RIP

L.A. Chargers defensive lineman Brandon Mebane rejoined his team Wednesday after taking time off to be with his hospital-stricken infant daughter, who passed away last week.

While still in the womb back in July, Mebane's daughter, Makenna, was diagnosed with a heart defect as a result of a chromosomal condition called trisomy 13.

The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Mebane's wife, Amena, and unborn child could be treated by doctors who specialized in the condition.

Makenna was born more than 1 month premature in November and later developed an intestinal infection known as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (also known as NEC) -- a fast-striking, devastating condition that can be fatal if not caught and treated immediately.

Doctors treated Makenna for weeks -- and Mebane used the team owner's private jet to travel to the last 2 regular season games when Makenna's health seemed to be stabilizing.

But unfortunately, her health took a turn for the worse earlier this month and she passed away on January 3.

Obviously, Mebane is devastated -- but says he plans to play in the Chargers' playoff game against the New England Patriots this weekend.

Brandon Church -- the late brother of country star Eric Church -- died as a result of chronic alcoholism ... TMZ has learned.

According to the autopsy report obtained by TMZ ... Brandon had a clinical history of alcohol withdrawal-induced seizure disorder -- meaning he had a history of binge drinking and trying to quit ... which would trigger a seizure.

As we reported ... Brandon suffered 2 seizures when he died last June in Granite Falls, North Carolina. The second seizure -- suffered while he was on his way to the hospital -- appears to have sent him into cardiac arrest.

According to the autopsy, the alcohol abuse also caused a thickening of his heart, coronary artery disease and liver damage. The family has set up a Scholarship Memorial Fund, which has already raised more than $45k. The family asks that donations to the fund be sent in lieu of flowers.

1:20 PM PT -- Despite initial local reports, we're told the Mary B II boat involved in this tragedy was never featured on 'Dungeon Cove,' nor were the crew members who died.

However, this dangerous stretch of sea is the subject of the 'Deadliest Catch' spin-off series.

A rep for Discovery tells us ... "We are deeply saddened by the news as we feel part of the crabbing community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and the entire community during this difficult time."

A sea vessel featured on "Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove" capsized in treacherous waters, tragically killing 3 fishermen ... according to reports.

The U.S. Coast Guard was escorting the Mary B II commercial crab boat Tuesday night around 10 PM off the coast of Newport, Oregon. The boat capsized during the escort in 12 to 14-foot seas while crossing Yaquina Bay bar and there was an immediate rescue effort.

Sadly, the Coast Guard was unable to save the 3 crew members onboard. KGW8 reports the bodies of 2 of the 3 fishermen were recovered, but the third is still trapped inside the sunken boat.

The Mary B II was featured on the Discovery show, and the premise of 'Dungeon Cove' revolves around the danger of crossing the Newport bar with a full load of crab ... which is apparently what led to this accident.

Originally Published -- 8:03 AM PST

Charging into the ring in a "Mean Gene-O-Mania" shirt, Hulk Hogan grabbed the mic on 'Raw' Monday night, and gave a 5-minute tribute to his longtime friend, "Mean" Gene Okerlund.

"You know something guys, I came out here wide open tonight in character because that's exactly the way 'Mean' Gene woulda wanted it," Hogan told the crowd at the Amway Center in Orlando.

"I want to let all you guys know, 'Mean' Gene loved entertaining, and he loved entertaining everybody here in the WWE universe."

"I love you, 'Mean' Gene. I miss you."

The crowd began to chant, "Thank You, 'Mean' Gene" ... Hulk stopped his rant to listen.

That's when Hulk began shouting out other fallen WWE superstars -- saying Gene is no doubt in heaven orchestrating a tag match with Macho Man Randy Savage and Ultimate Warrior taking on Rowdy Roddy Piper and Mr. Perfect ... with Andre the Giant as the guest ref.

Hogan closed out his tribute with a trademark Hoganism ...

"Whatcha gonna do when 'Mean' Gene-O-Mania runs wild on you, brother?"

'Mean' Gene passed away on January 2 after battling health issues for months. He was 76.

R.I.P.

Hulkamania is about run wild on 'Monday Night Raw' ... for the first time in years.

The WWE legend, Hulk Hogan, will return to 'Raw' on Monday to honor his good friend "Mean" Gene Okerlund, who passed away Wednesday morning.

Hulk and Gene were great friends for decades -- their interviews were classic. Hulk tweeted about Okerlund after his passing saying the guy was "the best partner I ever had."

"We never rehearsed or did anything scripted from a writer. Gene would ask me, 'Hey big man what do u want to do?' I would always answer 'just follow you brother' and it worked from 1980 - 2017. RIP my brother HH."

Unclear exactly how the tribute will play out -- but expect it to be emotional.

As we previously reported, Gene's health went into decline roughly a month ago when he suffered injuries due to a fall at his Florida home.

He was transferred to a nursing home, but was never able to recover.

Okerlund passed away Wednesday morning with his wife, Jeanne, at his side.

He was 76.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund was seriously injured during a nasty fall back in December ... triggering a rapid decline in his health that ultimately led to his death, his son tells TMZ Sports.

We spoke with Todd Okerlund who says Okerlund suffered multiple broken ribs during the fall at his Florida home and was treated at a hospital in Sarasota.

Todd says Okerlund had been in frail health for a while but the fall clearly made things much worse.

Just 4 days before his death, Gene was admitted to a nursing home .... but he began to have trouble breathing and was rushed to a hospital on Wednesday where he ultimately passed away with his wife, Jeanne, by his side.

Todd tells us ... the family has been touched by all of the support for his father. Todd also says Gene LOVED his career and would have done it for free.

"Mean" Gene is a WWE Hall of Famer who was a key part of the company's success -- with legendary interviews with Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, "Macho Man" Randy Savage and more.

Vince McMahon also issued a statement on Okerlund ... saying, "It was impossible not to crack a smile whenever 'Mean' Gene Okerlund entered a room. He was the voice behind so many of WWE’s most iconic and entertaining moments, and the WWE family will miss him immensely."

Gene was 76.

R.I.P.

11:30 AM PT-- Hopkins just spoke with reporters about the decision to help Jazmine's family ... saying, "The city of Houston is always supportive of me, of this team, so I felt in my heart it's only right that I give back to those who are down."

"It's a tough situation for that to happen."

Houston Texans superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins says every penny from his NFL Wild Card round playoff paycheck will go to the family of a 7-year-old girl who was gunned down this weekend on a Texas highway.

Jazmine Barnes was killed around 7 AM on Sunday morning when a man in a red pickup truck pulled up next to the family car and opened fire for no apparent reason. The family was going on an early morning coffee run at the time of the incident.

Jazmine's mother, LaPorsha Washington, was also struck in the attack -- but she survived. Jazmine's 3 sisters were also in the car during the shooting and suffered cuts from shattered glass.

A manhunt is now underway in Texas -- the suspect has been described as a white man with a beard who appears to be in his 40s.

Officials say it doesn't appear the family did anything to provoke the driver.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, "There was nothing to indicate that the family did anything wrong in any way ... They were simply just driving along the service road when this happened to them."

Clearly, the story has resonated with Hopkins -- who said, "When I see Jazmine Barnes' face, I see my own daughter."

"I'm pledging my playoff check this week to help her family with funeral costs and to support @shaunking @SherriffED_HCSO @SylvesterTurner in bringing this man to justice. On Saturday, I will be playing in your honor, Jazmine."

Social activist Shaun King has announced a $100,000 reward is being offered for info that leads to the arrest of the killer.

Daryl Dragon, "The Captain" of singing duo Captain and Tennille, died early Wednesday morning ... and love really did keep them together to the very end.

Daryl's publicist says the musician died of renal failure in Arizona, and was in hospice care at the time.

Daryl and Toni Tennille were famous for cranking out huge hits in the '70s, including "Do That to Me One More Time," "Muskrat Love" and "Love Will Keep Us Together." The duo was actually a couple -- they married in 1975. They landed their own TV variety show the next year.

Although they divorced in 2014, they remained friends ... and Toni was by his side when he died. As TMZ first reported ... their divorce docs made specific mention about their health insurance coverage. In 2009, she said Daryl was suffering from Parkinson's Disease. Daryl was blindsided by Toni's filing ... and told us they were still living together at the time.

In a statement, Toni says Daryl "was a brilliant musician with many friends who loved him greatly. I was at my most creative in my life, when I was with him."

Daryl was 76.

4:15 PM -- HBO tells us they had scheduled Bob to part of season 10 of 'Curb,' but his health prevented it.

Larry David says, “Never have I seen an actor enjoy a role the way Bob did playing 'Marty Funkhouser' on 'Curb.' It was an amazing, unforgettable experience knowing and working with him. There was no one like him, as he told us again and again. We’re all in a state of shock.”

Bob Einstein, the Emmy-winning actor from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and creator of Super Dave Osborne, died Wednesday from cancer.

Bob had recently been diagnosed, and he died at his home in Indian Wells, CA.

He famously played Larry David's pal, Marty Funkhouser, on 'Curb,' but he was a very successful comedy writer before that -- winning Emmy awards for being a writer on "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" back in the '70s and for producing Dick Van Dyke's "Van Dyke and Company."

Bob's character, Super Dave, pulled crazy stunts decades before "Jackass" even existed -- but he would always hilariously fail. Super Dave had his own show on Showtime in the late '80s and early '90s.

Bob didn't start out in showbiz -- standing 6'4", he played college hoops at Chapman University and then got into advertising. He was "discovered" in the comedy world by Tom Smothers who saw Bob on a local cable show.

His younger brother is actor and director Albert Brooks. Deadline first reported Bob's passing.

10:45 AM PT -- We're told Okerlund passed away early Wednesday morning. Cause of death is still unclear. Working on it.

8:59 AM PT -- We just spoke with Diamond Dallas Page who praised Okerlund as one of the greatest people in the industry.

Page got emotional as he reflected on Okerlund's life and says he will be missed by all.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund -- the most famous announcer in the history of pro wrestling -- has died, WWE has confirmed. He was 76.

Vince McMahon's company issued a statement saying, "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76."

Hulk Hogan also commented ... saying, "Mean Gene I love you my brother."

Unclear how he died, but Okerlund had health problems dating back years. He had 2 kidney transplants -- the first one in 1995 and the second in 2004.

Okerlund started as a radio DJ back in Nebraska before taking a job with the American Wrestling Association in 1970.

He moved to WWF in the early '80s and WRESTLED -- famously pinning Mr. Fuji in a tag team match with Hulk Hogan in 1984.

Okerlund was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by Hulk Hogan.

Among his many highlights, Okerlund sang the national anthem at Wrestlemania I back in 1985.

His interviews were legendary -- standing face to face with guys like Andre the Giant, Ultimate Warrior, Ricky Steamboat and others ... and getting the best out of these guys.

He was beloved in wrestling circles for decades. In fact, he served as the best man at The Iron Sheik's wedding!

As for his nickname, Jesse "The Body" Ventura is credited with the name "Mean" Gene.

The tributes from WWE stars are already pouring in ...

Ric Flair -- One Of My Closest Friends Since 1972 Until This Very Sad Day In 2019. Not Only The Greatest Voice And Personality In The History Of Announcing, But A Man Who Touched Everyone’s Life Who Were Fortunate Enough To Know Him. Rest In Peace Knowing No One Will Ever Replace You.

Seth Rollins -- Super bummed about Mean Gene. Literally JUST sat down last week to do an interview about his legacy. He was the most iconic backstage interviewer in wrestling history in my opinion. #RIPMeanGene

Charlotte Flair -- Goodbye, old friend. Thank you for the memories

Stephanie McMahon -- Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. #ThankYouMeanGene for all the incredible memories. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.

Ted DiBiase -- WWE universe has lost one of its greatest announcers and truly one of the nicest guys you’d ever know. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, RIP my friend

Stone Cold Steve Austin -- "Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice."

Triple H -- "A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Big E -- "Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family."

Mustafa Ali -- "The voice of my youth. Condolences to his friends and family."

Ligero -- "Extremely sad news to hear of the unfortunate passing of Mean Gene Okerlund. One of the most iconic interviewers and personalities of my childhood, and one of the very best in the business."

Charles Robinson (famous WWE ref) -- "So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest voices in wrestling. Mean Gene you will be missed and we will continue to love you. What a true class act. I am very fortunate to work with you."

Bully Ray -- "RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman. God Bless."

Kevin Owens -- Mean Gene was universally loved by everyone I’ve met that knew him.

Very few people can say that their work will forever be appreciated and remembered. Very few can legitimately claim to be legends in their field.

Those things can undoubtedly be said about him.

Matt Hardy -- RIP to an absolute legend of our industry, @TheGeneOkerlund. "Mean Gene" was incredible in many roles, as he wore many hats throughout his iconic career in pro wrestling. My thoughts are with his family & friends today.

Kurt Angle -- Very seldom does an interviewer become just as popular, and at times even more popular than the superstars he/she interviews. Gene Okerlund was that person. Im saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. It was an honor to know you Gene!

Mac Miller's still making a difference -- his charity foundation's quickly approaching a million bucks in money raised to help kids in his hometown ... TMZ has learned.

Folks at The Mac Miller Circles Fund tell us ... donations have been pouring in from the late rapper's fans and the total is up to around $350,000. The cash will be used to provide programs and opportunities to underserved youth in the Pittsburgh area, "helping them recognize their full potential through exploration in the arts and community building."

Add that money to proceeds from the October 31 tribute concert for Mac -- which we're told is expected to be another $350k -- and the Circles Fund's hauled in $700k since his death.

As we reported ... the tribute show, "Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life," went down at L.A.'s Greek Theatre and featured performances by artists -- and some of Miller's closest friends -- like Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott, SZA and John Mayer.

We broke the story ... Mac died from an overdose in September. According to the toxicology report, it was the result of "mixed drug toxicity" -- specifically fentanyl and cocaine. The Coroner ruled his death accidental.

Mac was 26.

Penny Marshall died from heart failure, heart disease and complications from diabetes ... this according to her death certificate.

We obtained Penny's death certificate, issued Monday ... and it lists heart failure as the primary cause of death. The document also says cardiovascular disease and diabetes were contributing factors.

TMZ broke the story -- Penny died December 17 in her Hollywood Hills home -- the certificate lists 9:10 PM as her time of death.

The famed actress and director of huge films like "Big," "The Preacher's Wife" and "League of Their Own" was cremated 10 days after she died.

"Big" star, Tom Hanks, was one of the first to post a tribute to Penny after her death, saying, "Goodbye, Penny. Man, did we laugh a lot! Wish we still could. Love you. Hanx."

There were a lot of sad and shocking celebrity deaths in 2018, and unfortunately once again ... many were the result of tragedies and stars taking their own lives.

The rap world lost up-and-coming artist XXXTentacion, who was shot and killed, and Mac Miller, who died from an accidental overdose.

Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade, Avicii and several others died by suicide,

There was also an abundance of health-related deaths -- both expected and unexpected. The celeb world also lost legends like Aretha Franklin, Burt Reynolds, and Stan Lee ... while powerful political figures like John McCain, Barbara Bush and George H. W. Bush also passed.

Take a look back at who we've lost in Hollywood and beyond this year.

A member of Canadian pop band Walk off the Earth died this weekend just as the group was about to play a New Year's Eve show and embark on an international tour.

WotE announced Mike 'Beard Guy' Taylor's passing Sunday on their official social media pages, saying he had died peacefully Saturday in his sleep of natural causes ... but did not elaborate further.

In their statement, the band says ... "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother and band member, Mike 'Beard Guy' Taylor. Mike had a love for life that was unmatched and a willingness to give that went beyond ordinary means."

They add ... "He passed peacefully from natural causes last night in his sleep. Our deepest sympathies are with his two children, whom he adored more than anything else in the world. We ask for privacy for his family in this trying time."

Mike was a multi-instrumentalist, but primarily played keyboards and provided vocals for Walk off the Earth. He joined the band sometime after it formed in 2006.

Walk off the Earth is most famous for their 2012 cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know," in which all five members played one guitar together while singing it. The video went viral at the time.

The band was set to play a gig Monday in Niagara Falls. They were also scheduled to hit the road this coming February here in the States, Canada and in Europe.

Unclear if they still plan on moving forward with either at this point.

Fox News commentator, Bre Payton, has died suddenly ... and she was only 26.

Payton, a conservative who wrote for The Federalist magazine, died in San Diego after suffering some sort of sudden illness ... this according to the mag.

Morgan Murtaugh, a friend of hers who just ran for Congress in San Diego and lost, said she found Payton unconscious Thursday. Murtaugh called 911, but apparently Payton was already in a coma and beyond hope.

Murtaugh asked people to reach out to God, saying, "Please if you're religious at all, send prayers this way. We really need them."

It was too late. Payton died Friday.

It appears she was suffering from meningitis, but so far authorities have not determined a cause of death.

Payton was 26.

3:35 PM PT -- David Bennett of Thav Gross P.C., attorney for Franklin's Estate, says the Estate disputes the claim as Aretha paid off the vast majority of her debt before she died. He says, "The Estate is diligently working to resolve any remaining issues."

When Aretha Franklin died in August she left behind a legacy as the undisputed "Queen of Soul" ... and also a huge debt to Uncle Sam.

According to legal docs obtained by TMZ ... the IRS claims Franklin owes more than $6.3 MILLION in back taxes from 2012 to 2018, and an additional $1.5 mil in penalties.

One of Aretha's former lawyers tells us the massive tax lien is the result of several audits over the last 6 years. The weird thing ... one of the years in question is listed as 2018, and that tax year is not over.

We broke the story ... the "Respect" singer's being dogged in death by more than just the tax man -- her lawyer also filed docs in October demanding the estate pony up nearly $54k to cover bills dating back 6 years.

There's also a new lien filed by a publishing company that wants $136,000 for royalties in connection with the 1973 song "Angel."

Say a little prayer for the person managing her finances.