RIP

Former Oakland A's pitcher and "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Matt Keough has died.

His former team made the announcement that Matt passed on Saturday. The team did not reveal the cause of death.

Matt pitched for Oakland for 7 seasons. He received some notable awards ... 1978 All-Star rookie, 1980 American League Comeback Player of the Year. In addition to Oakland, Matt pitched for the Cardinals, Cubs, Astros and Yankees.

Matt was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in '81 with the other "Five Aces" ... 4 other members of the A's.

After baseball, Matt ventured into reality TV with his then-wife, Jeana ... they were cast members on "Real Housewives of Orange County." They married in 1984 and separated 20 years later. Despite the separation, they continued living together during the early seasons of "RHOC."

Matt had his share of legal trouble. He racked up 2 DUI's ... the second of which earned him a 1-year jail sentence. Interesting ... Jeana testified on Matt's behalf, even though their marriage was over, asking the judge to give him probation.

It's especially tragic for the family ... a few weeks back their daughter, Kara, had a son who died during childbirth from complications ... shoulder dystocias and a compressed umbilical cord.

Kara posted a tearful message ... "Daddy, please take care of my son. Teach him the circle changeup and how to find forever friends. You're on grandpa duty in heaven now. Xoxo, Hammerhead."

Matt leaves behind 3 kids. He was 64.

Sam Lloyd -- best known for playing kooky lawyer Ted Buckland on "Scrubs" -- has died.

Lloyd was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in January 2019 -- just weeks after he and his wife, Vanessa, welcomed their first child, Weston. After a year and a few months, he succumbed to the disease.

"Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence paid tribute to the actor Friday, saying ... "Thinking a lot about Sam Lloyd today. (Ted). Truly such a kind, sweet guy. He will be missed by so many."

Along with playing Ted, Lloyd was known for his roles on "Desperate Housewives," "Happy Together," "Shameless," "The West Wing" and "Modern Family." He also had guest spots on "Spin City" and "Seinfeld," and notable credits in films like "Galaxy Quest" and "Flubber."

Sam reprised his Ted character on another Lawrence show, "Cougar Town," as well.

And, get this ... the quartet he belonged to -- The Blanks, which was featured on "Scrubs" -- gained popularity from the show and toured after it ended.

The actor was also working on his own musical for over a decade before his brain tumor diagnosis -- called "With Pam & Gil."

Lloyd was 56.

Vanessa Bryant is paying tribute to her daughter, Gianna -- who would have turned 14 years old today ... saying, "You are part of MY SOUL forever."

"Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet baby girl, Gianna," Vanessa posted on social media.

"Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you. You are part of MY SOUL forever. I miss you so much everyday."

"I wish I could wake up and have you here with me. I miss your smile, your hugs and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU, Gigi."

"I LOVE YOU so much!!!!!!!"

Gianna passed away on January 26 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas -- along with her father, Kobe Bryant, and 7 others.

In the days after the crash, Vanessa said, "My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone."

Gigi was an unbelievable basketball player with dreams of playing in the WNBA along with her Mamba Academy teammates, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester.

In fact, all 3 of the girls were announced as the first three honorary picks of the 2020 WNBA Draft.

Vanessa said of the Draft ... "It would have been a dream come true for [Gianna]. She worked tirelessly every single day. She wanted to be one of the greatest athletes of all-time, just like her daddy. So thank you, thank you for honoring my little girl."

The 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' cast needs a fresh box of tissues ... because things got super emotional while paying their respects to the late James Avery, who played Uncle Phil.

The teary-eyed tribute was part of the finale to Will Smith's new Snapchat show, "Will From Home" ... and you can see how much James meant to the 'Fresh Prince' cast.

Uncle Phil's greatest moments roll on the screen while Will and some of the show's favorite cast members -- Alfonso Ribeiro, Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and DJ Jazzy Jeff -- watch and tear up.

Ya gotta see the video ... it's a very powerful and moving tribute, full of some of Phil's most inspiring quotes.

TMZ broke the story ... James died on New Year's Eve in 2013 from complications following open-heart surgery.

As you know ... Will's Snapchat show is the first time the cast is reuniting on-screen since May 1996, when the incredibly popular sitcom ended its 6-season run.

Lots have changed since then, but one thing remains constant -- the cast's love for Uncle Phil.

Michael Irvin rocked it. So did Dez Bryant ... but the Dallas Cowboys officially have a new #88 -- 1st round pick CeeDee Lamb!!

It's a HUGE deal to rock that number in Big D -- especially following in the footsteps of legends like Mike, Dez and Drew Pearson -- but Jerry Jones made it clear he wanted to see the rookie in #88.

And, what Jerry wants, Jerry usually gets.

Remember, Lamb rocked #2 at Oklahoma -- but the NFL won't allow WRs to wear single-digit numbers in the league.

Lamb initially said he wanted #10 in Dallas ... but Jones made a compelling argument to switch to #88 ... telling reporters he hoped CeeDee would take the number to pay tribute to his friend and former Arkansas teammate, Jerry Lamb, who passed away this year.

"He was number 88," Jones said ... "I said in honor of my great friend that just passed this year we’re going to have his namesake come on here and wear old number 88."

"Just like Michael and Dez and those guys, and we’ve got us a wide receiver. And let me tell you one thing if he’s got the competes and heart of that Jerry Lamb he’ll be bad to the bone."

The jersey assignment hasn't been officially announced by the team yet ... but the NFL is already selling the Lamb 88s in the league store -- so you know it's only a matter of time.

As for CeeDee's say in the jersey process ... it's unclear how much influence he had on the pick -- but we do know one thing, this probably officially closes the door on Dez's dreams of coming back to the Cowboys.

Sad times ... but here's to new beginnings!

Irrfan Khan -- Bollywood icon and star of films like "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Life of Pi" -- has died after battling cancer.

The Indian actor died Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital after being admitted to the ICU for a colon infection earlier this week.

His rep says ... "Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him."

Khan revealed in March 2018 that he had been diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumor, an abnormal growth that begins in the body's specialized neuroendocrine cells. We're told he'd been getting chemotherapy in London and traveling back and forth to India in recent months.

Khan is one of India's most famous and beloved actors, and has more than 150 Bollywood and Hollywood credits to his name.

He attended the National School of Drama in New Delhi and started his acting career soon after, playing mainly supporting roles for more than a decade. He had his big break in early 2000s, though ... racking up awards for his starring role in the 2003 film, "Haasil."

Irrfan went on to star in other award-winning films such as "Like In A….Metro" before busting onto the international scene in 2008 when he appeared in the Oscar hit, "Slumdog Millionaire."

He then landed a starring role in the acclaimed "Life of Pi," and would go on to appear in movies like "The Amazing Spider-Man," "Jurassic World" and "Inferno."

Sadly, the actor's mother also died last week, but he was unable to attend her funeral due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns.

Priyanka Chopra is one of many Bollywood stars to post a tribute to Khan.

Irrfan is survived by his wife and 2 children.

He was 53.

All eyez are on Tupac Shakur in Kentucky ... where he's alive and well, and waiting on an unemployment check.

An unemployed Kentucky resident was accused by Gov. Andy Beshear of pulling an unemployment benefit prank, but it turns out the guy really does bear the famous rapper's name, and he really is down on his luck.

The Governor called out Pac Monday night, saying someone applied for unemployment for Tupac Shakur in his state. Beshear scolded "bad apples" for playing jokes and holding up people's money -- but now he's got egg on his face.

Kentucky's Tupac isn't trying to live the thug life ... he's just a 46-year-old Lexington resident who lost his restaurant gig due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sorry, Guv ... he's had the famous name since the late '90s, so he's not using it just to fool the system.

Tupac, who prefers his middle name, Malik, says he was hurt, embarrassed and shocked by the Governor's comments -- but says Beshear called him Tuesday to apologize and all is forgiven.

He understands Beshear's dealing with a lot -- nearly 24 percent of the state's workforce has filed for unemployment -- and mistakes happen. Still, Pac says he's still waiting on a check, and it's been over a month since he filed.

Shakur legally changed his name, and says people get a kick out of it and think it's cool ... but he never envisioned it would hold up an unemployment check.

C'mon Kentucky ... hit him up!!!

Tragic news in the motocross community ... legendary pro racer Marty Smith and his wife, Nancy, were both killed in a freak dune buggy accident in California, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

He was 63.

Officials tell us Marty and Nancy were in a buggy that flipped at the Imperial Sand Dunes and rolled down a hill. We're told Marty was not wearing a safety harness and Nancy was only wearing a lap belt.

We're told emergency responders raced to the scene -- but couldn't do much. Marty was pronounced dead at the scene. Nancy was airlifted to a nearby hospital where she later passed away from her injuries.

Marty's best friend, Lee Ramage, was at the scene at the time of the crash and posted a statement on social media.

"It’s with the heaviest, grieving heart that I have to tell you Marty and Nancy Smith we’re killed yesterday in a rollover accident in his dune buggy at the imperial sand dunes," Ramage said.

"My wife, Tammi and I were in the buggy and were unhurt."

"We spent at least an hour trying to save their lives before first responders arrived. Marty took his last breath while I was holding his head, keeping his airway clear."

"Marty was my best friend and I tried with everything in me to save him while Tammi tried to save Nancy."

"There is so much to know about this man and how he wanted to leave this earth when God called him him."

"Please keep his children, Jillyin, Brooke and Tyler and all his grandkids in your prayers."

Marty took the industry by storm after going pro at age 17 in 1974 ... winning the inaugural AMA 125cc National Motocross Championship ... and defending his title in 1975.

Smith went on to win the 500cc championship in 1977 ... solidifying his spot as a superstar in the sport.

Marty retired from professional racing in 1981 ... but remained active in the motocross community as a coach.

"Little Women: Atlanta" star Ashley Ross -- better known as Ms. Minnie -- has died from injuries suffered in a car accident ... but TMZ has learned there's a dispute about what caused it.

Minnie's management team says the reality TV star "succumbed to injuries from a tragic hit and run car accident." The wreck reportedly happened around 11 PM Sunday outside Atlanta. While the rep is saying it was a hit-and-run, cops investigating the accident tell TMZ ... it appears Ms. Minnie lost control of her Nissan Sentra and swerved into opposing traffic.

Cops say she struck a Ford Focus, and the driver of that car suffered minor injuries. Ms. Minnie was seriously injured and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital. She died there nearly 24 hours later.

Her family confirmed her passing with a statement posted on her Instagram account. Ross had been on Lifetime's spinoff of "Little Women: LA" since it started in 2016. Several of her cast members posted condolences and memories of her after hearing about her death.

Minnie is survived by her mother, grandmother, aunt, uncle and other family members.

She was 34.

Bill Withers died after suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest, which was complicated by COPD and arrhythmia ... according to his death certificate.

According to the doc, obtained by TMZ, the iconic soul singer's immediate cause of death is a cardiopulmonary arrest. The underlying causes are listed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bradyarrhythmia.

Withers died on March 30 at 10:44 AM at Providence Tarzana Regional Medical Center. The doc also notes he had 49 years in the entertainment biz, and says he was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in L.A.

As we reported, at the time of his death, Bill's family described him as ... "A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other."

Well, that he absolutely did ... with a string of hits including "Lean On Me," "Lovely Day" and "Ain't No Sunshine."

Bill's death came just as people were leaning on the 3-time Grammy Award winner's music ... finding inspiration in quarantine. In particular, there have been spontaneous neighborhood sing-alongs of "Lean On Me" lifting spirits.

Bill was 81.

Shaquille O'Neal made a bigger than life gesture for a Louisiana family that tragically lost a child in a car accident -- covering the balance of his burial service.

Phil Conrad -- a retired chief deputy officer from the Lafayette City Marshal's Office -- tells TMZ Sports ... the ex-NBA big man recently shelled out a few thousand bucks to help pay for the remaining cost of a child's funeral, this after his family came up just a little short.

Here's what happened ... a car with an adult driver and four minors ran a stop sign, then crashed into a ditch and ultimately into a tree a couple weeks ago out in nearby Breaux Bridge, LA. The crash claimed the lives of two of the kids in the back seat, 12-year-old Trayvon Alexander and 11-year-old Keshon Batiste. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Conrad tells us Trayvon's family had insurance covering his burial in full, but young Keshon did not ... leaving his loved ones to start a GoFundMe. They still need around $4,000 to reach their goal. We're told Shaq -- who went to college in Louisiana -- caught wind of the story and hit up Phil to get downloaded on the situation.

Once Shaq heard what was needed to help Keshon's relatives, Conrad says he instantly acted ... wiring him the leftover balance immediately, and Conrad then delivered the cash to the Kinchen Funeral Home. We're told the two boys were laid to rest Saturday.

Harold Reid, a member of the enormously popular country group, The Statler Brothers, has died.

Reid's family revealed Harold passed Friday from his long fight with kidney failure.

Harold was the bass singer and comic. The Statler Bros made a name for themselves by opening for Johnny Cash way back in '64. They had a super big crossover hit the next year with "Flowers on the Wall."

The group followed up with more hits, including "Bed of Roses" and "The Class of 57," which scored a Grammy.

The biggest radio hit for the group -- "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine." That song went to #1 and was followed by more #1 hits -- "Elizabeth," "My Only Love," and "Too Much on My Heart."

In all, The Statler Bros had 66 singles chart on Billboard country. Pretty amazing.

The group also ventured into TV ... they had a variety show on TNN from 1991 to 1997.

The official statement reads, "He is and will always be loved by his family, friends and millions of fans. His singing, his songwriting and his comedy made generations happy. He has taken a piece of our hearts with him."

An incredible amount of rare Kobe Bryant memorabilia is heading to auction ... and the items will help the late Lakers legend's foundation.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Goldin Auctions has made more than 50 dope pieces from Kobe's 20-year NBA career available in its Spring 2020 catalog ... from signature shoe prototypes to game-worn jerseys, to his 2000 NBA championship ring.

On top of that, there's a score sheet from Kobe's 81-point game signed by the Black Mamba himself, a jersey with Kobe and Vanessa hand-painted, and Bryant's autograph on White House stationery.

The best part?? 5% of the winning bids will go towards Kobe's Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation ... which helps young athletes learn life skills through sports.

We know, 5% doesn't sound like a lot -- but the value of Kobe memorabilia has skyrocketed over the past few months, so there could be A LOT of money raised here.

Vanessa Bryant has kept the Foundation moving in the months since Kobe, Gianna and 7 others perished in that tragic helicopter crash on Jan. 26 ... and the NBA has made a $100k donation to help the cause.

As we previously reported, the sports memorabilia community has flooded with fakes since Kobe's passing ... but Goldin Auctions assures us all of the items in their auction are certified legit.

The auction runs through May 16 ... good luck!!

Washington State Cougars football player Bryce Beekman died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and promethazine, officials say.

The 22-year-old defensive back was found dead in his apartment back on March 23 and people were baffled about the cause of death.

But now, the Whitman County Coroner's Office in Washington says an investigation shows "the cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl and promethazine."

"The manner of death was accidental."

FYI, fentanyl is a powerful pain killer. Promethazine is mostly used to treat allergy symptoms.

As we previously reported, Beekman was a star on the WSU football team.

He started all 13 games at safety in 2019 and was one of top players on the WSU defense. He was 5th on the team in tackles last season.

Jerry Bishop -- famous for being the announcer on "Judge Judy" -- is dead.

Jerry died Tuesday of heart disease, according to the show, and Judge Judy says she's gonna miss him.

Judy remembered her longtime announcer in a statement, saying ... "Jerry Bishop has been the voice of our program for 24 years. Everybody loved him. He had a golden heart and generous spirit. I adored him and will miss him."

Jerry served as the announcer for "Judge Judy" since its first season way back in 1994, and his career spanned thousands of episodes.

Bishop was also a veteran of Los Angeles radio and his voice was beloved and recognized on the morning drive for three decades from the 1960s through the 70s. Jerry interviewed tons of celebs on radio, including Frank Sinatra, Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood.

Jerry also lent his famous voice to commercials and did some voiceover work, including 15 years as the voice of Disney Channel.

Bishop was 84.

Comedian Grandma Lee -- who cracked the top ten on Season 4 of "America's Got Talent" -- has died ... according to her family.

Lee's son, Kelly, tells TMZ ... she died Friday afternoon at her assisted living facility in Jacksonville, FL, but it was not related to the coronavirus.

Kelly says his stand-up comic mom was doing shows up until November, but after a gig in Tampa, she fell in her hotel room and broke her hip. Sadly, he says she never fully recovered.

According to Grandma's family ... she passed with her 2 sons holding her hands after spending the past few days reading texts from friends and Facebook posts. They say there will be a service celebrating her life once COVID-19 conditiions allow for it.

Her family adds ... "Heaven just got a whole lot funnier."

Grandma Lee gained popularity in 2009 when she competed on 'AGT' and made it to the finale before being eliminated.

She said at the time that her material is based on truth, adding ... "I go up there and wing it ... but I had to clean it up for the show."

She was 85.