Independent Wrestler Set Himself On Fire In Deathmatch ... Suffers Significant Burns
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Terrifying moment during an independent wrestling match last weekend ... a wrestler accidentally set himself on fire while trying to perform a stunt -- and suffered significant burns to his face and body in the process.
It all happened at XPW Wrestling's deathmatch event in Pomona, Calif. on April 22 ... when MASADA was attempting to blow a fireball at his opponent.
Video of the match -- a no-holds-barred contest where weapons are allowed -- shows MASADA grabbed a flaming torch, poured a substance in his mouth ... and then tried to blow the liquid and the ensuing flames at his counterpart.
The problem? The stunt somehow went awry ... and the fire went everywhere, swarming MASADA's entire upper body.
In footage of the match, you can see the flames engulfed the wrestler's face, chest and shoulders for several moments before they were mercifully extinguished.
Somehow, MASADA ended up finishing the contest ... but he raced to the hospital immediately afterward, and was diagnosed with first- and second-degree burns all over his body.
The 41-year-old told TMZ Sports on Friday he's still in the burn unit at a nearby medical facility recovering ... adding, "My face is healing up fast, just the rest is going to take a while."
As for what happened during the fire mishap, MASADA told us, "I've done that spot a lot when I wrestled in Japan, but it was rushed and I think being outside had something to do with it."
MASADA expects to be out of the squared circle for a bit ... but he said there are no plans to hang up his wrestling boots anytime soon despite it all.
Speedy recovery!!
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Jerry Springer Dead at 79
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Jerry Springer, one of the most influential and controversial figures in TV history, has died ... TMZ has confirmed.
Jerry hosted the smash hit syndicated talk show "The Jerry Springer Show" for 27 years ... and it was never a boring moment on the raucous and wild show -- which was known for its outrageous guests who usually got into crazy fights as the audience cheered, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!"
A family spokesperson says Jerry was battling a "brief illness." Our sources tell us it was pancreatic cancer that was diagnosed a few months ago, and this week he took a turn for the worse.
The spokesperson says he died Thursday morning, peacefully at his home in the Chicago area.
Before TV, he was a politician who ran a failed campaign for U.S. Congress in 1970, got elected to Cincinnati's City Council in 1971 ... and became the city's mayor in 1977. He served one term.
But, Springer became a worldwide sensation with his show ... which debuted in 1991. Most people won't remember this, but when he started Jerry's show focused on political issues. Of course, it eventually became the exact opposite ... and a ratings smash.
Jerry's show was so popular in the late '90s, it even topped Oprah Winfrey's in several cities. 'Springer' finally went off the air in 2018.
He made one more run in TV, with his courtroom show, "Judge Jerry," which ran for 3 seasons.
Jerry's last TV appearance came last season on "The Masked Singer" ... where he performed as "The Beetle," singing a Frank Sinatra classic.
We're told his cancer battle got much worse about a month ago, and he finally had to stop working. He had been hosting a folk music show on a local radio station in Cincinnati.
He's survived by his daughter Katie Springer and his older sister Evelyn.
9/11/19
Jerry was 79. RIP
"Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!!!"
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MoneySign Suede Rapper Found Stabbed to Death In Prison
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Up-and-coming Los Angeles rapper MoneySign Suede was stabbed to death in a California prison ... cutting his life short as his career was catching steam.
Prison officials for the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, CA tell TMZ Hip Hop ... they're currently investigating MoneySign's death as a homicide after discovering he was absent from a headcount check Tuesday around 9:55 p.m.
According to our sources, the "Back to the Bag" rapper was found unresponsive in another area of the prison. Prison personnel attempted to administer emergency aid ... but were unsuccessful as he was pronounced dead around 10:00 p.m.
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We're told the death has prompted officials to restrict prisoner movement while they conduct their investigation ... with assistance from the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office and the Monterey County Coroner, the latter of whom will determine MoneySign's cause of death.
Nicholas Rosenberg, MoneySign's attorney, told the Los Angeles Times the rapper was stabbed in the neck in the shower and that those who knew him were shocked.
As news of MoneySign's death circulated, his rapper friends Fenix Flexin and Baby Stone Gorillas took to IG to pay emotional tributes.
MoneySign was only 22. RIP.
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Jack Harlow I'm 'Jackman!!!' 3rd Album's Dropping Friday ... Expect Bars
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Jack Harlow's set to deliver a new set of tunes (and apparently a new alter-ego) this Friday with the announcement of his third studio album titled "Jackman."
The Kentucky-born rapper hopped on IG on Wednesday to reveal the project's album cover art ... which depicts a shirtless JH flexing his guns in a back alley behind a rundown basketball hoop.
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Sources close to the project tell TMZ Hip Hop that the upcoming album will lean into Jack's more lyrical side ... after having padded the Billboard Charts with his No. 1 crossover hit "First Class" last go-around.
If all goes well, 2023 will pan out to be a championship year for JH. His feature film "White Men Can't Jump" drops on May 19 alongside stars Teyana Taylor, Vince Staples, and the late Lance Reddick.
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E-40 Makes Good with Kings ... Flexes 'Front Row' Status with Dubs!!!
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E-40's been hot about Sacramento Kings' security booting him from Game 1 of their playoff clash against the Golden State Warriors ... but tensions have since subsided, and their beef's officially been squashed.
On Thursday, 40 dropped his new single, "Front Row 40" ... which features the legendary rap star spitting his patented slang from inside the Chase Center where his beloved Warriors play.
Sources close to the production of the Jae Synth-directed video tell TMZ Hip Hop that 40 actually filmed the visual several months ago, and had always planned to drop it parallel to the Warriors' postseason run.
The clip also leverages plenty of star power ... with cameos from JAY-Z, Diddy, Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, 2 Chainz and GSW stars Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
E40: “tell me when to go”
— Reverend good doctor JB Applesauce (@VictorySlap4700) April 16, 2023 @VictorySlap4700
Security: “ok bet….that way sir…” pic.twitter.com/pMWr2QdKXF
But, the rollout takes on new meaning now in the wake of his removal from Sacramento's Golden 1 Center last Sunday, which resulted in 40 deeming the org racist -- but both sides are putting it in the rearview.
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40 and the Kings released a joint statement that spoke to the issue's conclusion ... “Contrary to speculation, Mr. Earl 'E-40' Stevens did not stand excessively from his ticketed courtside seat; the outcome resulted from an unfortunate misunderstanding between both parties.”
With the feud patched up, 40's focused on his own hood, Chase Center -- the Dubs play a critical game 3 there tonight, and you-know-who will be in the front row.
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Johnny Manziel's GF Dom. Violence Claims Are Bogus ... My Account Was Hacked
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Johnny Manziel's girlfriend, Kenzie Werner, says the former Heisman Trophy winner did NOT abuse her ... claiming a post on her social media page Tuesday night that said otherwise was the result of hackers -- and nothing more.
The Instagram Story went up on Werner's IG at around midnight ... and it was extremely graphic.
The post showed four pictures of Werner with various injuries on her face and her body. In one, she had bruises on her breast. In another, she had blood near her nose. The others showed markings around her eyes.
The caption on the post read, "this is from johnny manziel." It also featured a link to Manziel's Instagram page. The story remained up for a few minutes ... before it was taken down.
Werner, though, said in a new post on Wednesday afternoon she had nothing to do with it all ... writing, "was hacked last night. just got my account back. please disregard what was posted. it isn't as it seems."
Tyler Terry, a rep for Werner, tells TMZ Sports ... the photos were not related to Manziel or their relationship at all. The rep was emphatic that the former Cleveland Browns quarterback has never abused her.
We're also told the injuries shown in the pics were not related to domestic violence -- they were a result of an accident at work, where a three-liter bottle of champagne fell on her.
Manziel and Werner have been dating since at least early 2022 ... and have appeared to be a strong couple the entire time.
In fact, the two just recently took a vacation to Miami, where they joked about a bird taking a crap on the ex-NFL player's head while they were relaxing on a beach.
We're also told the two were together in Arizona in the hours prior to Tuesday night's post ... showing no signs of issues whatsoever.
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White House Wily Toddler Slips Through Gate!!! Secret Service Intercepts Tiny Tourist
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The White House encountered a major breach, a potential threat to our national security like never before -- nah, we're kidding, and we sorta mean that literally this time.
A very young boy was too little to be held back Tuesday by a North Lawn gate at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The fencing is generally an effective way to keep tourists far away from the President's residence, but this kid found a way onto White House grounds.
It's unclear exactly how the toddler got by, but, presumably, he just wormed through the metal rods -- as he certainly looks small enough to squeeze in without issue.
In any case, this little rascal doesn't appear to have gotten far. As you can see in these pics, WH security intercepted him pretty quickly -- and then escorted him back to his parents on the north side. In one photo, he looks like he's being carried by 2 guards -- almost like he's getting a perp walk or something. 😅
Of course, in reality, they were handling him with care ... the boy doesn't look any older than 4 or so. It also seems the security personnel had a good laugh over the whole thing.
Federal law enforcement sources tell TMZ the boy is Canadian and had stopped at the White House with his family to take a picture.
Like we said, the little guy was reunited with Mama and Papa Bear on the other side -- who appeared relieved ... and maybe a little embarrassed. All's well that ends well, though ... the Secret Service called their impromptu guest a "curious young visitor" who triggered their alarms instantly and who was returned without issue. Sources said Secret Service interviewed the family and determined they posed no threat.
Considering how crafty he proved himself to be, maybe the U.S. government can use his services when he's all grown-up. Spies are real people -- and this very James Bond-esque.
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OSU's Brian Hartline Allegedly Drinking Prior To ATV Crash ... Sister Tells 911 Operator
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Brian Hartline, OSU OC and former NFL player, was allegedly drinking prior to riding an all-terrain vehicle with a buddy early Sunday morning that crashed and flipped, injuring the Buckeyes coach, according to BH's sister, who frantically called 911 trying to get help.
"My friend's husband called us and said 'call 911 right now.' So my brother is out with them and his wife just took a 4-wheeler out to them and I heard a really loud scream," Brian's 33-year-old sister Jamie told the 911 operator in a call obtained by TMZ Sports.
The operator then asked ... "Have they been drinking?"
Jaimie responded ... "Yes, they have!"
We also obtained a short clip from a police-worn body camera ... and it shows what appears to be an injured Brian on the ground while he receives help.
In the background is the flipped ATV.
As we previously reported, 36-year-old Hartline was on his estate in Liberty Township, OH around 1 AM Sunday, riding on the ATV with his friend, when something went wrong.
It's unclear who was driving at the time of the accident.
Hartline was named the Buckeyes WR coach in 2018 ... and worked his way up to OC.
Before he was a coach, Hartline played for the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008. He was a 4th-round pick who suited up for the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns during his 7-year NFL career.
Hartline is still in the hospital... and has not been charged with a crime. But, that could change if cops determine he was drinking and driving.
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Ariana Madix Smoochin' New Man at Coachella ... Amid Scandoval Fallout
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4/15/23
3:42 PM PT -- Ariana and her new Coachella arm candy are doing more than just dance -- they're straight up making out ... which seems to signal that she has, indeed, turned the page.
Check out this footage, obtained by TMZ, that shows AM and Daniel locking lips in the dark of night ... during what seems to be one the final sets of the evening. They're totally in sync with one another, and eventually you see Ari wrap her arms around this fella.
Sure enough, he goes in for the kiss ... not just once, but at least twice it seems. And yes, she certainly kisses him back -- pretty passionately, too.
We'll see if this is more than just a little Coachella fling ... Day 3's wrapping up here soon.
Ariana Madix seems to have moved on from Tom Sandoval with a new man -- getting awfully close and cozy with him down at Coachella ... and not trying to hide it either.
The "Vanderpump Rules" star is out in the desert with a bunch of other stars this weekend, and she's been documenting what she's been up to -- but, more importantly, who she's with ... and it looks like she's been hanging out a lot with some fitness trainer dude.
His name is Daniel Wai ... and he's all over Ariana's IG Story. Likewise, she's all over his as well -- and they were dancing the night away for Day 2 ... even posing for a sweet selfie.
Looks like Dan's rolling with her crew of friends, but in any case -- they definitely seem to be an item. Ariana threw up a photo earlier on Friday that showed her holding hands with someone ... and while you can't see the person's face, all signs point to Danny Boy.
The guy's got a somewhat decent social media presence -- about 15,000 followers -- and he's certainly about his craft ... with tons of clips and pics of him working out in the gym.
Meanwhile, we actually know what Tom was up to this weekend ... or at least on Friday. The dude was out at the NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center ... which was basically a big music showcase, where artists could peruse equipment and instruments, and connect with other fellow enthusiasts. As you can see, Tom was worming his way around.
No sign of Raquel Leviss anywhere ... but he seems to be enjoying himself as well. Of course, we've seen him get a move on with his life ... refocusing on his band and touring.
So ... all's well that ends well???
Originally Published -- 2:02 PM PT
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Arnold Schwarzenegger 'Pothole' Termination Right On Time ... Service Trench Sat Open for Months!!!
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The L.A. "pothole" Arnold Schwarzenegger fixed was indeed a service trench for the gas company ... but TMZ has learned that service was done months ago, and that's why Arnold went all DIY on the ditch.
We got to the bottom of Arnold's roadwork adventure -- a story with more twists and turns than one of his action blockbusters.
ICYMI, Arnold rolled up his sleeves and went to work Tuesday ... using muscle, Quikrete and some tools to pave over what he saw as a "giant pothole." Frankly, he was fed up with the shoddy pavement that was wreaking havoc on tires for months in his Brentwood neighborhood.
Arnold posted his good deed on social media, and was mostly met with applause ... like the driver who stopped during the middle of his construction project to thank him.
But, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works came out and said the "giant pothole" was actually a service trench being used by SoCalGas to repair a pipeline. That's true, however, the gas co. work was wrapped up way back in January!
What's worse is the city had no plans to fill in the trench until May. That was way too long for Arnold and several other annoyed neighbors ... which is why he took matters into his own hands.
As Arnold explained ... "Today, after the whole neighborhood has been upset about this giant pothole that's been screwing up cars and bicycles for weeks, I went out with my team and fixed it. I always say, let's not complain, let's do something about it. Here you go."
The saga is not done yet ... the gas company reportedly sent crews Wednesday to level off the patch Arnold filled, in order to strengthen the paving mixture he used.
Without Arnold, though, the road would still be a mess. Bravo.
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Jamie Foxx Hospitalized For 'Medical Complication' ... Family Says He's Recovering
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10:40 AM PT -- 4/13 -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Jamie Foxx "is doing a lot better," even joking with his family. That said, we're told the medical emergency was serious, and doctors still haven't gotten to the bottom of what happened to him. We're told he'll be in the hospital for at least a few more days, while doctors perform tests.
6:29 PM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Jamie Foxx suffered a "medical emergency" Tuesday morning and was taken to the hospital. We're told his condition was serious enough that Jamie's family -- some of whom were not in town -- came to the hospital. One source told us, "He's communicating now, and that's good news."
Jamie Foxx suffered what his family is calling a "medical complication" ... though his daughter says her famous father's condition is already improving.
Jamie Foxx's Daughter Says He's Out of Hospital and 'Recuperating'
Jamie's daughter, actress Corinne Foxx, posted the medical update Wednesday on social media ... and she says Jamie suffered the issue Tuesday but immediately got "great care" and is now on the mend.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the condition was serious enough that Jamie was hospitalized.
Corinne adds ... "We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time."
At this time, it's unclear exactly how Jamie came to discover the still unspecified complication, or if he was experiencing symptoms that prompted him to get checked out.
We do, however, know Jamie's been working in Atlanta on a film called "Back in Action" with costars Glenn Close and Cameron Diaz.
It's unclear how long Jamie will need to remain in the hospital, or if and when he'll be able to return to working on the movie.
Story developing ...
Originally Published -- 4/12 6:18 PM PT
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Music Exec David Bolno Woman Found Dead in His Miami Hotel Room ... Cops Investigate, He's Not Person of Interest
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A Hollywood music exec, David Bolno, who's repped Justin Bieber, Drake and Post Malone, is in the middle of a death investigation after a potential artist was found dead in a Miami Beach hotel room.
Bolno had a room at the luxurious Setai hotel/condo building on March 30, and Laura Lozano's body was discovered there on March 30. According to a Miami Beach PD report, obtained by TMZ, she was found in the area of the bathtub around 1:22 PM.
Bolno was not there at the time ... police say surveillance video shows him leaving by himself at 4:35 AM. Hotel staffers called Bolno when check-out time came and went, and he told them he'd already left ... but added there was a woman in the room who needed to leave. David paid for several rooms, including Lozano's, and although he was in her room, he visited her there but wasn't staying in it.
According to cops, hotel staffers went to the room and that's when they found Lozano unresponsive. Hotel security did CPR and called the fire department ... when they arrived she was pronounced dead.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... officers did recover an "unknown substance" which they suspect to be narcotics. Police are awaiting the results of toxicology to determine Lozano's cause of death.
As for Bolno ... he told Daily Mail Lozano's death was a "terrible tragedy" and she was staying in his room "because she was recording music the night before. She's a client and she was going to sign a record deal with me. I helped her make music."
Our sources tell us there's evidence Lozano was alive around 8 AM, because she ordered room service.
Bolno was trying to sign Lozano to his L.A.-based management firm, NKSFB, where he is currently a partner. NKSFB bills itself as one of the largest entertainment companies in the nation.
We're told Bolno has been cooperating with police investigating Lozano's death, and he's not considered a person of interest.
Variety reported in 2020 that Bolno's client list included not only Justin Bieber, Drake and Post Malone, but also Pharrell Williams, Will.i.am and Scooter Braun.
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Symba Doja Cat Is 💯 on Twitter ... Blue Checks Not Worth It!!!
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Symba thinks Doja Cat's anti-Twitter blue checkmark stance is a valid cause ... and he has zero plans to pay for his own verification either!!!
TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the Bay Area-bred lyricist on the set of his upcoming music video, "Hell of a Feeling" with LaRussell, where we took his temp on Doja's comments.
Having a blue tick now means theres a higher chance that you're a complete loser and that you're desperate for validation from famous people. https://t.co/OGiW2xtgRV
— DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) April 11, 2023 @DojaCat
Twitter boss Elon Musk's proposed blue checkmark sweep on April 20 could throw a monkey wrench in artists' reach and visibility, but Doja doesn't give a damn ... basically labeling the check a Veblen good.
LeBron James also railed against the change and Symba wholeheartedly agrees, although he doesn't have a ton of answers on how to separate real and fake celebs without the blue check ... and is still verified himself, for now.
Symba even thinks the Twitter Blue defection could spark some sort of cool-kids movement amongst the unverified.
Doja's back to full-time hip hop now -- who knows, maybe she and Symba will vent about it on a track!
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Taylor Swift Songs About Joe Alwyn ... Big Increase in Streams Post-Breakup
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Taylor Swift's music is seeing a huge spike amid news of her breakup with Joe Alwyn -- but the interest is focused on specific tracks, with a specific muse in mind ... take a guess.
The numbers are in -- as aggregated by TS stan SpotifySwiftie -- and it looks like several songs from TayTay's past few albums have seen massive streaming increases in the past 48 hours ... but, perhaps unsurprisingly, they're all tunes rumored to be about her now-ex.
The songs in question span her last 5 projects -- which cover the time frame that she's been with Joe -- and they range in percentages ... from as low a boost as 23% to as high as 106%, and everything in between. There are 11 tracks we're talking about here, BTW.
'King of My Heart' from her album 'Reputation' and 'happiness' from 'evermore,' for example touch the low end of the totem pole (at 23% increases each) ... whereas other songs like 'Sweet Nothing' ('Midnights') and 'the 1' ('folkore') are at 30% and 39%, respectively.
Other songs, however, have even more plays ... cuts like 'New Year's Day' ('Reputation'), 'peace' ('folklore') and 'Daylight' ('Lover') have jumped 40%/48%/58% in streaming stats.
The song of hers that has the largest upswing is 'Cornelia Street' ('Lover') at 106%. Some of the telltale lyrics in there that allude to Joe include this line ... "And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends // I'd never walk Cornelia Street again // That's the kind of heartbreak time could never mend." It's been reported they shared a home on this NYC street, for real.
Funny enough ... there's actually viral video of New York-based Swifties leaving flowers at the rumored house they used to live in -- mourning the fact that Joe and Taylor are dunzo.
Sounds like the interest is just as big in digital listening as it is in person. Go figure!
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Ex-Nebraska OL Cole Pensick Dead At 32 ... After Car Crash
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Cole Pensick -- a former offensive lineman for the Nebraska Huskers -- died in an early morning car accident in Nebraska on Saturday ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.
He was 32.
Nebraska football commented on the tragic news ... "Mourning the loss of one of our own. On behalf of the Nebraska Football program, our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends & teammates of former Husker lineman Cole Pensick."
Mourning the loss of one of our own.
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) April 9, 2023 @HuskerFBNation
On behalf of the Nebraska Football program, our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends & teammates of former Husker lineman, Cole Pensick, who passed away yesterday at the age of 32. pic.twitter.com/x0dVO574Wc
The Polk County Sherriff's Office tells us they responded to a call at 6:42 AM after receiving a report for a pickup truck that was off the roadway and in between trees.
Once they arrived, cops found Pensick, who had been driving a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, deceased at the scene. Police say he was involved in a single-vehicle accident after failing to stop at a stop sign, and leaving the road.
Law enforcement tells us Cole was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, but added they're still investigating the accident.
Pensick was a standout at Nebraska ... he played in 13 games his senior year (starting 12) and was selected to the All-Big Ten second team by coaches around the league in 2013.
R.I.P.
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LSU Star Angel Reese Goes On Jewelry Shopping Spree ... After NCAA Title Win
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A national championship trophy isn't the only shiny, new thing in Angel Reese's life -- the LSU basketball star just copped some new bling -- with over 20 carats of high-quality diamonds!!!
TMZ Sports has learned ... the Tigers hooper linked up with celeb jeweler Boo Daddy Diamonds fresh off her NCAA title win over the Iowa Hawkeyes this week.
We're told Bayou Barbie is now the proud owner of several dope pieces ... including an amazing diamond tennis bracelet that's filled with VVS diamonds and 14k white gold.
She also copped two diamond chokers -- one having the initial of her first name -- and we're told the collection totaled out to 20 carats of top-quality bling!
The 6'3" forward deserves to treat herself after the year she just had -- she finished the season with 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game ... and earned a spot on the First Team All-SEC and SEC's All-Defensive Team.
Reese -- who fractured her foot at Maryland before transferring in 2022 -- also made LSU history with the most consecutive double-doubles ... and leading the women's hoop team to their first NCAA title.
Maybe she'll rock the new jewelry at the White House??