'The Wire' Star Lance Reddick Cause of Death Revealed ... Died from Heart & Artery Disease

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Lance Reddick's cause of death has been revealed as heart disease ... according to the late actor's death certificate.

The document, obtained by TMZ, lists Reddick's immediate cause of death as Ischemic Heart Disease as well as Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease. The death cert also states Reddick was to be cremated.

TMZ broke the story ... Reddick, best known for his role in "The Wire" and the 'John Wick' movie franchise, was found dead at his Studio City home on March 17. At the time, law enforcement sources said his death appeared to be of natural causes.

We know Lance's wife, Stephanie, was the one who dialed 911 after finding him collapsed in the backyard.

Just before he died, Lance was doing a press tour for the "John Wick: Chapter 4" film ... and he even had an appearance scheduled on Kelly Clarkson's show for the week after he passed away.

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FINAL DAYS

Lance posted a selfie video just days before his sudden death at home with his pups, raising questions as to why he wasn't attending the 'Wick 4' premiere in New York City.

Lance's castmates honored him by wearing blue ribbons to the movie's premiere in Los Angeles, and Keanu Reeves shared some touching words about his friend.

Outside of 'John Wick,' Lance was also famous for his work in HBO's "The Wire" where he played Baltimore Police Department officer Cedrick Daniels in all 5 seasons of the show.

Throughout his career he racked up a ton of credits including shows like "Fringe," "Bosch," "Oz" and "Lost" ... he also appeared in films such as "Angel Has Fallen" and "Godzilla Vs. Kong."

Lance was 60.

RIP

Jeremy Renner I Feared I'd Just be a Brain and Spine ... ... After Snowplow Accident

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Jeremy Renner's incredible recovery has him in high spirits, but just after his horrific snowplow accident, he worried he would live his life as a shell of a human being.

Jeremy tells his emotional story of coming back from the edge of life to a point where he is mobile again ... with the help of a walker.

He worried in the days following the accident he would live the rest of his life as a brain and a spine, but not much else.

The "Avengers" star teared up as he spoke with Diane Sawyer about the pain he suffered and how he felt so sorry that his family was suffering as well. Jeremy was on the verge of tears as he told Diane he told his family he was sorry in sign language.

He looks amazing ... it defies what he went through. Jeremy is looking forward and says he refuses to be haunted by the accident that almost took his life.

He still has a ways to go, but all signs point to a return to normal life, which has gotta include acting.

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ROAD TO RECOVERY

Diane's special airs Thursday night on ABC.

South African Pilot There's a Freakin' Cobra on Me!!!! Makes Emergency Landing

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Samuel L. Jackson's got nothing on the South African pilot who made an emergency landing this week after finding a surprise stowaway on his hip -- a snake that easily could've killed him!!!

Rudolf Erasmus says he had to ground his aircraft Monday while flying 4 people in a small twin prop plane, because he realized -- while up in the air -- something cold was rubbing against his skin from under his shirt.

At first, he thought his water bottle was leaking on him ... but then he looked down and saw the serpent.

It wasn't just any snake either ... Erasmus says he recognized it was a Cape cobra, which has enough venom in its fangs to wipe out 9 people with a single strike. So, yeah ... deadly.

The pilot says he tried grabbing it and getting it under control -- refraining from telling the passengers to avoid a panic -- but eventually, he had to break the news 'cause the cobra was on the loose under his seat. When he did, he says everyone stayed calm.

Here's the kicker ... when Erasmus landed, he says he pulled his seat forward and spotted it all curled up, but when a crew member inspected, they lost it again. In other words, the snake ended up going MIA in the end.

Miraculously, no one was harmed and, for some reason, no one yelled Samuel L.'s famous quote! Not so funny when there's a real cobra at your feet.

White Sox Star Liam Hendriks Completes Cancer Treatment ... Rings Victory Bell!!!

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RINGIN' IN THE NEXT CHAPTER

Amazing news ... White Sox star pitcher Liam Hendriks has just finished his cancer treatments -- and to celebrate, he rang the victory bell!!

The Chicago closer shared video of the momentous occasion on his social media page on Wednesday afternoon ... and it's awesome.

You can see the three-time All-Star rang the bell with glee ... after he finished up a grueling five months of treatment following his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis.

"You never think you will be the one who hears 'you have cancer' but there I was... in shock and fear not knowing what comes next," the 34-year-old said in a caption on the video.

"These past 5 months have been both the quickest and slowest of my life. Being able to ring this victory bell has been one of the most emotional things I've ever done."

Hendriks said he needed treatment every 28 days since January to try to eradicate the disease ... and he thanked his wife, Kristi, for being at his side at "every single appointment."

"You held my hand every step of the way," he wrote in a message to her. "You were my voice of confidence and always made sure I felt loved and safe throughout it all. I love you."

Hendriks also thanked his fans for their support on his journey as well.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart.💚," he said.

There's still no timeline for Hendriks to return to the mound for the Sox ... but the team opted to not put him on the 60-day injury list to start this season -- meaning there's hope he can come back before June.

Aaron Rodgers On The Hunt For Healing Crystals ... As Packers-Jets Trade Remains In Limbo

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If NFL general managers can't get a blockbuster trade to go through ... maybe some pretty rocks and colored gems can?!

Seems Aaron Rodgers is hoping that's the truth ... because as the Packers and Jets continue to struggle to complete a trade for the star quarterback -- he hit a rock store near Los Angeles to shop for some healing crystals that many believe could help turn talks around.

The 39-year-old was seen out at Topanga Rocks in Topanga, CA on Wednesday afternoon -- browsing through their crystal selection as he remains hopeful that he can be dealt from Green Bay to New York this offseason.

He was seen leaving the store with a small bag -- but it's unclear what was purchased.

Of course, in the spiritual world, there are several crystals that people think could help facilitate a Packers-Jets swap ... including citrine, which is thought to bring luck to its owner. Or, maybe he was simply just hunting for a stone that could help him deal with the anxiety of the uncertainty of it all.

Either way, Rodgers doesn't seem to be sweating things too much -- he was spotted out a coffee shop enjoying a drink with actor Jonathan Tucker just before making the pit stop at the rock shop ... and appeared to be doing just fine.

The Packers and Jets, meanwhile, are still haggling over what's a fair price for Rodgers ... but now that the spirits have potentially made their way into the conversation -- maybe that changes soon???

For more, tune into the TMZ Sports Podcast available on all podcast platforms!

Jeremy Renner Wrote Last Words to Family on Phone ... After Snowplow Accident

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Jeremy Renner says he was writing his final words to his loved ones after getting crushed by a snowplow earlier this year -- again confirming the guy thought he was going to die.

Jeremy got super emotional, telling Diane Sawyer dying alone would have been a horrendous way to leave this earth, and was incredibly thankful to his nephew for being there ... ironically, it was his nephew who Jeremy was trying to save that terrible day.

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RUSHED TO HOSPITAL

Then, he gets choked up ... saying that he was actually writing notes on his phone, which he intended to be his last sentiments to his family. Jeremy clearly believed he was at death's doorstep ... in fact, he was.

Fortunately, he survived ... getting airlifted to a hospital and undergoing extensive surgery. As you know, Jeremy suffered terrible injuries -- broken bones, ruptured organs ... the works.

ABC released an earlier clip, where Jeremy said he'd do it all over again, to save his beloved nephew..

His recovery has been miraculous ... and he almost looks like he's back to 100% -- a testament to his will and tenacity following a near-life-ending experience. Fact is, he still has a ways to go.

Jeremy will get into all of it and more in Thursday's ABC special.

Tori Spelling My Eye's Ulcerated From Sleeping with Contacts!!!

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Tori Spelling's vision has been cut in half, but she's taking ALL the blame ... revealing her eye injury bizarrely came after sleeping with her contact lenses in -- and don't get her started on how many days she's gone without switching them out!!!

The "90210" star shared her health update with cohost and former costar Jennie Garth on their podcast, "9021OMG" ... saying the ulcer she developed under her left eye was caused by keeping her contacts in when she was getting some zzz's.

She concedes there's no excuse for laziness -- Jennie and Amy Sugarman, the show's producer, were obviously SHOCKED ... but it got even more real when she revealed how long she went before switching out the lenses -- check it out, it's insane.

BTW, ulcers on the eye are typically caused by infection from bacteria.

She first revealed her loss of vision on Instagram toward the end of March, saying she has an ulcer, and her doctor prescribed her some antibiotic drops. Eyedrops and time usually reduce swelling and inflammation.

Forget the "Men don't make passes" BS ... glasses are the way to go, Tori.

Kentucky H.S. Football Player Dies From Brain Injury ... After Hitting Head In Scrimmage

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Andrew Dodson -- a high school football player in Kentucky -- has tragically died ... after he suffered a head injury during a routine tackle in an intrasquad scrimmage last week.

The boy's father, Alan Dodson, told the Lexington Herald-Leader his son was running the ball in the Pulaski County varsity football spring Maroon and White game on Friday ... when his teammate tackled him and he landed on his head.

Alan said there was nothing illegal or violent about the hit ... but because of the way Andrew fell, he suffered a serious brain injury.

"He had a major surgery to relieve the pressure and has never awakened," said Alan, who added that his son was wearing a helmet during the collision. "He has been fighting for his life on total life support."

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association confirmed on Monday the boy had passed away due to the injury.

"Today, we all mourn with his family, friends, teammates, and the entire KHSAA family, the loss of this young man," the KHSAA said in a Facebook post.

"No words can explain, justify or rationalize tragedies such as these. We only ask for peace and comfort to all around him."

Andrew was reportedly in his junior season ... playing both tight end and defensive end.

Univ. of Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops expressed sorrow over Andrew's passing ... writing in a tweet on Monday, "We are heartbroken by this tragedy and are deeply sorry for your loss."

RIP.

WWE Star Finn Balor Needed 14 Staples To Close Gash ... After WrestleMania

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Finn Balor needed 14 staples to close the huge head gash he suffered during his Hell in a Cell match with Edge at WrestleMania 39 ... and if you didn't believe it, the WWE Superstar is providing the gnarly photographic evidence.

Balor posted pics of the staples he received following his brutal match with the Rated R superstar ... and the images of all his injuries are not for the faint of heart.

Remember ... Edge threw a ladder at Finn during their match on Sunday, causing the Demon King to bleed profusely from his head -- and the contest to be temporarily stopped.

WWE referees and medical staff tended to Finn immediately ... but the damage was already done, and Balor's body marks just go to show how physical his match was.

Balor and Edge have been engulfed in a rivalry for a while ... and you can tell by the level of physicality each Superstar was out to prove something to the other.

Finn's head wasn't the only part of his body affected at WrestleMania ... Edge hit Balor with several kendo sticks multiple times throughout the night, leaving his back bruised.

It wasn't all one-sided -- Finn had his fair share of moments against Edge, most notably when he put him through a table and delivered his signature Coup de Grace finisher.

In the end, it didn't matter -- Edge pinned Balor after finishing him off with his famous ConChairTo, but Finn earned the respect of many WWE fans for his gutsy performance.

For more, tune into the TMZ Sports Podcast available on all podcast platforms!

Rangers' Josh Smith Drilled In Jaw By 89-MPH Pitch ... Somehow 'Doing Fine'

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UPDATE

8:50 AM PT -- Josh Smith tweeted Tuesday morning that somehow he's "doing fine" now.

UPDATE

"Thank you to everyone who reached out and sent prayers," the Rangers utility man wrote on his Twitter page. "I'm doing fine & will hopefully be back on the field soon."

Horrifying moment in the Orioles vs. Rangers game Monday night ... Texas outfielder Josh Smith was drilled in the face by an 89-MPH pitch -- and the damage was so bad, he had to be taken to the hospital to get checked out.

The scary scene unfolded in the third inning of the MLB contest at Globe Life Field in Texas ... when a sinker got away from O's pitcher Danny Coulombe -- and made a beeline right for Smith's face.

Video shows the 25-year-old utility man couldn't get out of the way fast enough ... and was tagged right near the mouth by the baseball.

He immediately crumpled to the ground in pain ... as trainers raced out to tend to him.

Thankfully, he was able to walk off the field under his own power ... and he was ultimately transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

According to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, tests fortunately came back "clean."

"So, we got good news there," Bochy told reporters after the game. "He's feeling better as I'm speaking right now. And, tomorrow we'll just reevaluate him and see where we're at."

This is the second time in the last few weeks a batter has been hit in the face by a pitch -- last month, Red Sox star Justin Turner required 16 stitches to close wounds he suffered in a terrifying at-bat. He's since returned to Boston's lineup.

Originally Published: 07:08 AM PST

Bad Bunny Gets Chokeslammed Through Table ... On Monday Night Raw

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Bad Bunny may want to think twice next time about attending a WWE event the night after WrestleMania weekend ... 'cause the Latin music superstar got choke slammed through a table, and it appeared to hurt like hell.

Bunny was at Crypto.com Arena Monday night just 48 hours after he helped Rey Mysterio defeat his son, Dominik, at WrestleMania 39. But, Dominik, with his partner Damian Priest, had revenge on their mind.

Dominik approached Bunny, who had front-row seats, and tried to push him -- but Bunny dropped Dominik to the ground with a right hand, not once, but twice during the segment.

Priest -- a third of the Judgement Day stable -- grabbed Bunny from where he was standing, threw him over the barricade, then delivered a chokeslam to the three-time Grammy Award-winning artist through the announcer's table.

Bunny appeared shaken up after the spot, grabbing his neck as he writhed in pain on the ground, but eventually, he returned to his feet and walked backstage with help from WWE referees.

Of course, Bad Bunny's fans were happy to see he wasn't hurt since the 29-year-old is headlining Coachella in a few weeks.

Bunny is also hosting WWE Backlash in Puerto Rico in May -- and given the feud he and Dominik are currently engulfed in, the event should make for must-see TV.

For more, tune into the TMZ Sports Podcast available on all podcast platforms!

Donovan McNabb Surprises Make-A-Wish Kid W/ Reunion ... 17 Years Later!!!

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DONOVAN DROPS IN

Ex-NFL superstar Donovan McNabb made one super fan's dream come true AGAIN over the weekend ... when the Eagles legend surprised a Make-A-Wish alum with a truly special reunion 17 years after their first meeting -- and the video is incredible.

The interaction was part of the annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival in Orlando ... which benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

29-year-old Charlie Pena was born with sickle cell anemia ... and when he was 12, he was granted the opportunity to coach the Philadelphia Eagles' mini camp for a day.

Fast forward to this past weekend ... when Pena was doing an interview about what the experience meant to him while at the car festival -- and out of nowhere, Donovan McNabb came through to say hello!!!

The whole thing was planned behind the scenes, but Pena had no idea it was going to happen ... saying, "No way, bro!!"

The two immediately shared a hug ... and both couldn't contain their excitement to meet up again.

"I'm so proud of you, man," Donovan said.

"I would've never thought that he would've been here right now, that I would ever see him again," Charlie -- who is now healthy with three daughters -- added.

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MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

The two also met up for the evening gala, where Donovan shared how important it is to be a role model and example for young fans everywhere -- and they shared a touching moment on stage.

Awesome move by all involved.

Raquel Welch Cause of Death Revealed ... Cardiac Arrest, Alzheimer's

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Raquel Welch suffered a cardiac arrest ... according to her death certificate.

The document, obtained by TMZ, also says one of the underlying causes of her death was Alzheimer's disease. The actress had not publicly revealed she was battling Alzheimer's.

We broke the story ... Raquel died Feb. 15 at her home in Los Angeles after what her family described as a "brief illness." The death certificate says she passed away at 2:25 AM, and she's since been cremated.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 90% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, typically within minutes.

82-year-old Raquel's long and successful Hollywood career is noted on the certificate ... the doc says she spent 60 years as an actress in the entertainment industry.

Remember ... Raquel became an international sex symbol way back in 1966 after back-to-back starring roles in "One Million Years B.C." and "Fantastic Voyage."

Lamar Odom I Found My Purpose with Rehab Centers ... It Feels Amazing!!!

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INVESTING IN CHANGE

Lamar Odom is sharing how he turned his pain into purpose by investing in drug treatment centers ... saying he couldn't be happier to help others and save lives around the world.

The former NBA star joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" to explain why he acquired 3 rehab centers in California, and it's pretty inspiring -- he says his goal is to help others battling addiction turn their lives around, as he did years ago.

Lamar tells us he now feels certain he found his purpose after God saved him from his nearly fatal overdose ... adding the fulfillment he's gotten as a basketball star doesn't compare to the feeling he gets from helping others.

He says it feels amazing to see and hear how he can touch and save lives ... simply by sharing his story.

You'll recall, LO overdosed at a Nevada brothel in 2015 and suffered kidney failure, heart attacks, and several strokes.

Since then, he's done a complete 180... after he himself went through rehab.

And, he has high hopes for others to do the same. As we told you, he teamed up with Christian hip hop artist Dontae Ralston and former Hall of Fame skateboarder Dennis Martinez to acquire the facilities in San Diego, El Cajon and Lemon Grove.

The 2-time NBA champ tells us the 3 centers are only the beginning and his plan is to expand all over.

We also asked him about former "Jackass" star Bam Margera, whose struggle with sobriety has him in a ton of drama with his estranged wife and son. Lamar has a word of advice for Bam and others in the grips of addiction.

You can catch the full interview on Monday's "TMZ Live."

WWE's Finn Balor Head Busts Open At WrestleMania ... After Getting Hit With Ladder

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Here's one for the "wrestling is fake" crowd -- WWE Superstar Finn Balor just showed off the aftermath of getting rocked with a ladder during his Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania ... revealing a massive gash on his head.

Balor suffered the injury in his showdown with Edge on Sunday ... which required WWE medical staffers to pause the match to get him checked out.

Balor and Edge were pretty much torturing each other in the squared-circle, but things took a turn when Edge yeeted a ladder at Balor.

To make matters worse for "The Demon," the match finally resumed ... just for Edge to end up taking the win over Balor.

"Just a flesh wound," Balor joked on social media as he put the cut on full display ... with many wondering in the comment section how he was able to fight through the pain.

It wasn't the only injury to happen during the event -- Shane McMahon tore his quad shortly after entering the ring against The Miz, which led to Snoop Dogg finishing the job.

Here's hoping everyone heals up in time for WM40 in Philly next year!!

For more, tune into the TMZ Sports Podcast available on all podcast platforms!

Sneaker Artist Kreative Customs Hospitalized After Motorcycle Crash 'Difficult, Long Road Ahead'

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Famed sneaker artist Kreative Customs -- designer of custom kicks for star athletes like Cam Newton -- was in a horrific motorcycle accident, and may never be able to walk again, according to his business partner and friend Dez Customz.

Dez, a fellow top sneaker/cleat artist, shared the terrible news Sunday evening, posting a photo of Mohammed Gafar in the hospital, saying he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident on March 26 and "faces a very difficult and long road ahead."

"The prognosis for him being able to walk again is not good. But if anyone has the will and stubbornness to prove them wrong it’s Moe."

Dez -- whose client list includes Joel Embiid -- provided another update Monday, saying Moe was awake and talking after having back surgery.

"The situation to be honest is plain and simple -- there's very little opportunity that he will walk again. That's the truth," Dez said.

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THE BETTER MAN

"His arms, hands, upper body, neck everything is intact. No damage to the head."

Fans and artists from all over penned encouraging messages to Moe, including Mache who shared an emotional IG post ... saying his heart dropped when he got the news.

"Thoughts and prayers are great but Moe needs way more than that," the famous artist said.

"As a fellow artist and entrepreneur there’s probably no insurance or $401k to tap into to cover the amount of medical bills that are going to face him and his family as he battles in the hospital."

A GoFundMe has been started to help Moe and his family pay medical bills.

"It’s going to be a long hard fight but I know Moe, he will prevail," Mache said "Let’s help him and his family out."

Moe has been in the sneaker art business for years and shared some of his work with us, from Cam Newton's custom dabbing cleats to designing Ricky Jean-Francois's $6K Nike Marty McFly kicks.

#PrayersUp