Celebrity Health

Frank Shankwitz, the Arizona Highway Patrol officer who helped a terminally ill boy realize his dream of becoming a motorcycle cop and then co-created the Make-a-Wish Foundation, has died.

Shankwitz passed at his home in Prescott, Arizona ... succumbing to esophageal cancer.  Frank passed on January 24. His wife of 38 years, Kitty, was at his bedside.

Frank heard about a boy named Chris Greicius back in 1980 ... the child had end-stage leukemia and wanted to be a motorcycle cop when he grew up, just like Ponch and Jon from the TV show, "CHiPs."

Frank wanted to make Chris' dream come true but thought the boy might not be physically up for the adventure, saying, “Figuring he’d be brought out in a wheelchair, I was surprised when the door opened and a pair of sneakers emerged.”

Shankwitz explained, “Out stepped Chris, an excited 7-year-old boy who seemed so full of life it was hard to believe he was sick.” So, Frank gave him a badge and a uniform and even had him take a driving test in his front yard to become a real motor cop. Chris was beyond thrilled.

"CHiPs" stars Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox later autographed a photo for Chris, but by the time Shankwitz went to give it to him ... Chris had fallen into a light coma.

Chris had hung his uniform by the bed, and when Frank pinned the badge on his shirt, he woke up and asked, “Am I an official motorcycle cop now?” “You sure are,” Frank replied.

Chris died later that day.

A few months later Frank created the Make-a-Wish Foundation. More than 315,000 children in the United States have had their dreams come true as a result of Frank's efforts.

Today the org has 64 chapters in the U.S. and 36 chapters internationally.

Frank was 77.

A Virginia state senator is making a big stink about the perils of marijuana as her state's legalizing it ... but she's getting laughed out of the digital building over it.

State Senator Amanda Chase tweeted Friday that mortality rates and overdoses in Virginia were sky-high ... apparently all due to marijuana. She didn't cite a source for that info, but went on to plug her gubernatorial run in a stand against legalization.

She writes, "We have a drug problem in Virginia, and legalizing marijuana will only lead to more marijuana overdoses and deaths. Democrats want more marijuana deaths. As your governor I would never allow marijuana to be legalized."

Her lofty claims about weed came the same day the Virginia legislature passed a bill to legalize ganja for use and sale starting in 2023. It's heading to incumbent Governor Ralph Northam's desk next week, and he's already indicated he'll sign it into law.

Again, we don't know where State Senator Chase is getting her alleged overdose stats -- but a lot of folks online aren't buying what she's selling. The jokes started flying at her expense, with folks saying they overdosed on weed ... and were forced to eat as a result.

One guy wrote, "I once overdosed on the marijuana and it took 6 cupcakes and a bag of pistachio nuts to bring me back from the brink. I still get munchies. #survivor."

Tons of others were on the same tip. Here's the thing though ... weed can apparently kill a person. We looked into it, and according to studies by the National Institutes of Health's NCBI -- which tracks this type of stuff in the U.S. -- marijuana has been linked to deaths ... although the numbers are hazy.

Scientists say ingesting too much -- as in edibles -- in one sitting can cause overdoses/death, especially in kids. Other deaths are related to the effects of marijuana ... for instance, car crashes or work accidents.

But, again, these instances are rare, and those stats wouldn't be relevant to the alleged marijuana scourge happening in Virginia ... according to Chase, anyway.

50 Cent hosted a wild Super Bowl party Friday night ... and although you see masks here and there, for the most part, it was COVID-oblivious.

The bash went down at a private airport hanger in St. Petersburg. The drill was for everyone to mask up and, with limited capacity, there was room for social distancing. Well, that was the plan.

Doors opened at 9 PM with tickets ranging from $85 for general admission to $7k for a stage table ... judging from the crowd there was enough disposable income to fill the joint.

Tampa's own DJ Fresh performed as well and everyone was very clearly up for a wild and good time.

The party barreled on way past midnight, and more is in store tonight, when 50's set to perform again.

Steve Aoki partied like it was 2019 Friday night, because there was absolutely no evidence of a pandemic.

The famed DJ headlined at WTR Tampa Pool inside the Godfrey Waterfront Hotel, in front of a massive, mostly maskless crowd ... you see a few masks, but that's about it. As for social distancing ... haha.

Steve broke open bottles of bubbly and sprayed the crowd, zeroing in on a few folks who got special attention and a giant gulp of champagne.

The show lasted for hours ... from midnight to 3 AM Saturday in the rollup to the Super Bowl.

There's lots more in store. Migos will play a day party Saturday followed by concerts by Diplo and 50 Cent later in the evening.

The event producers tried keeping everything COVID safe with various demands ... "Social distancing procedures will be strictly enforced, face masks will be required for all staff & guests, wellness and temperature checks will be mandatory for entrance, sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the venue, and continued cleaning protocols will provide regular sanitizing.”

Tory Lanez had a big bash Thursday night at the same venue ... again, it was packed to the gills with almost no masks in sight, and forget social distancing.

Jennifer Lawrence was injured on a movie set early Friday morning, after a "controlled glass explosion" went haywire ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the production tell TMZ, Jennifer was shooting "Don't Look Up" in Boston with Timothee Chalamet when they were filming the final scene at 1 AM. JLaw was inside a restaurant when a window was supposed to explode as part of the scene.

The explosion did not go as planned and we're told a shard of glass cut Lawrence's eyelid and it would not stop bleeding.

The extent of her injury is unclear, although we're told "it wasn't that bad." Nevertheless, we're told production was shut down for the scheduled Friday shooting.

Want to see LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Nikola Jokic take on Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid next month??

Apparently, De'Aaron Fox doesn't ... 'cause the Sacramento Kings star ripped the NBA on Wednesday for reportedly trying to put together an All-Star Game this season in the middle of a pandemic.

"If I'm going to be brutally honest," Fox said, "I think it's stupid."

"If we have to wear a mask and do all of this for a regular game, then what's the point of bringing the All-Star Game back?"

The NBA, according to ESPN, is trying to lock in an agreement with the Players Association to hold the annual classic on March 7 in Atlanta.

If safe, it seems like a great idea -- the NBA routinely has the most entertaining All-Star Game of any of the four major sports.

But, Fox -- who has a shot at being selected this year -- clearly would rather not see it ... given all the risks of COVID involved.

"Obviously, money makes the world go round," Fox said. "So, it is what it is."

Fox, though, did say he'd play in the All-Star Game if selected ... but with a smile, he noted, "If you're supposed to be in it, and you're not hurt and you decide not to play, that's a hefty fine."

"So, hell yeah I would play in it."

Dr. Anthony Fauci's urging to "lay low" for Super Bowl weekend didn't get to Tory Lanez or a few hundred others partying hard in Tampa ... with zero distancing or masks.

The rapper held a pre-Super Bowl soiree Thursday night at WTR Pool in Tampa where fans packed in and swarmed around the stage where Tory was performing -- loudly singing along to his hits.

What pandemic, right?

Now, Tory's event isn't the only game in town when it comes to crowded parties -- and everyone knows Florida's been wide open for months. Even though it was held outdoors ... health officials have insisted for some time now that even while outdoors, social distancing and face coverings are essential.

It's interesting though ... promotions for the bash noted, "Social distancing and mask guidelines will be strictly enforced as per city guidelines."

As we reported, Dr. Fauci urged Americans earlier this week to cancel Super Bowl LV parties ... fearing nationwide super-spreading events.

Marilyn Manson's home was swarming with cops after a worried friend called concerned for the singer's well-being... saying they'd been unable to get in touch with him for hours.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they received a call Wednesday for a welfare check by someone who said they hadn't heard from the singer and were worried something may have happened to him.

We're told several officers hit the Hollywood Hills home and made several attempts to get Manson to come and speak with them to no avail. At one point, an LAPD helicopter circled overhead, shining a spotlight onto the property.

Our sources say Manson never answered, but after some time, cops were able to get in touch with a rep for the singer who said everything was fine, and that Manson simply didn't want to come out ... cops left shortly after.

The visit comes just days after actress Evan Rachel Wood made claims Manson abused her over the course of their relationship, saying Manson, "started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail."

The two dated in 2007 when Woods was 19 and Manson was 38 ... they got engaged in 2010 but split shortly after.

COVID was not a factor when Florida Gators basketball star Keyontae Johnson collapsed on the court back in December, according to several prominent doctors.

The 21-year-old collapsed on the court during Florida's game against Florida State on Dec. 12. He was hospitalized in Tallahassee and later transported to the UF hospital in Gainesville. At one point, he was placed in a medically induced coma.

Johnson had tested positive for COVID months before the incident -- and there was rampant speculation the medical emergency was triggered by the virus somehow.

But, Johnson's family has just issued a statement saying the NCAA star's case has been analyzed by multiple doctors from top medical programs across the county ... and they've determined COVID did NOT have a role.

"The unanimous conclusion of all experts is that Keyontae's medical emergency was not related to or a result of a previous or current Covid diagnosis," the family said.

The family notes Keyontae's doctors consulted with physicians from the Cardiac and Vascular Institute of Gainesville, University of Washington Center for Sports Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Yale University School of Medicine.

As for what DID cause the incident, the family is not releasing that information at this point.

Meanwhile, Johnson was released from the hospital just before Christmas and has rejoined the Florida Gators basketball program -- though he's not expected to play anymore this season.

"He will spend the rest of the season focused on being the best coach and teammate he can be," the family says.

"What comes next for Keyontae is for him to share on his own timeline."

The Pennsylvania State Troopers who shot and killed a suicidal teenager are about to be sued ... and his heartbroken mother has a question for the cops who killed her only son.

Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Devon Jacob are representing Christian Hall's family, and they just announced plans to file suit and are calling for an internal investigation into his death at the hands of law enforcement.

As we reported ... PA State Troopers responding to a call about a suicidal man on a highway overpass in Hamilton Township back in December ended up shooting him dead during a standoff that played out before horrified drivers watching from below.

Police say 19-year-old Hall was holding a handgun when troopers arrived and initially obeyed orders to place the weapon on the ground ... but cops say he later reached for the weapon, started walking toward troopers and pointed the gun at them, so they opened fire.

Crump says Hall was having a mental health crisis at the time and was crying out for help, but instead of de-escalating the situation, troopers settled it with a gun.

Marty Schottenheimer -- who coached in the NFL for 21 seasons -- has been moved to a hospice facility in North Carolina .... 7 years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

The 77-year-old legend -- a member of the K.C. Chiefs Hall of Fame -- was moved to the facility near his former home in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday.

He's currently listed in stable condition "following complications from his disease," the family announced.

Marty's wife issued a statement saying, "As a family we are surrounding him with love and are soaking up the prayers and support from all those he impacted through his incredible life."

"In the way he taught us all, we are putting one foot in front of the other ... one play at a time."

Marty and his wife Pat have two children together -- their daughter Kristen and son Brian Schottenheimer, a longtime NFL assistant coach who's currently working for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Marty began his head coaching career with the Cleveland Browns in 1984 -- and took over in Kansas City in 1989, where he coached Joe Montana and Marcus Allen.

He ultimately spent 10 seasons with the Chiefs -- leading them to a 101-58-1 regular-season record. He also logged 7 playoff appearances -- and brought the team to the AFC Championship game in 1993, where they lost to the Buffalo Bills.

Watching Patrick Mahomes vs. Tom Brady WITHOUT a party could help save lives ... so says Dr. Anthony Fauci, who's urging people to "lay low and cool it" for this year's Super Bowl.

The infectious disease expert appeared on "Good Morning America" on Wednesday and pled with the nation to cancel SB LV parties ... fearing big gatherings for the big game could lead to the spread of coronavirus.

"The one thing you don't want to do, you don't want to be somebody that's putting a damper on anything," Fauci said, "but you don't want parties with people that you haven't had much contact with."

"You just don't know if they're infected."

Instead, Fauci suggested watching the game at home by yourself or with your housemates.

"Enjoy it," Fauci said. "Have a party in your house with your family with the people who were there."

Fauci's plea comes just days after the CDC also recommended the cancelation of large Super Bowl parties.

In their guidelines for safe Super Bowl watching, CDC officials said, "Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year."

"If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game."

Bad news Down Under ... a worker associated with the Australian Open has tested positive for COVID and now ALL of the players (including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka) have been ordered to isolate.

AO officials made the announcement Wednesday ... explaining an employee at one of the Australian Open quarantine hotels came down with the virus this week.

And, because of the case, they've now canceled Thursday's Australian Open tune-up games ... and have said players and AO workers who were at the hotel must now go back into quarantine.

"Those associated with the AO who quarantined at the hotel now need to be tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result," officials said.

"We will work with everyone involved to facilitate testing as quickly as possible. There will be no matches at Melbourne Park on Thursday."

Of course, Australia's COVID rules required everyone who flew in from out of the country to isolate for 14 days AND test negative before they could go out in public.

The rule had seemed to work beautifully ... Australian officials had just announced they hadn't had a positive case in the entire country in nearly 2 full weeks.

In fact, things were going so swimmingly, maskless fans packed an arena last week to watch some Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic warm-up games.

Now, however, the AO's Feb. 8 start time could be in jeopardy due to the new case ... although officials said there's no change on that front as of this moment.

Good news ... Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard says his shoulder surgery was a success -- and now he's focused on getting his big ass back on the court!

The 28-year-old suffered an injury to his left shoulder during a January 9 road game against the Washington Wizards. The team described the injury as a "shoulder strain" but obviously it was more serious than that.

Leonard went under the knife on Tuesday -- and posted photos that appear to show him leaving the famous Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in L.A. with a smile on his face.

FYI, Leonard had previously undergone surgery on that same shoulder at Kerlan-Jobe in 2016.

This time, the 7-footer was in good spirits on his way out -- pulling down his COVID mask to smile for a quick pic.

The surgery likely means Meyers' season is over -- and it's unlikely he'll return to the Heat.

Still, Meyers is staying positive ...

"I truly do believe that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers," Meyers said after the procedure.

"I'm blessed in so many ways and I will come back stronger from this. Thankful for a successful surgery and for everyone’s continued support."

Meyers immediately got support from his famous friends, teammates and even Miami Heat owner Mickey Arison who commented, "Good luck Meyers. Get well soon."

Meyers was a 1st-round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft -- and spent his first 7 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to the Heat in 2019.

Andrelton Simmons -- one of the best shortstops in baseball -- says he opted out of the end of the 2020 season to deal with a crippling depression caused by the COVID pandemic ... revealing it got so bad, he was having suicidal thoughts.

"It was tough for me mentally to where the thought of suicide crossed my mind," Simmons said in a text message interview Tuesday with the Orange County Register.

"I was really saddened by how much I was hearing about the death toll and seeing how smaller businesses were going out of business, and I was a little depressed at how the effects of all the new rules and fears were gonna affect people's livelihoods and how disconnected people were becoming," Simmons said.

The 31-year-old Gold Glove winner was still playing for the L.A. Angels when he opted out in Sept. 2020 -- missing the final 5 games of the season. He has since signed a new contract with the Minnesota Twins.

But, in his interview with the OC Register, Simmons says, "The idea of finishing the [2020] season in a bubble was too much for me to handle."

Simmons also reveals he's dealt with suicidal thoughts in the past and made it a priority to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Fortunately, Simmons began seeing a therapist who helped him "let go of those thoughts."

Now, he's encouraging anyone else who's battling mental health issues to follow his lead.

"I know there’s the fear of seeking help/assistance because of the perception of people thinking there’s something wrong with you," Simmons said, "but I think in reality there are way more people than you might think that are going through stressful stuff."

Simmons continued, "You’re not alone. You don’t have to keep everything bottled up. Find someone that can help you express your emotions freely and that can assist you with it.”

"Honestly football made me such an angry person, everything bothered me."

That's ex-NFL star Martellus Bennett -- who played 10 years in the league -- explaining how football affected his mental health ... saying the game and the culture take a real, dangerous toll on players and it's concerning.

"Football is interesting. Psychologically it’s some really dangerous s**t. To really play the game of football you have to have some f**ked up wiring in your head."

Bennett explained, "It’s chaotic. It takes years and years of brainwashing to go along with a lot of the s**t. Lol. It starts at pee wee. That’s why you gotta watch who is coaching your kids and what they’re teaching them beyond the game."

The 33-year-old Super Bowl champ says from a young age, football players are groomed to "care a little less about humans."

"If you’re the backup and the man in front of you go down. You kinda get excited but feel bad at the same time. Hahahah. S**t's crazy."

Bennett also takes aim at football coaches -- saying most are not good men. Unclear if he's referring to any specific college or NFL coaches in particular.

"Most of them are egotistical small d**k heroes. They love the spotlight just as much as the players. Lol. And, they be dumb too."

Bennett also had some news for NFL fans about their favorite players -- saying most of them are bad people off the field.

"Most of your favorite players aren’t good people. Hahaha. Like for real for real."

"There are some good dudes tho. [ex-NFL quarterback] Jon Kitna is probably one of the best people I’ve ever met. He’s up there with Tom Hanks."

In a long series of posts on social media, Bennett also explains why so many NFL players have such a hard time "integrating back into everyday society" when their playing days are over.

"The constant reminder of who you used to be by fans and trophies and highlights and family as you’re trying to transition into the new you really slows down the process."

Despite his blunt honesty, Marty says he's not "s**tting on football" -- "I just provide a different perspective on the experience."