Celebrity Death

L.A. Clippers rookie Brandon Boston Jr. is paying tribute to his friend Terrence Clarke in an amazing way ... by getting a tattoo in honor of his teammate.

Boston and Clarke were inseparable as freshmen at the University of Kentucky this past season ... before both hoopers took their talents to the pro level and entered the 2021 NBA Draft.

However, Clarke was killed in a car accident in Los Angeles on April 22 -- three months before the draft -- and Boston had been training with him prior to the tragedy.

Boston decided to carry Clarke's legacy with him for the rest of his life ... and this week, he got a special ink job to honor his beloved friend.

The rookie guard shared the tribute on Wednesday --with tat artist Wix Tatts immortalizing Clarke's UK basketball photo on the lower left part of his leg ... featuring "TC World" under the image.

The finished product got Clarke's mother's stamp of approval ... with Osmine saying, "This is what you call real love."

"This tattoo is really amazing BJ!"

Many have paid tribute to the 19-year-old since the tragedy -- including NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who selected Clarke as an honorary pick in the 2021 draft.

Logan Williams -- best known for his role on the CW series "The Flash" -- died from a fentanyl OD.

Canada's BC Coroners Service says the 16-year-old Logan died from an "unintentional illicit drug toxicity (fentanyl)." The manner of his death has been listed as "accidental."

According to the coroner's report, obtained by the NY Post, Logan "struggled with mental health concerns and had a history of consuming illicit substances." And three months before his death, Logan was reportedly unresponsive after consuming substances, though the report wasn't specific.

Logan was later resuscitated and diagnosed with a significant brain injury that messed with his ability to function.

Logan, who played a teenage Barry Allen on the CW series, died back on April 1, 2020 in Burnaby, British Columbia. The day he died, the coroner says Logan left a residential care home and was reported missing. Once Logan returned he appeared agitated and under the influence. He went to bed to sleep it off ... and staff checked on him hourly. But, when staff went to wake him up he was unresponsive.

Kate Quigley's gonna be okay after overdosing in L.A. with friends ... an incident that left 2 of her fellow comedians and another woman dead.

The model/comedian revealed she's on the mend, saying ... "I'm still healing physically & mentally. But reading all the positive messages from u guys is makin me cry tnight."

She added she's grateful for all the support and love, and it's helping her recover in the hospital ... slowly but surely.

We broke the story ... Quigley was at a get-together last weekend in the Venice neighborhood where 3 people -- comedian Fuquan Johnson, comedian Rico Angeli and Natalie Williamson -- all died of suspected accidental fentanyl ODs.

Kate was also hospitalized in critical condition, but she's stable now and says she's getting a little stronger every day.

Tiffany Haddish is really going through it, grieving the loss of her friends, Fuquan Johnson and Michael K. Williams -- and while she's sending love to their families, she's also hoping others learn from their tragic deaths.

We got the comedian/actress leaving Jimmy Kimmel's show Tuesday, where she recounted some stories about both Fu and Mike -- both of whom she was close with, and whose deaths rocked her this weekend.

When we pointed out some staggering drug epidemic stats -- which might've been overshadowed by the pandemic for the past year-plus -- Tiffany got emotional remembering her friends and peers.

Tiff also expressed shock about their drug use ... she seemed genuinely surprised at how widespread the opioid crisis has become. So, we asked what, if any, wisdom should be gained from what her friends' struggles -- especially with fentanyl running rampant in the streets.

Her response is straight-forward ... with a Tiffany twist. Of course, she suggests those battling addiction "find another way," but she even had some suggestions.

Tiffany admits she has no idea what it feels like to take hardcore narcotics, but she says the better alternative is to find some more natural highs in life.

Akon is mourning the loss of his good friend Michael K. Williams, and says he's the latest example of how the "facade of success" can send celebrities into a tailspin.

We got the artist Tuesday at Petrossian in L.A., and he said although he was close to Michael, they hadn't seen each other since the pandemic.

Akon has an interesting take, saying the rich and famous go through more issues than the poor. As he says, "More money, more problems."

He also talks about how the pandemic has masked real mental health struggles ... literally with masks that hide emotions.

Akon feels strongly, drugs and alcohol never solve difficult issues ... they send people down a dark path that, in Michael's case, ends in tragedy.

Michael K. Williams' name will live on in the form of a law aiming to reduce mass incarceration ... if a Brooklyn politician has her way.

New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn -- who reps Michael's home neighborhood of East Flatbush -- tells TMZ ... she and her team are working with the ACLU to propose a bill in his honor that would help lower the state's prison population.

We're told the bill will specifically focus on the youth and Black and Latino individuals who make up a disproportionate amount of inmates -- something that was very important to the actor, who was the ACLU ambassador for ending mass incarceration.

Hermelyn adds that she plans to meet with Michael's family about the bill when the timing is right ... fully understanding that they're recovering from a tragic loss right now.

There's more being done to remember "The Wire" star -- Hermelyn says prior to his death, Michael was working with her husband, Edu, and actor Jamie Hector (Marlo on "The Wire") on a back-to-school event where supplies will be distributed to Flatbush kids and parents.

The event is on Sept. 12, and we're told this will now be an annual event in remembrance of Michael.

Hermelyn tells us in light of Michael's passing, and in honor of him, she will continue to fight for arts and cultural programming funds in East Flatbush, and also for at-risk youth across the state.

George Foreman sounds like he was really looking forward to Michael K. Williams acting in his biopic ... telling us the late actor could've carried the entire movie.

The boxing legend tells TMZ ... Michael was the perfect fit to play his trainer and mentor Doc Broadus in his upcoming biopic, and not just because he looked the part.

George tells us he liked the fact Michael could also relate to boxers. George also says once he saw a picture of MKW in a suit, he knew he was going to be the one to anchor the biopic.

As we reported ... Michael was found dead Monday in his Brooklyn apartment, a little over a week after being cast in the Foreman biopic.

George says he didn't have a hand in Michael's original casting and says it's going to be up to producers to fill the role ... but he says he'll be mourning Michael for a few days before thinking about who can play Doc.

Sam 'Bam' Cunningham, former USC and New England Patriots star running back, and one of the forces behind the integration of college football in the 1970s, passed away on Tuesday.

He was 71 years old.

Cunningham -- older brother of longtime NFL QB, Randall Cunningham -- starred at the University of Southern California in the early '70s. He was a consensus All-American in 1972 ... the year he helped USC go undefeated and win a National Championship.

But, more important than the accolades was Cunningham's impact on the game. He's credited with helping diversify the Alabama football team -- under legendary coach Bear Bryant -- and college football as a whole.

As a sophomore in 1970, Sam led USC's all-Black backfield in Birmingham ... routing 'Bama 42-21. Cunningham ran for 135 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.

The following year, Alabama's squad featured Black players (they won the National Championship). The USC-Bama game the previous year was said to have expedited the integration in the south.

After leaving Southern Cali, Cunningham was drafted by the New England Patriots with the 11th overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft.

Bam played 9 seasons for the Pats ... before hanging up his pads in 1982.

He finished his career with 5,453 rushing yards and 43 rushing TDs.

In 2010, he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame ... and was also named a member of the team's 50th Anniversary squad.

Pats owner Robert Kraft weighed in on Cunningham's passing, saying ... “We are deeply saddened to learn of yet another loss to the Patriots family this week and our hearts ache for Sam Cunningham’s family and all who are mourning his passing today.”

The other former Pat that Kraft is talking about is David Patten ... a 3x Super Bowl champ who died at the age of 47 on Thursday night following a motorcycle accident.

"Intervention" host Ken Seeley says fentanyl-laced drugs are contributing greatly to the epidemic of overdoses, and the recent deaths of 3 comedians prove dealers are playing a dangerous game.

The renowned addiction specialist told us on Tuesday's "TMZ Live" ... fentanyl played a huge role in the U.S. recording nearly 100k drug overdose deaths in 2020 alone.

Ken says fentanyl is a powerful drug that elicits a high so intense, users crave it. Essentially, he says dealers are using it to turn unwitting customers into full-blown addicts. Many users have no clue their drug of choice -- be it cocaine or heroin -- is laced with the fentanyl.

The problem is obvious ... all too often, instead of getting hooked, users are overdosing and dying.

As we reported ... comedian Fuquan Johnson was among 3 dead after an apparent overdose. Our sources say cocaine laced with fentanyl appears to be what they ingested.

Then there's "The Wire" and "Boardwalk Empire" star Michael K. Williams, who died Monday after an apparent overdose. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ cops are trying to locate the drug dealer who supplied the narcotics found at the actor's home.

Michael K. Williams' death of an apparent drug overdose has triggered a criminal investigation ... because law enforcement sources tell TMZ cops are trying to locate the drug dealer.

Our law enforcement sources say NYPD detectives are conducting an investigation into the origin of the narcotics cops found at the site of the actor's death over the weekend ... which we're told are believed to be heroin-based.

As we reported ... Michael was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment, and authorities found drug paraphernalia. An official autopsy has yet to be conducted ... but we're told drugs seem to be at play. A toxicology report should provide answers, but that could be weeks away.

A relative found Michael after not hearing from him for a few days ... and once he was discovered, a swarm of NY officials descended on his Brooklyn high-rise.

Michael, of course, had a prolific career ... and might perhaps be best known for his award-winning role as Omar in "The Wire." He also starred in "Boardwalk Empire," "12 Years a Slave" and "Lovecraft County." He was working up until recently ... with a few projects in the can, and a handful of others released in the past year or so.

He was 54.

Erik Cowie -- one of the zookeepers featured on "Tiger King" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us Cowie's body was found Friday in NYC. We're told a friend found him face down in the bedroom of a residence. Unclear if it was his or theirs ... but he was a long way from Oklahoma, where he'd worked and lived in recent years.

Our sources say there's nothing suspicious about the death at this point, and no drugs were found on the scene, though a toxicology test will likely still be performed.

The guy made several appearances in Netflix's hit show from last year as one of Joe Exotic's longtime animal caretakers. In fact, he's often cited as the head keeper of JE's big cats ... and even stuck around to work at the GW Zoo even after Joe got thrown into prison.

Speaking of that ... Cowie testified against Joe -- saying he'd seen Joe order some of the zoo animals to be shot and killed -- which contributed to his conviction.

Cowie said before showing up on Joe's doorstep, he was apparently "at the end of (his) rope" ... admitting to a one-time drinking problem, but denying any other drug use or addiction, despite his appearance.

People speculated Cowie might've used meth due to his bad teeth, but he shot that down and attributed it to old age. Funny enough, he got those chompers fixed up nice post-"Tiger King."

Like many other "Tiger King" stars ... Cowie had run into some legal trouble. Earlier this year, he got busted for DUI in Oklahoma following a car accident. He pleaded guilty and was supposed to be sentenced shortly thereafter.

However, he never showed up to court, so an arrest warrant was issued. It was unclear where he'd gone, but obviously he landed in the Big Apple.

Erik was 53.

RIP

Tributes for Michael K. Williams are pouring in from the sports world after his shocking death Monday morning ... with star athletes and pro teams honoring the late actor on social media.

Dwayne Johnson -- who worked with Williams in the 2013 film "Snitch" -- penned an emotional message on Instagram ... saying, "You’ll be missed, brother."

"A real pleasure to work with you and call you a friend. Strength, mana & love to your family during this very difficult and heartbreaking time. Go rest high."

Ex-NFL receiver Victor Cruz posted a shot with the actor at a previous event -- "Rest easy my brother. One of the most positive human beings I ever met."

Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson also paid tribute with an old photo of them together ... saying, "R.I.P. @bkbmg".

Tennessee Titans receiver A.J. Brown used a famous quote from "The Wire" to honor the Williams' role as Omar Little ... saying, "'Omar is coming.' Rest in peace."

Even racecar driver Lewis Hamilton paid tribute -- "Sorry to hear the news. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Bless your spirit."

The NBA community also showed love -- the New York Knicks posted a photo of the Brooklyn native courtside in MSG ... saying, "Rest in Peace. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Michael K. Williams."

"A true New Yorker and a friend to The Garden and Garden of Dreams."

NBA's Jamal Crawford said, "RIP Michael K. Williams . Prayers to his family."

"Life is short…Tell those you love, you love them. Try to be a good example. Help someone along the way on your own journey.."

As we previously reported, the 54-year-old actor was found dead by a relative in his Brooklyn apartment on Monday in a suspected drug overdose.

Besides his iconic role as Omar in "The Wire," he was in several TV shows and films ... including "12 Years a Slave," "Assassin's Creed" and "The Gambler."

"The Whitest Kids U Know" star Trevor Moore appears to have fallen to his death from an upstairs balcony at his home ... at least that's what the police investigation's turned up so far.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police and fire responded around 2:30 AM on Aug. 7 for a medical emergency at Trevor's home in L.A., where he was found unresponsive in the backyard and pronounced dead by paramedics.

We're told cops believe the comedic actor fell from the upstairs balcony, suffering head trauma when he landed -- however, it's unclear if he fell accidentally or intentionally jumped.

There was no suicide note found, but alcohol might have contributed -- we're told empty bottles were found in Trevor's house.

We're told the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner is still waiting on toxicology reports and will make the final determination on Trevor's cause of death.

Trevor, famous for co-founding the sketch comedy group "The Whitest Kids U Know," was 41.

Michael K. Williams -- best known for his breakout role as Omar Little on "The Wire" -- is dead from a suspected drug overdose ... TMZ has learned.

According to law enforcement sources ... Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment Monday after a relative hadn't heard from him in a couple days and went to check on him.

We're told the actor was found in the living room of his home, and drug paraphernalia was on a table nearby ... suggesting he may have died from an OD. NY Post first reported the death.

After years of minor roles on TV and movies, Williams became a household name as Omar -- the gritty, streetwise and homosexual criminal on HBO's "The Wire" ... earning him critical acclaim and adoration from fans.

Williams would go on to star in several other hit HBO series' -- like "Boardwalk Empire," "The Night Of" and more recently "Lovecraft Country" -- as well as movies like "12 Years a Slave" and "Assassin's Creed."

One of the actor's trademarks was his signature facial scar -- the result of a bar fight he got involved in on his 25th birthday that almost killed him. According to Williams ... the scar helped to launch his acting career, leading to calls to do music videos and some minor work playing a thug in TV shows.

Williams was a 5-time Emmy nominee, and when we last saw him we had a good convo about his nom for 'Lovecraft.'

He is survived by his son, Elijah.

Williams was 54.

RIP

Comedian Fuquan Johnson died this weekend of an apparent overdose -- along with two others -- while a fourth person is in the hospital ... the recent girlfriend of one Darius Rucker, TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... there was a get-together Friday night at someone's house in the Venice neighborhood of L.A., where Johnson was in attendance -- as was Kate Quigley ... a comedian/model who has been, of late, dating the Hootie & the Blowfish lead singer -- this after the guy split with his longtime wife just last summer.

Darius' rep, however, confirms to TMZ ... he is not dating Kate, and hasn't been for a while. They were reportedly going out for a good chunk of last year -- and there's photos of them on her IG page as a couple from this past May. Seems there's no affiliation now, though.

As for who owns the place where this went down -- there's a few owners listed ... and we do know Quigley was a resident (and perhaps still is) at what appears to be an adjacent property right next door to where the 911 call was directed to. Could be a duplex.

In any case, we're told cops were summoned a little after midnight, and when they arrived ... they found 4 people who appeared to be either deceased or close to it. Our sources say Johnson and 2 others were pronounced dead on the scene ... while Quigley was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Unclear how she's doing now -- we've tried reaching out to her team for comment, but have come up short on contacts for the woman.

We're told cocaine laced with fentanyl appears to be what was ingested by all. Autopsies will be done for the three bodies -- which are with the L.A. Coroner's Office now. We're working on getting the IDs of the other two victims ... who might also be comedians themselves.

Our law enforcement sources also tell us this ... the LAPD's homicide unit was notified about this case -- but no word on whether they're getting directly involved just yet, although LAPD is investigating. It's unclear who originally supplied the coke, who bought it or under what circumstances it might've been passed around/used by the four individuals.

Because of that ... we're told it's hard to tell if any charges might come of this -- as our sources say they don't know, for now, where the drugs came from. Still, it could spell trouble ... and possibly mean Uncle Sam gets involved, a la Mac Miller -- whose death spurred federal charges after an investigation ... with indictments for the alleged dealers.

Fuquan and Kate are buddies, they've been photographed together dating back a few years now. FJ is knee-deep in the L.A. comedy scene, as is Kate -- they kick it with the likes of Joey Diaz, Donnell Rawlings, Jay Pharoah, Jeff Ross, Chaunte Wayans and others.

Fuquan was 43.

RIP

Black Oak Arkansas's longtime string strummer, Rickie Lee Reynolds, has died ... TMZ has learned.

RLR's son tells us ... his dad passed away Sunday morning in a hospital, where he was battling long-term health complications, to which he succumbed. He adds that he hopes the public will hold Ricky's memory, magic and memories close to their hearts forever.

The Black Oak guitarist had been with the rock group since its inception in the 1960s, when he got together with Ronnie Smith (OG vocals), Harvey Jett (guitar), Stanley Knight (guitar), Pat Daugherty (bass) and Wayne Evans (drums) ... eventually replacing Ron with their famous frontman, James Mangrum ... who stuck around for the long haul.

They found a lot of success in the '70s, when they cranked out hits such as "Uncle Lijiah," "Lord Have Mercy on My Soul," "When Electricity Came to Arkansas" and more. That latter track ended up being controversial ... apparently, fundamental Christians thought it contained hidden Satanic messages.

1973 was even better to them, as they released their fourth and fifth albums ... which saw even more memorable tracks, like "Hot Rod," "Up," "Gigolo," and perhaps their best-known ditty, "Jim Dandy (To the Rescue)" which was a remake of LaVern Baker's '57 song.

Reynolds was with the band during this high point in their career but departed around 1976 while they finished out the '70s. In the '80s, though, RLR got back with the band ... and they produced a few more records then, although James had stepped away briefly then.

Eventually, everyone was back on the same page and touring again, and as the decades went on ... different lineups of the band formed with the OGs performing as much as possible. BOA is said to have inspired legendary acts like Van Halen.

Reynolds was 72.