Celebrity Health

Federal investigators have released close-up photos of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s plane after it crashed in 2019 ... and it's clear as day, the NASCAR legend is fortunate to be alive.

Dale's jet smashed down on an Elizabethton, TN. airport runway on Aug. 15, 2019 ... and it skidded off through some fencing and came to rest along a local highway.

Junior, his wife, daughter, dog and the two pilots on board were all able to escape the wreckage relatively unscathed ... but in photos of the crash, released by the NTSB on Wednesday, you can see that's miraculous.

The pics show the plane ended up being burnt to ashes ... and in one of the photos, you can see just how far it skidded from its initial landing point to its final resting stop.

Other photos show how parts broke off the plane as it slammed to the ground ... with some wheels and other pieces yards away from the main body.

The NTSB says in its final report the cause of the crash was pilot error ... with investigators writing they believe the plane was coming in too fast to land safely.

In the report, officials say the pilots also didn't brake properly given how fast the plane was traveling into the runway ... and that all led to the violent crash.

Dale Jr. says he suffered a bruised back in the landing ... but otherwise, he and his family had no issues post-wreck.

Lucky, man.

"Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro is recovering following a horrific bowling accident where his right hand was impaled ... and required multiple surgeries.

The famous baker suffered the gruesome injury Sunday while spending some QT with his family in the bowling alley in their home. A rep tells us there was a malfunction with the bowling pinsetter -- a problem the family's had in the past and usually a common fix, but not this time around.

We're told Buddy tried to release a bowling pin from the cage mechanism, but his right hand got lodged and compressed inside the unit. His rep described what happened next this way -- "Unable to remove his hand, [Buddy] can see a 1 1/2" metal rod slowly and repeatedly impale his hand three times between his ring finger and middle finger."

After more than 5 minutes, Buddy still couldn't get his hand free from the metal rod jammed through it. His rep says his sons, Buddy Jr. and Marco, "rushed to the garage for a reciprocating saw to cut through the metal rod" and finally got Buddy's hand free.

Buddy was rushed to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to remove the rod and stabilize the wound. A second surgery followed ... performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michelle Carlson in Manhattan.

The rep says Buddy will have an uphill battle given it's his dominant right hand. He faces a long road to recovery and therapy. Buddy's not exactly ready to call this a pinhead move ... but he's definitely kept his sense of humor through this painful ordeal.

He posted a pic Wednesday from his hospital bed with the caption, "I was involved in a terrible accident a few days ago... 😔 What do you think of my new accessory?"

Sending positive vibes, boss!!!

This shopper could use a drink ... too bad she destroyed an entire rack of wine when she threw a fit over coronavirus precautions in a grocery store and got arrested.

The woman, who some are calling a "Karen," went HAM on the wine display inside a supermarket in Surrey, UK ... and it was all captured on surveillance cams. As you can see, she started pounding on the protective barrier at the register after staff reportedly reprimanded her for blowing off the one-way system being used to maintain social distancing ... and then she went to town on the wine rack.

The video is wild -- the woman clears a couple shelves full of wine bottles, shattering them on the floor and leaving a pool of red wine and broken glass in her wake. She seems to have gone for the good stuff too, wiping out the top-shelf vino.

Surrey Police tell TMZ ... they responded to the store and the woman was arrested for criminal damage and public order. We're told she's also been banned from the store.

The video is from back in May, during the height of the UK's lockdown, but it's going viral now as retailers say they're seeing more and more of this sort of behavior.

Terrible news for L.A. Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor ... he reportedly suffered a PUNCTURED LUNG while getting a painkiller injection from a team doctor before Sunday's game.

Taylor was receiving treatment for a cracked rib prior to kickoff before the Bolts' game against the Kansas City Chiefs ... when he started to experience chest pains.

The 31-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital to get checked out ... and rookie QB Justin Herbert became the last-minute starter for L.A.'s 23-20 loss to the defending world champs.

Now, ESPN's Adam Schefter is revealing Taylor's condition was all caused by a team doc who accidentally punctured the quarterback's lung while giving the injection.

Taylor -- who suffered the cracked ribs in Week 1 against the Bengals -- has been listed as "week-to-week" while he recovers from the punctured lung ... but ESPN reports doctors are saying Taylor should sit indefinitely while he recovers.

Whenever Taylor DOES get back to 100%, Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn says he'll get the starting gig back from the rookie.

Powerful moment after the Cowboys-Falcons game Sunday ... Atlanta star Hayden Hurst sought out Dak Prescott to praise him for speaking about suicide prevention -- and the scene was all caught on video.

Hurst, despite losing to Prescott in heartbreaking fashion, sprinted toward the Dallas Cowboys QB after the game clock expired ... and grabbed him and gave him a big hug.

"Hey," Hurst told the Cowboys superstar. "I got a lot of respect for what you did. Came out and talked about it. Me and my mom have a foundation about suicide prevention, and I respect the hell out of you for talking about it man."

As we previously reported ... Dak opened up on his brother's suicide earlier this month in an emotional interview with Graham Bensinger -- and the QB didn't hold back on his feelings.

The 27-year-old said the death rocked his world ... and he added he now understands how important it is to open up about feeling vulnerable and mental health issues.

Hurst made it clear Sunday he appreciated all the awareness Dak brought to the cause ... because it's an issue the Falcons tight end has dealt with throughout his life.

Hayden's uncle and cousin both killed themselves ... and the former Univ of South Carolina star admitted earlier this year he cut his wrist in an apparent attempt to kill himself back in college.

That's why he says he felt it was important to find Dak after the game to applaud him for his comments.

"I'm sure Dak Prescott doesn't really know who I am," Hurst told ESPN this week. "But I know the courage that takes because a lot of people don't like talking about mental health. They're afraid to talk about it. They're embarrassed."

Hurst continued, "If guys like Dak Prescott can come out and talk about it, I think he's going to save a lot of lives. I think that's cool. I admire him. And I'll be a Dak Prescott fan forever. I think he's an awesome guy."

For Dak's part, he appreciated Hurst's words ... saying in the clip after the game, "We can collab one day."

Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers has died after a lengthy battle with dementia ... the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.

He was 77 years old.

Sayers -- despite only playing in 68 career games due to various injuries -- is considered one of the greatest running backs of all-time.

He made the All-Pro team FIVE times and was selected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1977 ... and, at 34 years old, is still the youngest person to ever be inducted.

HOF President and CEO David Baker said Wednesday the death rocked the football world ... adding, "The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Gale."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ardie, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will fly at half-staff until he is laid to rest."

Gale was diagnosed with dementia several years ago ... and his condition had deteriorated so much, his wife, Ardie, said last year Gale was struggling to move and speak.

Sayers, though, famously made an appearance at the Bears100 celebration last summer ... and the ovation he got at the event appeared to move him to tears.

In his 7-year career, Gale rushed for 4,956 yards and scored 56 career touchdowns.

Sayers also gained fame for his friendship with Brian Piccolo -- which was documented in the award-winning movie, "Brian's Song."

Gale and Brian became pals while teammates with the Bears ... and after Piccolo was diagnosed with cancer, Sayers stayed by his side until Brian's tragic death in 1970.

Sayers -- who was played in the movie by Billy Dee Williams -- had often called Piccolo one of the best men he'd ever known.

RIP

Sizzler's fallen victim to COVID-19 -- the pandemic is forcing the joint to file for bankruptcy in what could be a bad omen for lots of chain restaurants.

One of the country's first casual restaurant chains has filed for Chapter 11 ... forcing 14 company-owned restaurants to close their doors as they struggle to pay rent during the pandemic. Dozens of other locations -- including more than 90 franchised restaurants in America -- are not part of the bankruptcy plan.

Chris Perkins, Sizzler USA's president, said, "Our current financial state is a direct consequence of the pandemic's economic impact due to long-term indoor dining closures and landlords' refusal to provide necessary rent abatements. The hope, Perkins added, is for the company to exit bankruptcy in about 120 days and re-open the locations.

Sizzler started 62 years ago in Culver City, CA with $50 in the cash register. Del and Helen Johnson opened it as "Sizzler Family Steak House." Back then ... Sizzler's steak ran you a cool 99 cents. The good 'ol days, eh?

Sizzler is one of many large companies that have been forced into bankruptcy during the pandemic. J.C. Penny and Neiman Marcus have previously filed for Chapter 11.

Terrifying moment for Lindsey Vonn ... her beloved dogs decided to chase after a porcupine in Utah ... and ended up with dozens of quills in their faces.

"So... my boys got into some trouble over the weekend," Vonn said Tuesday. "They ran out of the house and chased after a porcupine... as boys do"

The images are tough to look at, but the Olympic skier says Bear and Leo were able to get treatment quickly ... and are doing much better now.

"Incredibly thankful that they are ok," Vonn said. "I also greatly appreciate my family and friends for helping them make it home safe and the love and care that they got from White Pine Vet 🙏🏻 You guys are the best!"

Vonn is known for her love of 4-legged friends -- she also has a third dog, Lucy, and recently took care of several foster pups before they were adopted.

Amazing news ... Baltimore Orioles star Trey Mancini just finished 6 months of chemotherapy treatments -- and his GF couldn't have been happier, saying, "This is the best day ever!!!!"

Mancini has been battling stage-3 colon cancer ever since docs discovered a tumor last spring ... and the road for the MLB slugger to get better has been tough as hell.

Mancini described getting chemo treatments amid the coronavirus pandemic as "crazy" ... and added he's been forced to receive his drugs through a mediport in his chest.

But Mancini's GF, Sara Perlman, said Monday the 28-year-old was finally done with his chemo treatments ... and she was THRILLED for Baltimore's outfielder!!

"TREY DID IT!!!!" Perlman said. "He completed chemotherapy!!! What a six months it has been. I’ve never been more proud & joyful."

She added, "Thank you for all the love and support. We are SOOOO grateful!!!!"

The Orioles, meanwhile, gave Mancini a sweet present for completing the treatments -- a signed team photo with personal messages from the guys.

Mancini was moved by the gift ... saying of the framed pic, "I'm speechless right now. This is one of the coolest things I've ever gotten."

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the backbone and soul of the liberal wing of the Supreme Court and an iconic American figure has died.

Ruth died Friday from complications from cancer ... according to multiple reports.

RBG was known for her fiery dissents and intense work ethic. Ruth didn't miss a single day of work until this January, a striking fact considering she's battled 3 kinds of cancer since being appointed to SCOTUS by President Clinton in 1993.

Ruth was the first female Jewish Justice, and the second of four women to ever sit on our nation's highest court. She filled the seat vacated by retiring Justice Byron White.

A pop culture icon, RBG is the subject of the biopic, "On The Basis of Sex," which stars Felicity Jones as a young Ginsburg and Armie Hammer as her husband. Ruth has a cameo in the film.

Before she became the Notorious RBG ... Ruth was a high school twirler who also played for her school orchestra at James Madison HS in southeast Brooklyn, graduating in 1950.

Ruth earned her bachelor's degree from Cornell University. She got married and became a mother before starting law school at Harvard. RBG transferred to Columbia Law School, where she graduated at the top of her class.

RBG turned to academia after law school. She was a professor at Rutgers and Columbia, teaching civil procedure as one of the few women in her field.

She became one of the leaders of the women's equality movement ... arguing many landmark cases before the Supreme Court and winning almost all of them. When she began practicing, SCOTUS never rejected a sex-based law, but that all changed when Ginsburg mounted challenge after challenge.

She famously represented a female soldier who was denied housing, medical and dental benefits because the law required if a woman was applying for benefits her husband had to be substantially financially dependent on her. The Court saw it Ruth's way, ruling the law unconstitutional by an 8 - 1 margin.

In one gripping moment during oral argument, she quoted famed abolitionist Sarah Grimke telling the justices, "I ask no favor for my sex: All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks."

President Jimmy Carter appointed Ruth to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1980, where she served until her appointment to SCOTUS.

She was adored by all ... from her fellow Justices, to her law clerks to her staff. One of her closes friends was her intellectual rival -- Justice Antonin Scalia.

Ruth did not get one wish. She dictated a statement to her granddaughter a few days back ... "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."

Trump could nominate someone to fill Ginsburg's seat before the election. It's unclear if he could push it through, although he does have a slim majority in the Senate, which must confirm the nomination.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Jane, and her son, James. Her husband of 56 years, Martin, died in 2010.

Ruth was 87.

Bad news for Brock Lesnar fans ... Dana White says the former UFC champ has NOT taken him up on his offer to put together a fight with Jon Jones.

And, Dana says he doesn't expect it'll ever happen.

Remember, White previously told us he would be down to make a fight between the ex-heavyweight champ and Jones if both guys really wanted it to happen.

Dana even invited Brock to call him so they could talk out a deal.

So, when we spoke with White we had to ask if Brock has reached out -- and unfortunately, it was crickets.

"Not a word," White tells TMZ Sports.

"The guy has had a long killer career. He actually came in and became a UFC heavyweight champ and the guy's made a lot of money. I just don't see him coming back over here again at his age."

White says he would love for Brock to call just so they can talk anyway -- "I'd love to hear how he's doing and how his family is, stuff like that."

But, White says, "I think that's gonna be the extent of the conversation with him."

As for Jon Jones, he's moving up from light heavyweight to the heavyweight division -- but when we asked Dana if there is a fight on the horizon ... again, crickets.

"Nope. Nothing. He's out doing his thing and ya know -- nothing."

Browns fans gonna Browns ... even during a pandemic!

Check out this footage of a brawl in the stands at the Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals game on Thursday night ... where the combatants don't seem to care about COVID-19.

Unclear what started the incident at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland ... but you can clearly see security working like hell to try and break things up as quickly as possible.

The silver lining ... everyone seemed to be wearing masks! So, at least there's that!

Only 6,000 fans were allowed into the stadium to watch the game due to social distancing policies in place -- and all 6,000 reportedly had to sign a "health promise" saying they would not enter the facility if they were sick.

The "pledge" also says fans will wear masks, social distance, etc. Wonder if it said anything about fighting?!

The good news ... the Browns players seemed to channel that fighting spirit on the field -- defeating the Bengals in a 35 to 30 victory.

Cleveland Cavs star Kevin Love says talking about his mental health may have saved his life ... revealing he nearly died during a particularly dark battle with depression if not for some help from some close friends.

"If it hadn’t been for a couple of my closest friends, I don’t know if I would be here today telling my story," Love said in an article he wrote for "The Players Tribune."

Love's battle with mental health issues is no secret -- he's talked about it for years. But, in the wake of Dak Prescott being criticized for talking about his own depression, seems obvious Kevin feels it's more important than ever to share his experiences.

In his article, Love gets candid about being "paralyzed with depression" while recovering from injuries during his time with the Timberwolves ... saying he barely left his apartment to hide his feelings from the outside world.

"The future started to feel meaningless," Love said ... "And when it gets to the point where you lose hope, that’s when the only thing you can think about is, 'How can I make this pain go away?'"

"I don’t think I have to say much more than that."

Love credits his closest friends for helping him through that dark time -- saying it was super important to feel like he could talk with other people about his struggles.

He emphasizes that it's important to know those battling mental health issues are not alone ... and encourages people in need to talk with others, seek medication and therapy if necessary.

"You would be amazed at how freeing it is just to talk to somebody, and tell them the truth about what you’re going through."

"If you’re struggling right now, I can’t tell you that this is going to be easy. But I can tell you that it does get better."

"And I can tell you that you are definitely not alone."

Good news comes in 2s for "Storage Wars" star Dan Dotson -- the man suspected of shooting his son, Garrett, has been arrested and TMZ's learned Garrett is quickly on the mend.

A spokesperson for the Lake Havasu City Police Department tells TMZ ... detectives located the suspect, Garret Wilder, around noon Tuesday and arrested the 21-year-old without incident. We're told cops served a search warrant at the home where they found Wilder and recovered a handgun along with a single spent shell casing.

We're told Wilder was charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault, drive-by shooting, misconduct involving weapons, disorderly conduct with a weapon and endangerment. He's being held on $1 million cash-only bond.

As for what exactly led to the shooting early Sunday morning -- cops say Garrett had a heated exchange of words with Wilder, who was in his car. Wilder eventually fired one shot from a pistol, striking Garrett in the abdomen.

As we reported, he was airlifted to a Las Vegas trauma hospital where he's in stable condition. Our sources say Garrett's actually up and walking already, which is pretty amazing ... considering doctors said the bullet hit a main blood vessel and fractured his spine.

After he came out of surgery, Garrett was able to move his foot ... a very positive sign. He was moved out of ICU Sunday night and no longer needed a ventilator.