RIP

Sherman Hemsley -- the actor famous for playing George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons" -- died as a result of a cancerous mass on his lung ... this according to the El Paso County Texas Medical Examiner.

According to the Postmortem Report, obtained by TMZ, the primary cause of death is listed as "superior vena cava syndrome" -- a complication resulting from a mass on Sherman's lung.

According to the report, Sherman had been advised to get chemo and radiation therapy before he succumbed to his illness. It's unclear if Sherman was a smoker.

TMZ broke the story ... Sherman was found dead last month in his El Paso, TX home at the age of 74.

The oldest son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid was found dead this morning in a dorm room at Lehigh University, this according to several reports.

The Lehigh University Chief of Police confirmed that Garrett Reid, 29, was found dead at Eagles training camp after a 911 call was placed at 7:20 AM ET. Reid was in camp assisting strength coaches.

Police said that at this point there is no evidence of foul play and the coroner’s office said that an investigation is ongoing.

Eagles GM Howie Roseman announced the news to the press this morning, saying of Reid, "He's been strong for us, we’re going to be strong for him right now."

Reid had a troubled past which included multiple drug-related arrests.

"Selena" actress Lupe Ontiveros was laid to rest at a funeral in Southern California today ... surrounded by family, politicians and some of her famous friends.

Lupe's "Desperate Housewives" co-star Eva Longoria was among the famous faces ... along with Wilmer Valderrama and Edward James Olmos ... who appeared with Lupe in a Broadway play.

As we previously reported, Lupe -- who famously portrayed Selena's killer in the 1990 biopic -- passed away on July 26 ... after a battle with liver cancer.

She was 69 years old.

A key member of the Chick-fil-A public relations department died of a heart attack this morning ... this in the middle of the biggest PR crisis the fast food chain has ever faced.

Chick-fil-A released a statement saying, "We are saddened to report the news to you that our dear friend Don Perry, vice president of public relations, passed away suddenly this morning."

As Chick-fil-A came under fire for its stance against gay marriage ... Perry spoke on behalf of the restaurant chain in an effort to smooth things over with the public ... promising to "leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.”

Chick-fil-A added, "Don was a member of our Chick-fil-A family for nearly 29 years. He was a well-respected and well-liked media executive in the Atlanta and University of Georgia communities, and we will all miss him."

Usher's 11-year-old stepson -- who tragically died last week after a jet ski accident -- has been laid to rest following his funeral today.

As we reported, Kyle Glover -- the son of Usher's ex-wife Tameka Raymond (pictured in the sunglasses) was declared brain dead following the accident earlier this month, and eventually passed away on Saturday from the injuries he sustained.

According to sources, Glover was riding in an inner tube on Georgia's Lake Lanier July 6th when he was struck in the head by a passing jet ski. He was unresponsive when taken out of the water.

Jennifer Lopez has released a statement, saying, "I am tremendously saddened by the news of Lupe's passing! I've enjoyed her work throughout the years. She was a great actress and working with her in Selena was an unforgettable experience. She will truly be missed."

Prolific Mexican-American character actress Lupe Ontiveros, best known for playing the convicted murderer of the Tejano singer in "Selena," has died. She was 69.

Ontiveros was reportedly suffering from liver cancer.

Lupe's "Selena" co-star Jacob Vargas was at her bedside last night and tweeted, "My friend Lupe Ontiveros just passed away. May you rest in peace. Thank you for your great contribution to film and TV. You will be missed."

Some of Lupe's long list of other credits include "The Goonies," "As Good As it Gets," Hill Street Blues" and "Desperate Housewives" -- for which she was nominated for an Emmy.

Ontiveros is survived by her husband and three adult children.

Sherman Hemsley will not undergo an autopsy ... and the medical examiner has confirmed that he died of natural causes.

El Paso police say they do not suspect foul play in the actor's death. The ME's office did say Hemsley had been ill, but did not elaborate.

As TMZ first reported ... Hemsley died yesterday in his El Paso home. He was most famous for playing TV's George Jefferson -- first on "All in the Family", and then on the spinoff "The Jeffersons."

He was 74.

1:58 PM PT -- Sources tell us ... Hemsley was discovered by his nurse ... who initially believed the actor was asleep. Once she realized something was wrong, she called for help.

Sherman Hemsley, the actor who made the character George Jefferson famous in "The Jeffersons," has died, El Paso cops tell TMZ.

Hemsley died at his home in El Paso, Texas.

Sources tell us ... it appears Hemsley died from natural causes.

Hemsley, who was 74, became famous during his appearances on "All in the Family." The spin-off, "The Jeffersons" was a monster hit. He also starred in the TV show, "Amen." He was also a professional singer and even released the single in 1989, "Ain't that A Kick in the Head."

Hemsley had no wife and no kids. It's unclear how he died.

Sally Ride -- the first American woman to enter space -- died today in California after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sally's company, Sally Ride Science, made the announcement. Sally was 61.

Ride joined NASA in 1978, and in 1983 became the first American woman to enter space. At the time, she was also the youngest American to enter space at age 32.

In 1987, Sally left NASA to work at Stanford's Center for International Security and Arms Control.

R.I.P.

Usher's 11-year-old stepson has passed away this morning from injuries suffered in a tragic jetski accident in Georgia earlier this month ... TMZ has learned.

According to our sources, Tameka is understandably devastated.

Glover was injured on July 8 ... as he was riding in an inner tube that was connected to a pontoon in Lake Lanier. According to authorities, a family friend who was riding a jetski behind the pontoon lost control and collided with Glover's tube.

Tom Davis, the comedic genius behind some classic "Saturday Night Live" skits ... died from neck and throat cancer today.

Davis and Al Franken were the comedic duo responsible for writing several of the bits that helped make Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd huge stars in the early days of 'SNL.'

Davis died at his home in a New York City suburb. He was diagnosed with cancer back in 2009.

A couple of legendary gems on Davis' 'SNL' resume include "Coneheads" and "Nick the Lounge Singer."

UPDATE 10:22 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us ... Sage's death does NOT appear to be a suicide. We're told there was NO suicide note found at the scene.

Sources tell us officials DID find "numerous empty pill bottles" in the area where Sage's body was discovered. No word on what types of medication the pill bottles were for.

We're told an autopsy is scheduled for some time in the next 48 hours.

UPDATE 5:15 PM PT: Sylvester Stallone's rep, Michelle Bega, tells TMZ, "Sylvester Stallone is devastated and grief-stricken over the sudden loss of his son Sage Stallone. His compassion and thoughts are with Sage's mother, Sasha. Sage was a very talented and wonderful young man. His loss will be felt forever."

6:04 PM PT: Now here's a crazy picture -- the L.A. County Coroner van, flanked by a celebrity tour filled with snap-happy tourists. Welcome to Hollywood, folks.

Sage Stallone -- Sylvester Stallone's son -- has died and sources tell us the cause was an overdose of pills.

The details surrounding the death are still unclear .. but we're told he was found in his L.A. home by either a maid or his girlfriend. Paramedics were called to the home and pronounced him dead at the scene.

Sources tell us authorities are trying to determine if the death was intentional or accidental.

We're told Sylvester is a "wreck."

Sage famously made his film debut alongside his father in the 1990 movie "Rocky 5" -- playing the role of Rocky's son Robert Balboa.

He went on to act and direct in several films ... including the 1996 film "Daylight."

Sage's mother is Sasha Czack.

Ernest Borgnine, the legendary actor perhaps best known for his role in the movie "Marty," passed away today at the age of 95.

His longtime spokesman, Harry Flynn, told The Associated Press that Borgnine died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with his family by his side.

Borgnine won an Oscar for "Marty" in 1955 and also starred in movies such as "From Here to Eternity" and "Bad Day at Black Rock."

On the small screen, Borgnine played Quinton McHale in the 1960s show "McHale's Navy."

Borgnine served a total of 10 years in the United States Navy, the last four coming after he re-enlisted when the U.S. entered World War II.

Police in Andy Griffith's hometown in North Carolina are in the black after the Hollywood legend's death this week -- wearing black ribbons in memory of the actor ... for the next 7 days.

Sheriff Graham Atkinson of the Surry County Sheriff's Office tells TMZ, the ribbons will be tied to all Surry County patrol cars for the next week, beginning today.

Andy Griffith only passed away a few hours ago -- but TMZ has learned, the Hollywood icon has already been buried.

A rep for Twiford Funeral Homes in Manteo, North Carolina tells us, Andy was buried at 11:30 AM on his family farm on Roanoke Island. We're told Andy had previously requested to be buried immediately after his death ... so that's why it all happened so fast.

We made calls to find out if Andy was embalmed. No one was talking, but we're told it's legal in North Carolina to bury people without embalming them.

We're told Andy's burial followed a small, private service with close friends and family in attendance.

The people who run the Andy Griffith Museum in his birthplace of Mount Airy, North Carolina tell TMZ they are "brokenhearted" over the death of the TV icon ... saying "We are blessed to have known him."

Tanya Jones -- the Executive Director of the Surry Arts Council -- also oversees the AGM ... which contains the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia in the world.

Jones tells us, "Andy Griffith means the world to the arts everywhere -- not just here in Mt. Airy. His contribution to us, the Surry Arts Council, and the town of Mount Airy cannot be measured."

She adds, "We are blessed to have known him. We will cherish his art, his music, his talent, and of course, our beloved Andy Griffith Show."

"Our prayers and love go out to Cindi. We know that Andy is at peace and that is what is important right now."