Celebrity Death

Bruce Sutter -- the first MLB pitcher to enter the Hall of Fame without starting a game -- has passed away. He was 69.

The star reliever played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves over the course of his career ... winning a World Series in 1982.

Sutter was the National League saves leader in five different seasons ... and won the Cy Young in 1979.

MLB commish Rob Manfred released a statement on Sutter's passing ... saying he had an "incredible baseball success story."

"Bruce will be remembered as one of the best pitchers in the histories of two of our most historic franchises," he added. "On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Bruce’s family, his friends and his fans in Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta and throughout our game."

Sutter -- a 6-time All-Star -- was the fourth reliever to get voted into Cooperstown in 2006 ... getting the nod on his 13th year of eligibility.

On top of the Baseball Hall, Sutter is also in the Cubs and Cardinals Hall of Fame ... and his #42 is retired in St. Louis.

Corey Phelan -- a minor league baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies organization -- passed away after battling cancer. He was only 20 years old.

The team announced the sad news Thursday evening ... saying they are devastated over Phelan's death and described how his "positive presence and selflessness influenced everyone around him".

"Corey is and will always be a special person," Phillies director of player development Preston Mattingly said.

"His smile lit up a room and everyone who came in contact with him cherished the interaction. His memory will live on, especially with the Phillies organization."

The New York native -- who signed with the Phillies org. as an undrafted free agent in August 2020 -- found out about the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in April after he passed out in the shower.

Phelan underwent scans ... and it was determined he had a 9-inch mass in his chest.

The pitcher received chemotherapy treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York after the diagnosis ... and went to visit the team when they played the Mets at Citi Field in May.

"That was one of the best nights ever," Phelan said, "getting to be able to talk with the guys in the locker room, Joe Girardi took me on the field, everyone supportive and nice."

"The whole Phillies organization has been nothing but amazing to me and my family."

Phelan -- who appeared in 9 games with an 0.93 ERA and 1.14 WHIP -- made his last Instagram post 2 weeks ago, saying "Can’t wait to get back out there🙏🏻❤️"

XXXTentacion's legacy and image will live on very proudly on his mother's neck ... thanks to a custom pendant that uncannily captures the late rap star's likeness with a boatload of diamonds!!!

Eric the Jeweler tells TMZ Hip Hop ... popular Atlanta restaurant owner Mr. Rugs purchased the pendant for XXX's mom, Cleopatra Bernard, as a token of his love -- they're currently dating.

We're told Cleo had longed for a pendant to keep the "Moonlight" rapper close in spirit ... and her BF made it happen through Mavani Jewelry in NYC.

Eric wouldn't disclose the price but did reveal the piece consists of 200 grams of gold, white diamonds and boasts more than 50 carats of blue sapphires used to recreate XXX's trademarked blue locks!!!

To nail the specifics of XXX's face -- right down to his face tattoos -- Eric used enamel paint to detail the 3D pendant.

The matriarch has been riding for her son all year, helping promote XXX's Hulu-powered film "Look At Me" in March.

The last time we spoke to Cleo, she was confident the film would be a worthy addition to XXX's legacy.

Those closest to Tyler Skaggs had no idea the late pitcher was using pain pills at the time of his tragic death ... saying the details behind his fatal overdose were unbelievable.

Tyler's wife, Carli, and his mother, Debbie Hetman, spoke publicly about Skaggs' passing for the first time this week ... just days after ex-Angels communications staffer Eric Kay was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for providing the drugs that took the pitcher's life.

"I loved him so much," Carli said while tearing up. "We had a love that was so special."

"That day still haunts me," Debbie added.

27-year-old Skaggs died after choking on his own vomit in 2019 ... and his autopsy showed a combination of oxycodone, fentanyl and alcohol in his system.

When asked about the troubling details surrounding his death ... both Carli and Debbie said they had no idea he had been taking pain medication.

"Yeah, that was the last thought that crossed my mind," Carli said. "It didn't even cross my mind actually."

"Not a clue."

Carli revealed the couple had plans to start a family after Skaggs returned from the team's road trip in Texas ... saying, "He would have made an amazing father. He was so great with kids."

"I wonder sometimes if I'll ever be as happy as I was. I have a lot of healing to do. I have faith that I'll get there. I know I'll never be the same. It's going to be different. But, I believe that I can find happiness again."

PnB Rock's girlfriend's world was turned upside down the day he was murdered ... but she says his actions saved her life, putting her under a table and out of harm's way.

Stephanie Sibounheuang posted a lengthy caption on Instagram Thursday, her first time speaking since PnB was gunned down inside a Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles restaurant a month ago.

Steph says, "I am 100% not ok. If I wasn’t spiritual I could kill my self (but then I’ll go to hell and my man not there)." She then reveals PnB pushed her under a table while shots rang out, "I'm not supposed to be here but bc of him. I am."

In her post, Steph also reveals a heartbreaking detail from the tragic day, saying, "My last day with u. I told you "I know you my husband. I know you my soulmate" Even it was for a little bit. At least we got to experience what having a soul mate is… and for that…I am grateful."

As we reported, 3 people have been arrested and charged in connection to PnB's murder.

Cops say Freddie Lee Trone and his 17-year-old son spotted PnB enter the restaurant before the son followed him inside, shooting Pnb during a robbery to get the rapper's jewelry.

Shauntel Trone, the 17-year-old's stepmother was arrested for accessory to murder for the crime.

The family of Willie Spence, the "American Idol" runner-up who died in a Tennessee car accident, doesn't think alcohol played a role -- instead, their alternate theory centers around his weekend activity.

Family sources tell TMZ ... Willie was leaving Tennessee State University's homecoming weekend when the crash happened, and while some have speculated he was driving drunk, his family says the late singer wasn't a drinker, so that doesn't track.

The accident took place during the day, not late at night ... another reason why they think he wasn't fresh out of leaving some big party.

However, we're told it was a long weekend for Willie -- one that might've left him severely fatigued, and the family's fear is he fell asleep at the wheel.

Police have yet to determine an official cause for the accident or his death.

Willie's family tells us he was on his way back to Atlanta to meet with an organization that helps abused and trafficked women ... a partnership he excitedly told his mother about the day before the fatal accident.

Japanese manga artist Kazuki Takahashi -- best known as the creator of "Yu-Gi-Oh!" -- died while trying to rescue people from drowning, witnesses claim.

A report from Stars and Stripes -- the military's newspaper -- revealed the tragic details of how Takahashi lost his life as three strangers were engulfed in a strong current.

According to people at the scene, Kazuki -- the eventual inspiration for the "Yu-Gi-Oh!" trading card game -- dove into a riptide in hopes of bringing a woman and her 11-year-old daughter back to shore on July 4.

Major Robert Bourgeau, a 49-year-old U.S. Army officer and scuba diving instructor, also took action ... and while he personally did not encounter Takahashi during the rescue mission, multiple people say they saw the artist attempting to assist.

Bourgeau managed to save the 11-year-old girl and the mother ... but when he went to help a 39-year-old U.S. soldier who was also struggling in the water, he feared he would lose his life if he went on any longer.

Thankfully, Bourgeau was able to help yell orders to help the soldier navigate out of the rough waters.

Kazuki's body was found about 1,000 feet offshore two days later.

Bourgeau called Takahashi a "hero" ... saying, "He died trying to save someone else."

"American Idol" runner-up Willie Spence has died in a car crash ... a relative confirms to TMZ.

The singer was in Tennessee Tuesday when the crash took place ... although specifics of the accident have yet to be released.

Willie posted a video just hours before the crash ... doing what he does best -- singing his heart out. Douglas Now was first to report the story.

Fans of the show remember Willie blowing the judges away in season 19, and making it all the way to the finale ... singing hits like "A Change is Gonna Come" and "Georgia on My Mind." He ended up coming in 2nd place behind Chayce Beckham.

There's been an outpouring of love for Willie since his passing ... Katharine McPhee of 'AI' fame expressed her heartbreak -- saying, "God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you."

The 2 performed a duet together during his time on season 19.

Producer Randall Emmett also left a message for Willie, writing "I was lucky to have him sing for me live at my home and other events, I will miss you my friend. I know you touched so many of us."

He was 23.

RIP

Tyrone Davis, former tight end for the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, has died, according to an obituary made public by a funeral home in Virginia. He was 50.

The cause of death is not clear.

Earl Dotson, former Packers offensive tackle who played alongside Davis for eight seasons with Green Bay, confirmed the sad news in an emotional Facebook post.

"This is difficult to post," Dotson wrote. "Rest in paradise teammate. This good man Tyrone Davis fought beside me on the NFL Green Bay Packers for years. Brother forever."

Tyrone started his NFL career as a wide receiver for the Jets, who drafted him in 1995, before he was converted to TE before his second season in the league.

After spending two seasons with the Jets, the franchise traded Davis to the Packers, where he remained until his NFL career ended in 2002.

In 75 career games, Davis compiled 73 receptions, 795 yards, and 13 touchdowns during his eight-year career.

The highlight of Davis' career came in 1998 when he caught Brett Favre's 200th career touchdown pass during a Packers' blowout win of the Giants, 37-3, at the Meadowlands.

Davis passed away on October 2 ... and a service was held for his family and friends days later.

Davis is survived by his mother, Annie Davis, and his four children, Maiya Booker, Damien Davis, Jarrett Gomez, and Mariah Gomez.

John Stamos says it's not just one thing he misses about the late Bob Saget ... it's everything, and even 9 months after his death, his friends still can't believe it.

We got John in Times Square on Tuesday and our photog asked him about his former "Full House" costar and close friend.

John says the thing that stuck out about Bob was how he was so "bombastic" with his love and never left anything on the table ... in other words, everyone knew how they stood in Bob's book, especially his friends.

Interestingly enough, John says he's got a tribute coming for Bob ... telling us how he's giving a subtle nod to Bob in his Disney+ series "Big Shot."

TMZ broke the story ... Bob was found dead back in January in his Orlando hotel room, where he fell and hit his head, resulting in a fatal brain bleed.

Hollywood legend Angela Lansbury -- famous for "Murder, She Wrote" and as the voice of Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast" -- has died.

Angela died Tuesday at her home in L.A., according to a statement from her family. They say she passed in her sleep at 1:30 AM.

Although, she's most beloved for her role as murder mystery Jessica Fletcher on the iconic TV hit "Murder, She Wrote" ... Angela was an incredibly accomplished star of the stage before her huge television career.

The British-born actress won 5 Tony Awards while starring in productions like "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," "Gypsy" and "Dear World." She was awarded a 6th Tony as a Lifetime Achievement.

'Murder' ran for 12 seasons on CBS -- from 1984 to 1996 -- and was the network's biggest hit during its run. She got 12 Emmy nominations for the role.

Angela will also be remembered for playing Mrs. Potts in the animated "Beauty and the Beast" in 1991.

She is survived by her 3 children, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and brother.

Angela was 96.

Art Laboe, a pioneering voice in radio who created one of its most famous phrases, is dead after battling pneumonia.

The famous disc jockey who's widely credited with coining the phrase "Oldies but goodies" died on Friday night at his home in Palm Springs ... according to a rep for Art's production company. We're told he was diagnosed with pneumonia 2 weeks ago.

We're told he had close friends by his side when he passed -- and generations of his fans, particularly on the West Coast, are remembering the man who revolutionized radio broadcasts.

Art was just 18 years old when he got his first gig on KSAN in San Francisco. During WWII he started taking requests and dedications ... a new concept for disc jockeys at the time. He later moved to L.A. and had an enormous social impact on the city.

He organized live DJ shows at a drive-in movie theater ... where he would play rock 'n' roll music, and attract young audiences of white, Black and Latino fans. His shows were so popular, some credit him with helping end segregation in SoCal.

Art went on to become a record producer, and concert promoter and even owned some radio stations. And, when you talk about marathon careers ... Art's final syndicated radio show was produced last week, and aired Sunday night.

He was 97.

Tom Cruise is remembering his late lawyer and friend, Bert Fields ... sharing an incredible story of how they first met.

The 'Top Gun' star recorded a video message for Bert's memorial service ... revealing how he first came across Bert -- at a dinner party with Dustin Hoffman.

Tom says he was seated next to Bert and they got to talking. It didn't take long for Tom to notice something different about Bert, remembering him as one of the most fascinating people he'd ever met.

The conversation was so compelling -- Tom says they talked history and swapped stories. Bert told Tom he was Dustin's lawyer, and Tom hired him on the spot.

The video message is pretty emotional ... with Tom explaining what made Bert such a wonderful guy to have around. It's clear Bert made a big impact on Tom's life, and not just as his attorney.

TMZ broke the story ... Bert died in August after a legendary career representing the likes of Michael Jackson, James Cameron, Warren Beatty, Mike Nichols, Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Geffen, Jerry Bruckheimer, The Beatles and Madonna ... just to name a few.

Bert filed some huge lawsuits against media outlets on behalf of Tom, including a $100 million suit in 2001 after a magazine claimed Cruise was gay, falsely claiming it had an X-rated video as proof. The case settled, with the mag admitting, "Tom Cruise does not appear on the videotape ... [He] is not and never has been, homosexual and has never had a homosexual affair."

Coolio’s fellow old-school rapper Tone Loc says life on the road won't be the same now that he's lost his touring partner of nearly a decade!!!

We caught the "Wild Thang" OG outside of LAX, where he opened up about Coolio's death leaving an immense void in his life -- a painful absence he's already felt during his last few performances.

Their friendship runs several decades deep -- Tone tells us Coolio, along with Young MC and the late Shock G, actually performed at his brother's funeral around 16 years ago.

Tone says he and Coolio were regulars on the "I Love The 90s Tour" circuit for the past 6 years, as was Vanilla Ice … who’s also been in mourning since Coolio’s death last week in Los Angeles.

TMZ broke the story -- Coolio died suddenly on September 28 while visiting a friend's home.

At the age of 59, he was still an active hip hopper … with gigs in Vegas and television appearances on "Wild ‘N Out" and "Futurama" already scheduled before he passed.

Tone's DJ M.Walk also chimed in, telling us about his special bond with Coolio ... and it's clear they both miss him dearly, having linked up more than 20 years ago.

Coolio will remain near and dear to his children's hearts -- and not just figuratively -- because they're designing jewelry to keep his ashes close.

According to the rapper's death certificate, obtained by TMZ, Coolio's body will be cremated ... and, we're told that's prompting his 7 kids to come up with the idea for some special bling.

Coolio's rep tells TMZ ... each of his children will get a pendant to hold the ashes, along with a necklace.

A few other close family members will get them as well.

We're told each of his sons and daughters will get to pick customized inscriptions for their jewelry.

The rest of Coolio's ashes will go into an urn once all the necklaces are distributed.

Coolio's always loved being a dad, according to Vanilla Ice -- who got pretty emotional when he told us how much Coolio always had family on his mind ... even in his final days.

Joey Bada$$ made a powerful statement at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards ... urging rappers to stop delivering messages that lead to their demise, or the death of others.

During his performance of his "2000" album cut “Head High," Joey lined up 12 backup dancers ... each with a slain rapper's name embroidered on their hoodie.

In chronological order of their deaths, Joey honored Scott La Rock, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Big L, Soulja Slim, XXXTENTACION, Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, King Von, Young Dolph, Trouble and PnB Rock -- all who fell victim to gun violence between 1987 and last month ... when PnB was killed. 😕

Joey went on to argue rappers are spurring their own genocide, and preached the culture needs to take accountability for the message it's delivering to kids.

He also slammed the popular slang term "op" a.k.a. enemy ... contending that war is being fought within rappers' own circles.

The New York rapper isn't the only one from his rap generation to decry the rap murder rate -- just a few weeks ago, Rich Homie Quan told us the "shoot 'em up, bang-bang music" is a problem for everyone who hears it.