Celebrity Death

The past year will be remembered for many shocking events ... but this time, we remember celebrities who tragically died in the year 2022.

The Hip Hop world took a huge hit when Takeoff was shot dead ... same with PnB Rock, who was gunned down earlier this year. Coolio's death also came as shock to many.

Aaron Carter left the world too soon, when he was found dead in his bathtub ... and the death of actress Anne Heche rocked all of Hollywood and beyond, when she crashed her car into a home, causing a massive fire and trapping her inside.

Leslie Jordan also died behind the wheel, after investigators believe he suffered some sort of medical emergency ... leaving a huge hole in all of comedy. As did Louie Anderson and Bob Saget, who was found dead in his hotel room.

The list, unfortunately, continues with Olivia Newton-John, who died after losing her battle with cancer ... ditto for Kirstie Alley and Tom Parker.

Hollywood also suffered a huge loss when Stephen "tWitch" Boss died by suicide.

Others who are gone but not forgotten include ... Naomi Judd, Ray Liotta, "Friends" actor Mike Hagerty, "Toddlers & Tiaras" star Kailia Posey, Ivana Trump, André Leon Talley and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Of course, the longest-serving monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II, left her legacy behind when she died, this year, at the age of 96.

Vivienne Westwood -- whose fashion designs are largely credited for bringing punk styles to the mainstream -- has died.

A statement from Westwood's team announced she died Thursday peacefully and surrounded by loved ones in South London. The statement reads, "Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better."

It continues, "She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future."

The statement says, "Vivienne considered herself a Taoist. She wrote, "Tao spiritual system. There was never more need for the Tao today. Tao gives you a feeling that you belong to the cosmos and gives purpose to your life; it gives you such a sense of identity and strength to know you're living the life you can live and therefore ought to be living: make full use of your character and full use of your life on earth."

Finally stating, "The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better."

Westwood got her first recognition thanks to a boutique she and Malcolm McLaren, who managed the Sex Pistols, ran in the UK called SEX. From there, she continued to open shops in London and then around the world.

Later on in her career, she collabed with Pharrell Williams, wedding looks for Princess Eugenie and even designed uniforms for Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic crew.

Westwood was 81.

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé -- arguably the greatest football player ever -- has died.

The three-time World Cup winner passed away at a hospital in Sao Paulo surrounded by loved ones following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Pelé was initially diagnosed with the disease in 2021, and had been in and out of medical facilities over the past year to help him fight it. But, sadly, his condition worsened recently ... forcing him to spend the last two months in a hospital bed.

Pelé was able to watch the 2022 World Cup in his final days ... and even penned a congratulations post on his social media page to Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe after the epic Argentina vs. France final last weekend.

He had also written an emotional note to Neymar after a huge performance for Brazil earlier in the famed tournament.

Pelé joined Brazil's national team when he was just 16 years old ... and won his first-ever World Cup at age 17 in 1958. He went on to lead Brazil to two more titles in the event, winning it all in 1962 and 1970.

He's widely regarded as one of the best goal scorers ever -- with Cristiano Ronaldo previously calling him "the greatest player in football history."

He was 82.

Tyler Sanders, a teenage actor with roles in big shows like "9-1-1: Lone Star" and "Fear the Walking Dead," died from the effects of fentanyl ... according to his autopsy report.

According to the report, obtained by TMZ, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner also notes the 18-year-old's death was accidental.

As we first reported ... Tyler was found dead June 16 in his Los Angeles home. Sources connected to the death investigation told us he had a history of drug use and police found a plastic straw and white powder in the room where he died.

In the autopsy report, the ME says Tyler told a friend in text messages the night before his death he was using fentanyl. The report says Tyler did not answer phone calls from the friend after sending the text about fentanyl.

What's more, the coroner says Tyler had no known medical problems but had a history of drug abuse ... including heroin, cocaine, LSD, mushrooms and Xanax.

The upcoming season of the TV series "Super Sized Salon" is pushing forward despite the sudden death of its star, Jamie Lopez.

Sources who were close to Jamie tell TMZ ... the show's cast and crew hopped on a call this week with WE tv network honchos and everyone agreed they wanted to continue with the show, with the goal of continuing to tell Jamie's story.

Our sources say nothing is official yet, but there were discussions about making Jamie a multi-season offer before her recent death ... and now they envision some presence of Jamie in season 2 ... using old clips and interviews.

TMZ broke the story ... 37-year-old Jamie was hospitalized last weekend in Las Vegas and died due to heart complications.

"Super Sized Salon" premiered earlier this season on WE tv ... putting the spotlight on the staff and customers at Jamie's Babydoll Beauty Couture salon in Vegas.

Jamie owned 50% of the salon, with her partner and business manager JD Armelin owning the remaining half. We're told Jamie's cut will go to her next of kin. JD is already in the process of buying them out, with plans to give some equity to the other women who work at the salon.

We're told the plan is for JD to remain behind the scenes and eventually turn the salon into a franchise, while looking for another woman to become the spokesperson to continue Jamie's vision.

Stephen Greif, who played Speaker of the House Sir Bernard Weatherill on Season 4 of "The Crown," has died.

Greif's reps announced his death Monday, but did not disclose the cause.

The British actor's role in the Netflix hit was his most recognized, but he was a working actor for many decades with numerous credits.

Greif appeared in Touchstone Pictures' flick, "Casanova" back in 2005. He was on numerous TV shows, including "Tales of the Unexpected," and he appeared in the '70s science fiction series, "Blake's 7."

He was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company back in the '60s.

His fellow actors took to social media in droves honoring him, one calling Greif "a consummate professional and an absolute gent."

He's survived by 2 sons.

Stephen Greif was 78.

The latest TikTok trend is all about tuggin' on family members' heartstrings, announcing the fake death of a beloved celeb ... and while the reactions are pretty hilarious, the viral clips have been met with some "bah humbugs" online.

The trend's picked up some serious steam on social media -- especially as families reconnect for the holidays, and what better way to pass the time than by (falsely) announcing the death of George Clooney or Kris Jenner ... right??

Gotta admit, there are some funny reactions in the mix ... from blood-curdling screams to almost reaching tears, it really goes to show just how much these stars mean to people.

While TikTokers are gettin' a good laugh, the joke ain't landing with some ... because a good chunk of the comments sections on these clips are filled with people calling the prank "unsettling."

Some are even blasting the younger generation for making light of the death of a celeb, even with their passing being untrue ... one even commented on a post, "This is so sick."

Stephan Bonnar -- a UFC Hall of Famer and legend in MMA -- has died ... this according to the MMA promotion itself.

The UFC broke the news Saturday, writing ... "The UFC family is saddened by the tragic passing of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar Thursday from presumed heart complications while at work." Per reports, he apparently died a couple days ago ... an official cause of death is pending.

UFC goes on to mention SB's storied career, adding ... "Stephan Bonnar was one of the most important fighters to ever compete in the Octagon," said UFC President Dana White. "His fight with Forrest Griffin changed the sport forever, and he will never be forgotten. The fans loved him, related to him and he always gave them his best. He will be missed."

Bonnar was an OG in UFC ... competing in the very first season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' back in 2005 ... an appearance which saw him go all the way to the finale. Although he lost his Light Heavyweight fight against Forrest Griffin ... his bout ended up earning him a contract with UFC, where he went on to compete at a high level for several years.

He fought Griffin again in a rematch, and went on to fight some big names in the sport thereafter ... including Jon Jones, Mark Coleman, Krzysztof Soszynski, Igor Pokrajac, Kyle Kingsbury, Anderson Silva and others. His record with UFC was 15-9-0 ... and in 2012, he retired. The following year, Dana White announced Bonnar would be inducted into the HOF.

In addition to MMA fighting, Bonnar also wrestled professionally ... including for leagues like Impact Wrestling. He also fought with Bellator MMA post-UFC.

Bonnar's legacy will be that he was one of the catalysts to help UFC grow into what it is today ... and he goes down as one of the sport's greatest known fighters to date. He's survived by his wife, Andrea, and their son Griffin. He was 45.

Aaron Carter's memory will be honored this holiday season -- thanks to his fiancée, Melanie Martin, who's keeping his spirit alive with a number of tributes as Christmas fast approaches.

Sources close to Melanie tell TMZ ... she is still very much mourning the death of her fiancé, and that this first Christmas without him is, no doubt, going to be incredibly difficult -- especially since last year's was so full of joy as they shared time with their son.

With that said, we're told Melanie is going to pay tribute to her son's father in a variety of different ways during the holiday -- via gifts, decorations and even a home-cooked meal.

For starters, we're told Melanie has put together a scrapbook full of pictures of Aaron, herself and their kid ... which, while not totally complete, will be placed under her tree for him. Speaking of presents, she also got something for young Prince -- with AC in mind.

It's a child-sized dirt bike, which Melanie gave to Prince early this year ... and which has a direct tie to Aaron -- who loved to ride himself. Our sources say Melanie believes Aaron would've given Prince something like this at some point ... so no better time than now.

On top of that, we're told Melanie was gifted a custom ornament in honor of Aaron that she's putting on her tree as well -- a wing-shaped trinket with Aaron's name engraved on it.

There's also the matter of food, which we're told was big for Aaron around this time of the year. In 2021, our sources say he cooked up a feast for Melanie and her family -- which included Kobe beef ... so this year, we're told, she's preparing a similar meal as a tribute.

As we reported ... Melanie has been able to regain custody of Prince in the wake of Aaron's sudden passing -- and it sounds like she's doing everything she can to cope with his loss.

He was 34.

Memphis rapper Big Scarr died as a result of a fatal prescription pain med OD ... relatives tell TMZ.

The up-and-coming rapper's uncle, Arthur Woods, tells us Big Scarr overdosed Thursday on prescription pills at his girlfriend's house in Memphis.

Big Scarr's uncle says he did not know when his nephew got the meds ... but he says Big Scarr faced several traumatic experiences in his life, including being shot and suffering a serious car accident injury.

The rapper got his stage name from the car accident when he was 16. It left a big scar on his body when he was thrown through a windshield. In the 2020 shooting, Big Scarr was struck by a bullet that traveled up his spine, and he needed surgery to remove his appendix.

The uncle says Big Scarr also battled depression ... citing the death of the rapper's grandmother as something that he took very hard.

As we reported ... Big Scarr was pronounced dead Thursday, with law enforcement sources telling us there were no signs of foul play.

Big Scarr's uncle is remembering his 22-year-old nephew as a nice young man and a beautiful person who was very passionate about music.

Ellen DeGeneres is remembering her close friend, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, telling people to 'love one another' as she continues to mourn his loss.

Ellen gave the tear-jerking update Friday morning -- calling the past 11 days since tWitch died painful and tough, noting how hard the holidays can be for people.

She tells her fans to continue to laugh and enjoy each other's company as a way of honoring the late dancer ... saying that's exactly what he loved to do. It's a clip that must hit home for tWitch's millions of fans -- Ellen ends by telling everyone to "send love to one another."

As we reported, Ellen paid tribute to her close friend the day TMZ broke the story of his passing ... writing, "I'm heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."

DJ Vlad says he feels guilty for not putting more pressure on the late DJ Kay Slay to get vaccinated for COVID-19 -- a battle that took his life.

Vlad and Michael Jai White were America's problem with obesity ... both agreed an aggressive approach is best for convincing loved ones to eat healthily and exercise. The discussion caused Vlad to express his regrets for not coming down on Kay Slay prior to his death.

Vlad says he and Kay Slay were texting about the COVID-19 vaccine and Kay Slay refused to get vaccinated at the time, revealing he was waiting for some of the variants to clear up.

Vlad and Kay Slay's relationship dated back 20 years to the days when mixtapes were actual physical copies but Vlad said it was the Drama King's age difference and veteran status that made him bite his tongue.

The convo was framed as their last -- Kay Slay contracted COVID-19 and battled the disease for 4 months before passing away in April.

Big Scarr, an up-and-coming artist in the rap game, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources say Scarr, real name Alexander Woods, was pronounced dead Thursday. We're told the case is an ongoing death investigation, but there are no signs of foul play.

Gucci Mane, who heads the label Scarr was signed to, posted about his death, saying, "I'm a miss you."

Big Scarr was a member of Gucci's 1017 Records ... and he was recently named to the 2022 XXL Freshman List.

The guy collaborated with big acts like Offset, Pooh Shiesty ... and he's best known for his song "SolcyBozy" with Shiesty, Foogiano and Tay Keith.

Big Scarr's debut mixtape, "Big Grim Reaper," was released on April 16 of last year and it reached the top 25 on the Billboard charts.

As for how Big Scarr got his stage name ... he was badly scarred in a scary car accident when he was only 16 years old, with the accident causing him to be thrown through the windshield of his friend's ride, leaving lasting damage.

Big Scarr was reportedly shot back in 2020, with a bullet traveling up his spine ... and he needed surgery to have his appendix taken out.

He was 22.

Ronnie Hillman, the former Denver Broncos running back who helped Peyton Manning win a Super Bowl, has died after a lengthy battle with cancer, his family announced Wednesday.

He was just 31 years old.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.," the family said in a statement. "Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends."

The 2012 third-round pick had been diagnosed in August with Renal Medullary Carcinoma -- a rare form of cancer that affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait. He had fought it valiantly -- but was recently placed in hospice care.

His former Denver teammates -- Derek Wolfe and Orlando Franklin -- had asked Broncos fans to pray for him as his condition had worsened this week.

"We as the family, appreciate the prayers and kind words that have already been expressed," Hillman's family added in a statement Wednesday night. "We ask that you would give us time to process our feelings as we prepare to lay our precious RJ to rest."

Ronnie spent six seasons in the NFL -- playing for the Broncos, Vikings, Chargers and Cowboys. But, it was his time in Denver that most will remember him for.

He spent 2012 through 2015 in the Mile High City -- and had his greatest moment with the Broncos at the end of the '15 season ... when he was a member of the Super Bowl 50 team that defeated Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.

"A bright soul gone far too soon," the Broncos said in a statement Thursday. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Hillman family during this difficult time."

R.I.P.

Franco Harris sat down for what was likely his last interview on Tuesday -- just hours before his untimely death -- where the Steelers legend talked about how happy he was to make it to the 50th anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception."

"50 years. C'mon, that's a long time, but I'm still around to enjoy it, so that's good," 72-year-old Harris said with a big smile.

We're told the interview was done around 2:30 PM Eastern on December 20, 2022 ... for "Not Just Football With Cam Heyward," the Steelers star's Omaha Productions produced show.

Of course, Harris' death was announced on Wednesday ... and it shocked the country.

During the chat, Harris and Heyward reminisced about one of the greatest plays in sports history. Franco talked about what he was supposed to do during the play, what he remembers after catching the ball (nothing!), and what transpired after the incredible catch (including when he wound up alone in a restaurant with the entire Raiders team.)

Outwardly, absolutely nothing seemed off about Franco ... and like usual, he appeared to be in a great mood.

Franco was set to be honored this weekend across the NFL ... as the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception is on December 23. Harris' #32 was also set to be retired ... and he was expected to be at Acrisure Stadium.

Actress Charlbi Dean died of a bacterial infection and other complications ... it was announced 4 months after her sudden passing.

The NYC medical examiner released Dean's cause of death Wednesday night, using the more official term, "Bacterial (Capnocytophaga) Sepsis."

According to the Center For Disease Control, Capnocytophaga is a bacteria spread to people in close contact with dogs and cats, or bitten by the animals. It can cause infections in those with weakened immune systems. Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection, which, if not rapidly treated, can lead to organ failure and death. People was first to report on the cause.

The M.E. tells TMZ ... Dean's death, which was ruled an accident, was complicated by the absence of her spleen, making her more susceptible to the bacterial infection. Fox News reported Dean was involved in a 2009 car crash, leading to the removal of her spleen.

As we reported ... Dean passed away in an NYC hospital after she unexpectedly fell ill back in August. She was only 32 and her career was beginning to take off.

Dean scored a lead role, starring alongside Woody Harrelson in the recently released film, "Triangle of Sadness," which received top honors at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the coveted Palme d'Or award.