Celebrity Death

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Nicholas Brendon died from complications related to cardiovascular disease ... and his death has been ruled natural, TMZ has learned.

The actor was found deceased on a couch inside a Putnam County, Indiana residence on March 20, according to a report from the Putnam County Coroner obtained by TMZ. He died from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, which is caused by plaque buildup in arterial walls, per the American Heart Association. Specifically, he had a 90% blockage of the right coronary artery. Page Six was first to report on his cause of death.

He also had acute pneumonia and previously had a heart attack, which are listed as contributing factors in his death. His friend had been staying with him to take care of him as his health declined, and the friend told the coroner he had a heart attack "several years ago" but declined any further treatment at that time.

Jonathan Tiersten -- the actor best known for his role in the '80's horror classic "Sleepaway Camp," has died, TMZ has learned.

Tiersten passed away last week at his home in New Jersey, according to his brother, William Tiersten. William tells us the medical examiner is investigating Jonathan's cause of death.

In 1983, Jonathan landed his first film gig with the biggest role of his acting career, playing Ricky Thomas in "Sleepaway Camp." He also appeared in two out of the 4 sequels: "Return to Sleepaway Camp" and "Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor."

Vanessa Bryant's had it with the rumor mill ... and she's clapping back loud and clear.

Kobe Bryant's widow jumped on Instagram over the weekend to shut down wild speculation that she's either walking down the aisle again or expecting a baby … and she's definitely over it.

Vanessa lit up her IG Stories Sunday night with a sarcastic jab at the nonstop gossip ... writing, “Can you guys decide already ..... Am I pregnant for the 100th time or am I getting remarried???”

Brandon Sheets, the son of the late "Storage Wars" star Darrell Sheets, has broken his silence on the sudden death of his father.

Brandon wrote about his heartache in an emotional Instagram post alongside several photos of the late reality TV star. He penned ... "I love you Dad and I will do my best to live in your honor and respect our Family. Let's all continue to build those memories and keep the legacy that is 'Darrell (The Gambler) Sheets.'"

He went on to say he needs more time to process the shocking loss ... and wants everyone to remember "all the good" his father was. Brandon concluded ... "The love we all have for this man and all his kindness is only a small portion of who he truly is."

Alex Ligertwood's daughter, Merci, tells TMZ ... "My dad loved many things. At the forefront were his family & friends, music, and Scotland. He continued doing shows up until the very end, just the way he wanted."

She adds ... "Though he is no longer with us, it’s a comfort to know his music and talent will live on. The outpouring of love is overwhelming and greatly appreciated by myself, my sister Kali, and brother Brandon. We miss you, Pops."

Alex Ligertwood -- who contributed lead vocals to iconic Latin rock band Santana over the years -- has died, TMZ has learned.

His daughter, Merci, announced the news Saturday, and the Brogan Agency confirmed the news Sunday, saying he "passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side" ... just 2 weeks after his final concert. He was living at his longtime home in Santa Monica when he died.

Brandon Paul, a guitarist who toured with Alex for the last several years as part of "Icons of Classic Rock," called Alex "a world-class professional" in a statement to TMZ. He went on ... "His voice was a force of nature -- soulful, from the heart, and legendary every single night. Beyond the music, he was an amazing human being and a dear friend."

Brandon added ... "Having a vocalist who worked with icons like Carlos Santana and Jeff Beck compliment my guitar playing is something I will carry with me forever." Clips of the pair sharing the stage together can be seen below.

Beau Starr -- a beloved actor best known for his role in multiple 'Halloween' movies and so much more -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Mike Starr -- Beau's younger brother who is also an actor -- tells TMZ ... Beau passed away on Friday, April 24 in Vancouver, Canada. He says Beau passed peacefully of natural causes.

Mike says his brother was loved by many who knew him ... calling him a "very unique and special." He adds Beau and his other brothers helped raise him alongside his parents, and he was such a tremendous influence on his life.

After several years on the New York Jets practice squad in the late 1960s and two seasons in the Canadian Football League, Beau got his start in the entertainment industry on the show "Bizarre" -- a half-hour sketch comedy show which starred Bob Einstein and featured comedians like Howie Mandel.

Italian racing star Alex Zanardi, who later became a Paralympic gold medalist after surviving devastating injuries, has died at 59.

His family confirmed the news Saturday morning, revealing he passed away Friday night and saying in a statement, “Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the affection of those closest to him." No cause of death was disclosed at the time.

In 2020, Zanardi suffered severe head and facial injuries when his handbike collided with a truck during a relay event in Tuscany ... leaving him in a medically induced coma.

Catherine O'Hara may be gone ... but she lives on, thanks to her famous friend Martin Short.

On Friday, Netflix dropped the trailer for their upcoming doc about the "Only Murders in the Building" star ... which includes some shots of the late legend.

The teaser is full of Martin's A-list acquaintances singing his praises ... and even shows him singing Catherine's, too.

Dylan Carter -- a singer from South Carolina who once competed on "The Voice" -- was killed in a car crash last Saturday ... and he'll be laid to rest this weekend.

According to his official obituary ... a visitation is scheduled today in St. George, about an hour northwest of Charleston -- and Dylan's funeral will take place tomorrow at the Indian Field Campground in his home state.

TMZ broke the news ... the 24-year-old died of blunt force trauma after his 2026 Tesla veered off the road, striking a pole and a fence, before rolling. Authorities have yet to determine why he veered off the road.

Erik Fleming is asking a judge for mercy -- admitting he helped supply ketamine in the lead-up to Matthew Perry's death … and saying he'll spend the rest of his life trying to make up for it.

In new court documents, obtained by TMZ, Fleming is requesting just 3 months in prison, a 9-month residential drug treatment program, and 3 years of supervised release.

In a letter to the judge, he doesn't sugarcoat his role, writing … "I knew it was illegal and wrong ... I should never have agreed to acquire ketamine for Matt."

Sick twist to an already horrible story ... authorities in North Carolina are investigating the burglary of Greg Biffle's home, following his tragic death, as a potential inside job.

Authorities in Iredell County say the suspicious activity started just hours after the December 18 crash in Statesville, NC, which took the life of Biffle, his wife Cristina, his two kids, and three others, with a disturbing email that read, "I heard you're dead, rest in hell," being sent to the deceased driver's inbox, according to WSOC.

Around the same time, investigators say Biffle's banking passwords were changed ... and there was also alleged fraudulent activity on Cristina's Venmo account.

David Allan Coe might be gone ... but, fans will get to hear some of the last songs he ever recorded in just a few short months, TMZ has learned.

Ken Madson -- Coe's manager near the end of his career -- tells TMZ ... he owns the controversial country singer's final album and plans to release it on September 6, 2026, which would've been the star's 87th birthday.

Coe last recorded for the album back in 2017, Madson says ... and, it will feature some previously released songs as well as new material. One song on it is called "A Million Reasons" -- which Coe apparently referenced on his social media last year. A title for the album hasn't been finalized yet.

Country singer David Allan Coe -- known for his songs "You Never Even Called Me by My Name" and "The Ride" -- has died, TMZ can confirm.

Coe reportedly died Wednesday, with his wife, Kimberly, telling Rolling Stone ... "My husband, my friend, my confidant and my life for many years. I’ll never forget him and I don’t want anyone else to ever forget him either." She also celebrated him as "one of the best singers, songwriters, and performers of our time."

A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

The country singer was known for being an example of a modern outlaw -- unapologetically himself and not worried about being politically correct. He boasted about his convict past and used slurs and racial stereotypes in his songs, though he claimed they were parodies and he wasn't racist. He was also criticized for using the Confederate flag.

Patrick Muldoon's sudden death is being linked to more than just a heart attack ... newly released records show multiple serious medical conditions all collided at once.

The "Melrose Place" actor's death certificate, obtained by Us Weekly, lists his official cause of death as a heart attack, but it also reveals he was suffering from a hereditary coagulopathy disorder ... a genetic issue that disrupts the blood’s ability to clot ... as well as a pulmonary embolism ... a dangerous clot that can block blood flow to the lungs.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, he was cremated on April 28.

Nick Reiner allegedly butchered his parents back in December ... but when he appeared again in court Wednesday, prosecutors revealed the autopsies for Rob and Michele Reiner are not ready yet ... four and a half months after their murders.

The hearing was delayed and when Nick was finally brought into the courtroom, he looked thin in his yellow and blue jail jumpsuit.

Nick's public defender told the judge they were still waiting on discovery ... and the next hearing in the case was set for Sept. 15.

Tupac Shakur's family is taking Keefe D to court to hold him responsible for the rapper's tragic murder ... filing a wrongful death lawsuit against him.

Maurice "Mopreme" Shakur -- Pac's stepbrother -- filed the lawsuit on behalf of his late brother's estate Tuesday ... noting Keefe D is the only person who has ever been arrested in connection to Tupac's murder.

The estate is also suing a number of "John Does" ... claiming the conspiracy to kill Tupac goes far beyond Keefe D, even though law enforcement has not yet identified anyone else who played a role in his death.