Celebrity Death

Marilyn Monroe's death wasn't a suicide ... at least according to investigator Paul Holes, who believes powerful people may have played a role in shaping what really happened to the Hollywood icon.

Paul joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday to discuss our new documentary, "Celebrity Crime Scene: Marilyn Monroe" ... and he told us revisiting the evidence behind Marilyn's 1962 death left him with serious doubts about the official ruling.

Paul breaks down what he sees as major investigative failures ... arguing Marilyn's death should've been treated as a homicide until proven otherwise.

James Burrows -- a famous television director who was involved in some of the biggest sitcoms of all time -- is dead.

James' family released a statement Friday announcing his death ... revealing he passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.

The family noted his professional accomplishments ... but also focused on his personal life -- remembering him for "his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him" as well as his ability to make his colleagues feel seen and appreciated.

5:03 PM PT -- Dameka Davis, attorney for the Rebel label, tells TMZ ... “Sexyy Red is overwhelmed with grief at the devastating loss of her dear friend and artistic collaborator, Tay Keith. Tay was a brilliant artist, and through his close musical partnership with Sexyy, he became a genuine friend to everyone at Rebel. We send our sincerest condolences to Tay Keith’s family and loved ones."

Dameka adds ... "Royalty negotiations are handled by labels -- not artists -- and I’ve worked closely with the legal counsel and team for Tay Keith to finalize the royalty agreement to fully compensate him for his valuable contributions as a musical collaborator with Sexyy. In fact, we were in the final stages of getting Tay Keith fully compensated before his shocking passing this week. We are expediting the finalization of this work with Tay Keith’s attorney so that full payment can be made to his estate as soon as possible.”

A rep for Tay Keith said, “The dispute is between the parties’ respective labels, and naming Sexyy Red in the lawsuit was a legal formality. Any allegations are directed at the label, not Red personally. Both labels have been cooperating, and the matter is close to being resolved. Tay and Red remained friends and he considered her a sister. They were in the studio together as recently as last week working on new music. We appreciate Red’s sentiments and condolences during this difficult time.”

Music producer Tay Keith had yet to resolve his legal battle with Sexyy Red's label over royalties he claimed he was owed at the time of his death ... but the parties were working towards a resolution, TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Tay sued Sexyy's label back in March 2026, claiming he produced 13 songs for her in 2024, including "Pound Town."

Tay claimed Sexyy’s song made millions from sales and streaming … but he says he never got paid for his services.

Oliver Tree's family is close to getting his body back on American soil after his shocking death in Brazil ... TMZ has learned.

A rep for the singer-songwriter's family tells TMZ ... they brought in legal counsel to help with the process of bringing Oliver home after his fatal helicopter crash.

We're told the process isn't complete yet ... but they're working on it and almost have him back.

Tay Keith, the Grammy-nominated producer best known for crafting some of hip hop's biggest hits, including Travis Scott's 2018 single "Sicko Mode," is dead.

Tay was found dead Thursday in his Nashville apartment, according to Metro Nashville Police.

The cause of death is unclear. Cops say foul play is NOT suspected. Police say he was found during a welfare check at his home.

Oliver Tree's mom is remembering her son with a heartbreaking tribute following his tragic death in a helicopter crash.

Christine Begin Nickell took to Facebook on Thursday to share an emotional message, writing, "Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place. We are so proud of you. RIP," followed by three heart emojis.

Oliver's mom accompanied the post with a photo of him from his younger years, offering a glimpse of her son as loved ones continue to mourn his loss.

Actor Paul Avery -- known for his work in "All My Children" -- has tragically died in a house fire, multiple outlets report.

According to Ridge View Echo, Paul's New Jersey home went up in flames a little before 1 AM Tuesday, with him and his wife, Shiela, inside.

Firefighters reportedly found them in the home in critical condition. The outlet reports that responders rescued them from the burning building and attempted CPR ... but neither Paul nor Shiela survived.

Fitness influencer Carly Douglas is dead ... just 3 months after announcing that she'd been diagnosed with cancer.

Carly died Saturday, according to a touching tribute her family recently shared on social media.

The family says ... "On June 13, 2026, Carly Faye Douglas stepped into complete glory, in her final resting place. She met her Maker and Savior face to face, and her arms are full with her two Heaven babies."

Daveigh Chase spent the final years of her life living in an RV with her boyfriend ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the actress tell TMZ ... she and her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, were staying in the RV in the Boyle Heights area of downtown Los Angeles, minutes away from Skid Row, up until June 3, when she was admitted to a local hospital.

We broke the story ... Daveigh died Tuesday at a Los Angeles hospital. Sources told us she died from meningitis and a blood infection.

A GoFundMe created to raise money for Daveigh Chase's medical and living expenses is raising concerns among some of her friends ... but Daveigh's boyfriend, who launched the campaign, insists there's no shady business.

Roy Hernandez says he has been with Daveigh since 2019, and in her final days, he launched the fundraiser for the "Lilo & Stitch" and "The Ring" star ... because she was battling meningitis and multiple blood infections and needed financial support.

But, a longtime friend and former manager for Daveigh tells TMZ ... her friends and relatives have their suspicions. The manager says, "A man claiming to be Daveigh's boyfriend has launched a GoFundMe page purportedly on behalf of Daveigh and her family. Neither her family nor her close friends know who this person is."

Daveigh Chase's friends desperately searched for the actress on Los Angeles' Skid Row in the months before her death ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Daveigh tell TMZ ... her inner circle had been trying to locate her for years after she went MIA amid personal struggles.

We're told friends got a lead on her whereabouts a few months before she died. They were sent a video they believed showed Daveigh living on Skid Row, a section of downtown Los Angeles known for its homeless encampments.

Daveigh Chase -- the former child actress -- is dead ... TMZ has learned.

The actress' boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, tells TMZ ... Daveigh died Tuesday from meningitis and an infection in her blood, which caused her to have septic issues and led to her body shutting down.

We're told Daveigh had been admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles earlier this month because of malnutrition.

Lil Jon is opening up about the heartbreaking loss of his son, DJ Young Slade ... telling us how writing his upcoming memoir became part of his healing process.

We got the rapper at LAX Tuesday, and he told us his son's February death came as he was trying to finish his book, "I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me."

Rather than leave the memoir untouched, Lil Jon says he went back and added new sections about navigating grief and processing the devastating loss.

A producer who was invited on the doomed helicopter flight that killed Oliver Tree and five others in Brazil says he narrowly escaped tragedy after backing out at the last minute.

Victor Wao revealed on Instagram he was originally supposed to be on the flight Sunday, but his friend, Argentine producer Lucas Vignale, kindly arranged a car ride for him due to his fear of flying ... The New York Post reports.

The change saved Victor's life ... because all six people aboard the helicopter died after it collided with another chopper mid-air in Rio de Janeiro. The others who died were Lucas, YouTuber Gaspi, Lucas Brito Chaves and the pilots of both crafts, Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.

The airships burst into flames and crashed into an electric vehicle yard ... and footage shows first responders surrounding one of the mangled choppers.

Post Malone got emotional remembering Oliver Tree ... dedicating his concert to the late musician after a fatal helicopter crash ... and pouring out some beer for a fallen friend.

Posty took a moment during his Tuesday show in Toronto to honor his late pal, speaking directly to the crowd about Oliver's impact before pouring out some Bud Light.

It was a heartfelt tribute, with Post praising Oliver's art, heart, and soul before addressing him directly ... saying he wanted Oliver to know just how loved he was.

Oliver Tree's girlfriend is speaking out for the first time since he died in a helicopter crash in Brazil ... and she says folks need to shut up about "any other women that Oliver may have been seeing."

Fiona Chernavskaya hopped on social media Wednesday morning and set some boundaries, saying the last thing she needs right now is gossip about Oliver's love life ... claiming they were monogamous and kept their relationship "very intimate."

She thanked those who have been sending kind words and support ... and encouraged folks to show love to others affected by the tragedy as well.