Celebrity Death

Brooke Hogan isn't celebrating the Clearwater Police Department closing the book on Hulk Hogan's death investigation ... telling TMZ she believes authorities botched the case from the very beginning.

After police announced there has been no evidence to indicate Hulk's death was anything other than natural, Brooke tells TMZ she was stunned to see the department publicly thank her for her cooperation ... 'cause she says she felt like an outsider throughout the entire process.

Brooke says ... "There's been a lot of inconsistencies from the BEGINNING. I think CWPD missed the mark by not IMMEDIATELY making this a big investigation and not questioning everything and everybody out the gate. This should have been treated as a taped off, locked down, thorough investigation from day one."

She also says the department's public acknowledgment felt like "a slap in the face." Clearwater police have declined to comment on her statements.

Brooke Hogan called the police days after her father Hulk Hogan’s death to ask about his autopsy ... TMZ has learned.

According to a Clearwater Police Department report, obtained by TMZ, Brooke contacted an officer to see if an autopsy would be done on her dad following his July 2025 death.

The police told Brooke the decision would be made by the Medical Examiner.

Kurt Busch is breaking his silence on his younger brother Kyle Busch's tragic death ... saying it's crushed him.

47-year-old Kurt -- who was nearly seven years older than Kyle -- addressed the devastating loss in a statement posted on social media on Monday ... and it's heartfelt.

“Kyle, your passion, determination, and love for your family inspired everyone who knew you. No trophy, championship, or accomplishment could ever measure the impact you had on my life and on so many others. I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. My heart is broken, but I know your spirit will always ride with me,” Kurt wrote on Instagram.

The basketball world is mourning the loss of Stacey King, the former Chicago Bulls big man and longtime broadcaster, who has died at the age of 59.

The Chicago Bulls announced King's passing Sunday, sending shockwaves through the NBA community. A cause of death was not mentioned.

King spent eight seasons in the league after being selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Bulls and quickly became part of one of basketball's greatest dynasties ... helping the Bulls capture three straight NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during the franchise's legendary early-'90s run.

Richard Childress is breaking his silence in the aftermath of Kyle Busch's shocking death ... and revealing a bittersweet detail that makes the tragedy hit even harder.

Speaking publicly for the first time since Busch died at age 41, the NASCAR team owner reflected on the shock of losing his driver so suddenly ... and praised the wave of support that's poured in for Busch's wife, Samantha, and their two children -- Brexton and Lennix -- during what's been an unimaginably difficult few weeks.

Then came the gut punch ... Childress revealed the media availability Saturday at Michigan International Speedway had originally been scheduled for a very different reason -- to announce Busch was extending his contract with Richard Childress Racing in 2027.

Hulk Hogan's home nurses told police the WWE legend was in "rough" shape during his medical emergency that led to his death last year.

The Clearwater Police Department released a 72-page police report documenting the situation after they officially concluded the investigation this week ... and Hulk's occupational therapist Justin McCamey laid it out clearly for a responding officer after Hulk was rushed out of his home. He bluntly stated, "He is in rough shape. We knew this was gonna be happening."

As TMZ Sports first reported, Hogan died at age 71 on July 24 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. First responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Actor Patrick Godfrey -- best known for portraying Leonardo da Vinci in the 1998 film "Ever After: A Cinderella Story" starring Drew Barrymore -- has died.

Patrick passed "peacefully at home surrounded by his family" on Thursday, his talent agency announced in a statement. They added ... "Paddy was an exceptionally talented actor and a remarkable individual, and we will miss him greatly."

A cause of death was not revealed.

Patrick enjoyed a prolific career spanning nearly 70 years, which included roles in period dramas, novel adaptations, musicals, and more. Some of his notable projects aside from 'Ever After' include 1986's "A Room with a View," 1993's "The Remains of the Day," 2002's "The Count of Monte Cristo," and 2012's "Les Misérables."

He also scored TV roles in popular shows including "Doctor Who" and "Inspector Morse."

Patrick was 93.

James Handy was in dozens of films and TV shows over his decades-long career ... and he was committed to one more project before he was brutally slain this week at his girlfriend's home ... but it sounds like fans will never see his last work.

Heidi Anderson-Swan, writer and producer of the film "Kickback, V" tells TMZ ... James was one of the sweetest people she's met in Hollywood -- he helped her a few times on projects when she was breaking into the industry -- and she had to have him in her film.

Sadly, their final project -- a comedy about nerds learning martial arts, teaching their hard-nosed karate sensei a few life lessons in return -- won't ever see the light of day.

Heidi says the film was stalled in pre-production due to numerous issues, including finances.

The son of James Handy's girlfriend has been charged with murder ... a day after the iconic actor was stabbed to death at his home.

According to authorities ... Michael Gledhill, 44, was just charged with one count of murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a press release ... "This is not how anyone’s life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home. The victim deserved to live out his later years enjoying what he had worked so hard for and enjoying it with those he loved and cared about."

The family of Nichelle Nichols was just handed a hefty sum ... after a jury awarded them millions in a lawsuit.

The TV and film icon's estate was awarded $13 million as a result of a wrongful death lawsuit against Gila Medical Center in Silver City, New Mexico, where Nichols was treated in 2022.

The legendary Nichols was a trailblazer as Lt. Uhura on “Star Trek” ... the first Black woman to play a starring role on TV. She also appeared as the beloved character in several 'ST' films.

Sarah Michelle Gellar is mourning the death of her "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" costar Anthony Head ... and her tribute is sure to make fans bawl.

Not long after news broke that Head -- who played Rupert Giles -- died of complications from pneumonia ... SMG shared her heartbreak on Instagram.

Along with several snaps from the classic '90s series. Sarah wrote ... "'Tell Giles I figured it out and I’m ok.' Well, I don’t have it figured out, and I’m not ok. But I know I’m the lucky one because I knew you. Thank you to Daisy and Emily, who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world."

*Warning: Graphic Video*

A blood-soaked Lil Poppa was taken off in a stretcher after shooting himself in his car ... new police bodycam video from his February suicide shows.

TMZ obtained the footage Friday and it shows the law enforcement response to Lil Poppa's
suicide in Georgia ... including the moment cops find him slumped over his his car, with blood all over the interior.

You can see Lil Poppa on a stretcher before paramedics rush him to Grady Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Wendy Gledhill, the mom of the man accused of killing her actor boyfriend James Handy, tells TMZ her son has been struggling with serious mental health issues and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but stopped taking his medication.

According to Wendy, her 44-year-old son Michael Gledhill had become increasingly paranoid and had been prescribed medication for his condition after his July 2025 diagnosis. However, she says she recently learned he had stopped taking his meds about a week before cops found James stabbed to death outside her home.

Wendy says Michael and James didn't always see eye to eye, but their relationship was generally cordial.

The NASCAR community is mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett ... who died at 93 years old, his family announced Friday.

A statement from Jarrett's loved ones revealed he passed of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina, on Thursday ... and he was surrounded by those closest to him.

"Our father was a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man," the family stated. "He was a friend to everyone he met and NASCAR’s oldest living champion."

New video shows James Handy's alleged murderer being taken into police custody after the "Top Gun: Maverick" actor was stabbed to death.

TMZ obtained footage of LAPD arresting suspected killer Michael Gledhill ... cops say the 44-year-old is the son of James' girlfriend, and he was living with his mom at the Tarzana home where James was killed.

As you can see in the video, Gledhill is standing in front of a cop car with his hands cuffed behind his back as officers empty his pockets and pat him down.

Kyle Busch's wife is opening up on the NASCAR legend's tragic death ... saying the love his fans have sent to their family has gotten them through the worst days of their lives.

Samantha went to Instagram minutes ago to say thank you to the 41-year-old's supporters ... sending the emotional note alongside a heartbreaking family photo.

"The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives," Samantha said minutes ago. "While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you."