Celebrity Death

Rob Base, one-half of the legendary duo with DJ E-Z Rock behind the classic hit "It Takes Two," has died at 59.

The rapper -- born Robert Ginyard -- passed away peacefully after a private battle with cancer on Friday surrounded by family ... just four days after celebrating his birthday.

His family remembered him in an Instagram post as a loving father, friend and "creative force whose impact will never be forgotten."

No one will race the No. 8 car after Kyle Busch's tragic death ... with Richard Childress Racing announcing the digit will be suspended in his honor until his son, Brexton, is ready to join NASCAR.

The decision was shared on Friday ... with Busch's team saying it will opt to use No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend and beyond.

"Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry," RCR said minutes ago. "No one can carry it forward to the level that he did."

Michael Jackson’s estate is firing back at the late pop star’s former friends, who are suing for alleged sex trafficking ... TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, the estate slammed Edward Cascio and his three siblings, who are locked in a legal battle with the estate over claims they were sexually abused by MJ for years in the 1980s.

The estate said the Cascios were already paid massive settlements of $3.45M each, and "demanded the incredible sum of $213M in 2024.”

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch passed away suddenly, according to an announcement from his racing team, Richard Childress Racing, and from NASCAR itself.

His "sudden and tragic passing" comes the same day his family revealed he'd been hospitalized with a "severe illness."

Kyle leaves behind an incredible legacy in the racing community. Keep reading to learn more and honor his memory.

Kyle was a Las Vegas native who was just 6 years old when he first fell in love with racing, often go-karting around his cul-de-sac.

He reportedly used crushed soda cans to create a makeshift track for himself and his brother, Kurt. Busch would even use the little tabs as targets to practice weaving in and out, according to ESPN.

Kyle's first popped on the NASCAR scene at only 16 years old ... racing for Roush Racing in a 2001 Craftsman Truck Series race, behind the wheel of a number 99 Ford.

While he finished 9th at Indianapolis Raceway Park, his debut was cut short ... thanks to a rule NASCAR implemented shortly after which banned drivers under 18 from competing in any of its touring divisions.

Once he was eligible, he went on to win Rookie of the Year twice -- in 2004 for NASCAR's Busch Series and again in 2005 for NASCAR's Cup Series.

Over the course of his 25-year career, Kyle won more NASCAR national series races than any other driver in history. He racked up 63 Cup Series wins, 102 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins and 69 Truck Series wins ... for a grand total of 234.

Busch also holds the records for most Truck Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins. He's even been crowned Cup Series Champion twice -- in 2015 and 2019.

NASCAR made Kyle's GOAT status official ... naming him in their list of 75 greatest drivers. He's in good company, included alongside all-time greats and household names like Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty.

This tracks, since Busch's list of accomplishments is longer than a CVS receipt. Not to mention ... he's taken home the top motorsports honor at the ESPYS twice ... having been crowned Best Driver in 2016 and 2019.

Kyle's young song, Brexton, is continuing the family tradition ... because he's a racer, himself. According to Brexton's bio, he started racing at just 5 years old, competing at the Beginner Box Stock division at Millbridge Speedway.

Just days before his death, Busch took to Instagram to wish Brexton a happy 11th birthday ... sharing sweet snaps of his son.

He wrote in the caption ... "You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day. Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!"

In addition to Brexton, Kyle is also survived by his wife Samantha and his 4-year-old daughter Lennix.

We first heard Kyle was sick when he radioed for medical help during his Cup Series race on May 10 at Watkins Glen in upstate New York, which he finished in 8th place.

And even though he was still under the weather, Busch raced again in a Truck Series race on May 15, where he won the EcoSave 200.

He was 41.

Viral YouTube star Danny Go is grieving the heartbreaking loss of his young son after a long health battle.

Danny Go -- real name Daniel Coleman -- announced Friday on Instagram that his son died at age 14 ... writing, “Isaac Daniel Coleman 10/3/11 – 5/21/26.”

“Oh my sweet boy. There’s so much I want to say, but I don’t know how yet. I already miss you so much, and the pain in my heart is far more than I can process,” he began.

8:52 AM PT -- Kyle Busch's medical emergency has been partially revealed by 911 audio obtained by TMZ Sports ... with a caller saying the NASCAR superstar was struggling to breathe, overheating and coughing up blood before medics rushed to help.

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch tragically died at the age of 41 Thursday ... and we are starting to learn more about what happened prior to his shocking passing.

Before being hospitalized ... Busch was testing in a racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive -- and was rushed for medical care, the Associated Press reported via unnamed sources.

As TMZ reported ... Busch's family, racing team, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR announced the shocking news yesterday afternoon.

Tragedy in British TV ... actor Michael Keating -- best known for his work on "Doctor Who," "Blake’s 7" and "EastEnders" -- has died.

Michael’s agent, Dan Ireson, confirmed the news on Friday ... revealing the actor passed away peacefully at home on April 26. He also shared that Michael had been living with dementia before his death.

His exact cause of death has not been revealed.

Kyle Busch's shocking death at just 41 years old has devastated the NASCAR community ... with drivers sharing their grief on social media.

Brad Keselowski was one of the first to post about Busch's death ... saying, "Absolute shock. Very hard to process. Hug your loved ones."

Denny Hamlin also went to social media ... adding, "Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB."

Matthew Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is asking for some leniency at his upcoming sentencing ... telling the judge he could not "simply say no" when it came to feeding Perry's drug habit ... TMZ has learned.

In new court docs, obtained by TMZ, Kenneth, who is set to be scheduled on May 27, disagreed with prosecutors’ claim he could have told the "Friends" star “no” when he asked for ketamine.

As TMZ previously reported, Kenneth is facing years in prison for securing ketamine for Matthew and even injecting him with the drug on the day he died. Matthew died on October 28, 2023, from the acute effects of the drug.

5/22/2026 8:52 AM PT -- Kyle Busch's medical emergency has been partially revealed by 911 audio obtained by TMZ Sports ... with a caller saying the NASCAR superstar was struggling to breathe, overheating and coughing up blood before medics rushed to help.

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch has tragically died at the age of 41.

Busch's racing team, Richard Childress Racing, along with NASCAR, announced the shocking news.

"On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch."

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series."

Matthew Perry’s sister, Caitlin Morrison, trashed his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, as she suggested he serve hard time in prison for his role in the late actor’s death, TMZ has learned. 

Caitlin wrote a letter ahead of Kenneth’s sentencing, saying she doesn’t have “sympathy” for the assistant. 

In her message, Caitlin said, “No matter what happens in the case, my big brother … will be dead.” 

William Davis, who was set to play football this season for Sam Houston State University in Texas after playing last season for West Virginia, died from gunshot wounds to the chest ... TMZ has learned.

Unclear if this is a homicide ... the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia, where William died, tells us the manner of death is pending.

As we reported ... SHSU announced William passed away Saturday, but there had been no details on a cause or manner of death.

Matthew Perry’s mom, Suzanne Morrison, wrote an emotional letter slamming her late son’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, ahead of his sentencing, TMZ has learned.

TMZ obtained the letter written by Suzanne ahead of Kenneth’s sentencing in his criminal case. Kenneth is accused of helping secure Ketamine for the "Friends" star and even shooting him up at times. Matthew died on Oct. 28, 2023. Kenneth injected the star with Ketamine on the day in question.

Matthew’s mom wrote, “My name is Suzanne. I am also Momma-Mooma, the name my son Matthew gave me.”

Snoop Dogg's company is asking a judge to throw out the wrongful death lawsuit he's facing ... claiming his company is in no way responsible for the tragedy.

The rapper filed a motion asking for a summary judgment in the case filed by Drakeo the Ruler's brother against his company, Snoop Dogg's LLC ... even submitting a declaration claiming his company had no involvement in the 2021 Once Upon a Time in L.A. festival operations and can't be sued over the death that occurred there.

Snoop says his company never signed a lease or license agreement ... and doesn't hold any ownership or leasehold interest in Exposition Park where the stabbing took place.

E.G. Daily is recalling her last moments with fellow "Powerpuff Girls" star Tom Kane before he died ... and they're even more powerful in hindsight, because she had no idea it would be their final goodbye.

The actress -- who voiced Buttercup in the beloved animated series -- sat down with TMZ's Charlie Neff to reflect on reconnecting with Tom before his death Monday as a result of complications related to the stroke he suffered in 2020.

Check out the interview ... E.G. said she was stunned by how far Tom had come since the stroke when the cast reunited at a fan convention in Lexington ... explaining, "I was so blown away by his recovery."

Hayden Panettiere is opening up about one of the darkest days of her life -- the devastating moment she learned her younger brother, Jansen, had died.

In "This Is Me: A Reckoning," Hayden says she was preparing for the "Scream VI" premiere in 2023 when she intentionally ignored a call from her dad ... only to answer when he rang her again, and delivered the tragic news.

According to Hayden, her father was hysterical and struggling to breathe as he explained Jansen had missed a 9 AM appointment, prompting a friend to check on him -- only to find him dead in a chair with a comforter over him, like he’d simply fallen asleep.