before he went to sleep.

The Foo Fighters and family of the band's late drummer, Taylor Hawkins, are working together to honor the musician with tribute shows to honor his music and memory.

In an announcement Wednesday, Hawkins former bandmates -- Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee --- along with other artists Taylor idolized, will perform songs that he fell in love with and the ones he shared with the rest of the world.

The Hawkins tribute shows will be held at London's Wembley Stadium on Sep. 3 and on September 27, at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

The announcement reads, in part, "As one of the most respected and beloved figures in modern music, Taylor’s monolithic talent and magnetic personality endeared him to millions of fans, peers, friends and fellow musical legends the world over."

Along with the tribute announcement, his family released a statement thanking fans for their support and love.

As we've reported, Taylor Hawkins died March 25 while he was in Bogota, Colombia with the Foo Fighters for a scheduled performance. The medical examiner says a urine test revealed 10 different substances -- including opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines in his system when he died.

Tragic news ... South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi -- who became disoriented during a fight over the weekend and began punching thin air -- has died.

Boxing South Africa confirmed the awful news Wednesday morning -- saying Buthelezi passed away on Tuesday night at a hospital in Durban.

He was just 24 years old.

Buthelezi had been initially hospitalized on Sunday following a terrifying scene in a boxing tournament in Greyville, Durban.

Video from the fight showed Buthelezi, in the 10th round of the bout against Siphesihle Mntungwa, advanced to a corner of the ring following a brief break in the action ... and threw punches at air -- seemingly fighting an invisible man.

He later collapsed in the ring ... and was rushed to the hospital, where -- according to Boxing South Africa -- it was discovered he had a brain injury and was internally bleeding.

"At the hospital," Boxing South Africa officials said in a statement, "Mr. Buthelezi was given the best care possible but he however succumbed to the injury last night."

It's unclear when, where and how Buthelezi suffered the injury -- he was reportedly in control of the bout from the opening bell.

Boxing South Africa said in its statement an investigation into the fight and the death is underway.

"The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa acknowledges warm words of condolences of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture," officials said.

Buthelezi had been unbeaten in the ring prior to Sunday's fight.

Jim Seals -- one-half of the 70s hitmaking duo Seals and Crofts -- is dead after battling multiple health issues ... according to his family.

Jim's sister-in-law, Flo Seals, tells TMZ ... he died Monday evening at his home outside Nashville. She says Jim had several health issues, primarily with his kidneys and lungs, and had just gotten home from the hospital.

Flo says there was a nurse at the house, because they were going to begin hospice care for Jim. He was only home for a few hours before he passed away -- but his family was by his side.

Seals and Crofts are best known for their soft/yacht rock smash "Summer Breeze," but Jim and his musical partner Darrell "Dash" Crofts reeled off a huge string of hits in the 70s.

They also charted with classics like "Diamond Girl" and "Get Closer." They first split up in 1980, but reunited several times in later years, primarily to do live shows as yacht rock became a phenomenon.

They recorded their final album, "Traces," in 2004.

Jimmy's brother, Eddie Seals, tells us ... he was a good person and he was very close to his family. Eddie says, his music was the most important thing he gave to the world and that will be remembered forever.

Jim Seals was 80.

Popular Atlanta rapper Trouble was murdered over the weekend ... prompting his accused killer Jamichael Jones to turn himself in after his own mother talked him into it.

Rockdale County Sheriff's Officers say they connected with Jones on the phone and they set up an arrest point in the parking lot of Clayton County hospital. The 33-year-old was denied bond and faces charges of murder, aggravated assault and home invasion.

Trouble, whose real name is Mariel Semonte Orr, was found at the Lake St. James Apartments Sunday morning suffering from a gunshot wound -- he was then transported to the hospital where he died.

According to investigators, Trouble was visiting a woman at the Conyers apartment complex when he was shot once in the chest. Police are describing it as a "domestic situation," as Trouble and Jones did not know one another but the woman and Jones have prior history.

Trouble was a beloved, standout figure in the hip hop community, stemming from his 2011 debut mixtape "December 17th" and his outspoken presence on social media that often offered jewels of wisdom.

Upon his death, he was mourned by dozens of fellow rappers including Gucci Mane, T.I., Boosie Badazz and Drake, who he collaborated with in 2018 when he signed to Mike WiLL Made-It's "EarDrummers" label imprint.

Trouble was 34.

Alec John Such, the original bassist for Bon Jovi, knew something was wrong in the hours leading up to his death, asking a friend for help in the middle of the night, TMZ has learned.

It was around 2:15 AM Saturday when Alec woke up at his South Carolina home to use the bathroom. On his way back to bed, Alec called out to a friend who was staying with him, the friend helped Alec get back into bed and then left the room, when the friend came back later to check on John, he was dead ... according to Tamara Willard, Chief Deputy Coroner for Horry County.

We're told EMS was called to the scene and performed life-saving measures but couldn't revive Alec. It's believed he died of natural causes ... no accident or foul play is suspected.

As we've reported, Jon Bon Jovi announced the tragic news Sunday ... saying he was heartbroken about Such's passing. As Jon noted, Alec was largely responsible for Bon Jovi coming together in the first place and introducing everyone from the very beginning.

Alec played with the band from 1983 through 1994, including their heyday. And, of course ... he contributed to many of their big hits. He ended up leaving BJ in the '90s, but rejoined them for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Alec John Such — the original bassist for Bon Jovi — has died.

Jon made the announcement Sunday, writing … “He was an original. As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band.”

He adds that Alec was also, by and largely responsible for Bon Jovi coming together in the first place — mentioning how he was friends with Tico Torres and Richie Sambora at the time and introduced everyone.

JBJ says the memories bring a smile to his face and a "tear to my eye." No details about the circumstances of his death were released.

As Jon noted, Alec was there since the beginning — he played with Bon Jovi from 1983 through 1994, including their heyday. He contributed to hits like "Livin' On a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," "Wanted Dead or Alive," "Bad Medicine," and "Keep the Faith," among many others.

While he departed from the band in the '90s, Such rejoined them for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

He was 70.

Metro Boomin is in the throes of a horrific family tragedy -- he's lost his mother at the hands of her husband, who took his own life thereafter ... TMZ has learned.

The producer -- who's cranked out hits for Future, Young Thug, Gucci Mane, Migos, Travis Scott, Drake, Kanye West and 21 Savage, just to name a few -- received the tragic news this weekend after his mother's body was discovered by cops just outside of the Atlanta area.

Sources connected to the investigation tell TMZ ... MB's mom, Leslie Joanne Wayne, appears to have been murdered by her spouse -- not Metro's father -- who then killed himself. We're told this happened Friday night, but further details are hazy.

An autopsy will be conducted for an official cause of death. Metro's rep confirms Leslie died this weekend -- adding that he and his family request privacy during this difficult time.

Leslie raised Boomin and his 3 siblings in St. Louis. Word is, she was one of the first people to notice her son's musical talents ... and encouraged him to pursue his passion through adolescence and early adulthood. She'd even drive him from STL to Atlanta so he could collaborate with artists he was connecting with, all in hopes of getting his career started.

She and her boy were incredibly close -- even when Metro achieved international stardom, she was always at the forefront of his mind.

Pro golfer Bart Bryant -- a 3-time PGA Tour winner -- was tragically killed in a car crash on Tuesday. He was 59 years old.

Tour commissioner Jay Monahan confirmed the sad news in a statement on Wednesday ... saying, "The PGA TOUR is saddened by the tragic passing of Bart Bryant and our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."

Bryant went pro in 1986 ... but his career was troubled with injuries. He won his first PGA Tour in 2004 ... making him the oldest first-time winner at the Valero Texas Open in 9 years.

The Texas native then went on to win two more tournaments in 2005 ... the Memorial Tournament and the Tour Championship, the latter being a big win over Tiger Woods.

Bryant also won the Dicks Sporting Goods Open in 2013 and 2018.

Bryant's older brother, Brad, is also a former PGA Tour winner.

"The Bryants have been a part of the PGA TOUR family for over four decades," Monahan said.

"We are grateful for the impact and legacy he made on our organization and countless communities. Bart will be dearly missed."

Bryant is survived by his wife Donna, his two daughters, stepchildren and his brother. His first wife, Cathy, passed in 2017.

RIP

John Madden is receiving yet another huge honor following his death ... EA Sports just revealed the Hall of Famer will grace the covers of the "Madden 23" video game this year.

The game -- the most popular football one ever made -- will feature three different versions ... and officials at EA Sports say all three covers will honor various points of Madden's life.

The "All Madden Edition" artwork was released by the video game giant on Wednesday ... showing a young Madden smiling with a football in his hand.

The covers will mark the first time the former Raiders coach and legendary broadcaster has been the main art on the front of the game since 2000.

In his place the past 22 years, the game's biggest stars -- including Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson and Rob Gronkowski -- have graced the covers of the game.

In addition to announcing the cover art, EA Sports also revealed Wednesday it's dedicating a field at its headquarters in Northern California to the legend who died in December.

Madden is expected to be honored in several other ways in this year's game -- EA Sports officials are slated to announce more features in the coming days and weeks.

The fitness world is mourning the loss of Paul Poloczek, Polish professional bodybuilder, who passed away at the age of 37, according to his partner, Katherin DeNev.

Katherin shared the sad news in a social media post, saying ..."Bodybuilding was your life. You are not forgotten, you live on in our hearts. We will love you forever."

"I love you, baby," she added.

The cause of Paul's death has not yet been revealed.

Poloczek was last seen at the NPC Worldwide Championships in Germany on May 28, according to Generation Iron.

Paul, originally a soccer player, fell in love with weightlifting as a teenager ... and ultimately decided he wanted to turn pro.

At 17, Poloczek won his first Junior Championship bodybuilding competition. From there, PP went on to win or place in several other competitions.

Then, in 2017, Paul earned his pro card after he placed first in the Arnold Classic Amateur bodybuilding competition ... a prestigious event for any bodybuilding competitor.

Shortly after, Paul took a break from the sport ... before returning in 2021 at the Europa Pro where he placed 16th.

Ray Liotta's legacy will surely live on in his hometown, where planning is underway to commemorate the late actor's career in Union Township, New Jersey ... cause the city is planning to honor him in a special way.

Ray grew up in Union Township, New Jersey ... he graduated high school there in 1973, and his iconic roles would make him one of the town's favorite sons. Current mayor Manuel Figueiredo tells TMZ, they are looking at a variety of options to honor Ray, but also giving the family time to grieve before making a final decision.

We're told, the city is considering naming one of its baseball fields after him, as a nod to his role in "Field of Dreams." The field they're looking at is used for youth sports in the area.

In case you didn't know, Ray was born in Newark, but raised in Union Township. His family actually has strong ties there -- his mom was the Township clerk, and his dad was a store owner and President of a local Democratic club.

Ray was inducted into the Union High School Hall of Fame in 1993, and that same year, he participated in the Township's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony.

As we've reported, Ray died in his sleep last week at the age of 67 ... while in the Dominican Republic filming a movie called "Dangerous Waters."

Jeff Gladney, Arizona Cardinals cornerback and former 1st round draft pick, died early Monday morning following a car accident in Dallas.

He was only 25 years old.

The details surrounding the fatal Memorial Day crash are not yet clear.

Gladney, born in Texas in 1996, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 31st overall pick in 2020 ... after starring at TCU.

The standout corner played in all 16 games for the Vikes in 2020 ... racking up 81 tackles (63 solo).

However, Jeff was cut by Minnesota in the summer of 2021 after being accused of assaulting his girlfriend. The case ultimately went to trial, and Gladney was found not guilty. But, because the trial took time, JG was forced to sit out the entire 2021 season.

After the not guilty verdict, he was free and clear to resume his very promising football career. In fact, the Cardinals just signed Jeff to a new contract in March 2022.

Gladney's agent released a statement, saying ... "We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time."

The NFL world is also mourning the passing. The Cardinals organization issued a statement addressing the tragic news.

"We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss."

Jeff's former TCU teammate, Eagles WR Jalen Reagor, is grieving the loss of his close friend.

"Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man… ain't too much more I can take man damn! R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please."

New Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt spoke on the tragedy, writing "Horrifying news to hear this morning. Just tragic. Rest In Peace Jeff."

The Vikings also issued a statement.

"We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff's current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon."

Rest in peace.