Celebrity Death

Marilyn Monroe did NOT die the way officials claim ... and this will become crystal clear in TMZ's new FOX primetime show ... "Celebrity Crime Scene: Marilyn Monroe"

We use A.I. to create a groundbreaking, never-before-seen replica of a crime scene -- Marilyn's house -- and our crime scene investigators go through all the evidence and blow gigantic holes in the official story.

The LAPD and Coroner say Marilyn died from a "probable suicide." But if she really did OD, where's the water glass in her bedroom? Why are the sheets in pristine condition, given that OD's are ugly? The positioning of her body is not the way she died. Short story ... someone staged the crime scene.

Daveigh Chase’s mom is detailing her downward spiral from drug addiction and her premonition she would pass young following the actress' death this week.

"Devastated" Cathy Chase revealed the "Lilo & Stitch" star became addicted to painkillers following a serious motorcycle accident around 2016 ... which marked the beginning of a downward spiral, according to The Daily Mail.

Cathy told DM she knew her daughter was "seeking drugs and was partying with the wrong people." She added Daveigh was "completely gone" by 2019, when she visited her in jail in October 2019 after she was charged with two counts of burglary.

Drake is paying homage to Tay Keith following Tay's untimely death this week in Tennessee, thanking him for his major contributions to the music world.

On Friday, Drake posted a tribute to Instagram, celebrating Tay's life with a photo of the Grammy-nominated hip hop producer marked by the phrases, "In Loving Memory" and "Rest In Peace."

Champagne Papi also wrote that he has "endless and eternal gratitude" for Tay's spirit and contributions to their love of music, and Tay will be "deeply missed."

The legal battle over the money Anne Heche left behind seems to be heating up in court.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Lynne Mishele, who previously filed a claim against the late actress’ estate seeking $2 Million in damages, denies the claim she reached a settlement with Anne’s son, Homer Laffoon, who is handling her estate.

Homer filed docs in November 2025 claiming the estate had reached a tentative settlement with Lynne, who was living in the home Anne crashed her Mini Cooper into days before she died on August 11, 2022 at the age of 53.

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."

6/29/2026 11:04 AM PT -- Daveigh Chase's official cause of death has been revealed ... and the former child star died from AIDS ... TMZ has confirmed.

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.

6/29/2026 11:04 AM PT -- Daveigh Chase's official cause of death has been revealed ... and the former child star died from AIDS ... TMZ has confirmed.

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.