RIP

Former San Francisco 49er Jason Hairston -- who, after pro football, founded an ultra successful hunting gear company popular with celebs -- is dead at the age of 47.

KUIU -- Hairston's company -- confirmed his passing, saying they were "shocked and saddened" by his death. Details surrounding his passing are unclear.

Hairston grew up in Orange County, CA and was a stud linebacker at UC Davis -- a division II school at the time -- but went undrafted out of college.

J.H. signed with the 49ers as a free agent -- and played 1 season under defensive coordinator Pete Carroll -- before retiring in '96 after a short stint with the Broncos.

For all the accolades he got playing football (he won a bunch at UC Davis) ... Hairston is known for his success as a businessman -- after launching his hunting gear company, KUIU, a few years back.

Big time athletes like Carson Palmer, San Francisco Giants pitcher Hunter Strickland, and Brent Burns from the San Jose Sharks were all reportedly fans of KUIU.

Hairston was also friends with Donald Trump Jr. -- an avid hunter -- and even visited the Trumps at the White House in 2017.

Hairston was 47.

The Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan died from drowning in a bathtub after drinking too much booze.

According to a coroner's report, Dolores' official cause of death was drowning due to alcohol intoxication. The report says a responding police officer told officials Dolores was found submerged in her bathtub in her London hotel on Jan. 15.

Also found nearby ... 5 miniature alcohol bottles and an extra bottle of champagne. Toxicology results show she had a blood alcohol level that was four times the legal limit for driving.

Coroner Shirley Radcliffe noted ... "There's no evidence that this was anything other than an accident." The details of her death eerily came out Thursday, on what would've been her 47th birthday.

As we reported ... Dolores died earlier this year, a day before she was set to hit the studio and record with a new band. Friends of hers told us they felt she'd been "deeply depressed" at the time, and implied suicide was possibly how she died. Oddly, enough, she sounded cheery on a voicemail to a friend just hours before perishing.

Kyle Pavone -- the late singer of metal band We Came as Romans -- was found lying on the floor unconscious in his bathroom just feet away from a used syringe before dying of an accidental overdose ... TMZ has learned.

Kyle's girlfriend told cops he'd gone into the bathroom at his home for a long time, and when she went to check on him, she found him unconscious. The police report, which we obtained, says the syringe was found on the counter of the bathroom sink.

Police say the GF also revealed Kyle had struggled in the past with heroin use. As we first reported, Kyle's family says he died from an accidental drug overdose.

His girlfriend is the one who dialed 911, and on the call she describes finding him unresponsive. She then got instructions on performing CPR.

According to the police report, EMTs gave Kyle a shot of Narcan after finding a pulse. He was rushed to the hospital where he went into cardiac arrest, and was eventually pronounced dead.

10:45 AM PT: Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Lawford was at a yoga studio Tuesday night when he had a medical emergency and later died. Our sources say the death appears to be from "natural causes." The coroner is performing an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Actor Christopher Lawford, the son of Peter Lawford and Patricia Kennedy, has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

Christopher -- a longtime Hollywood actor -- appeared on "General Hospital," "Terminator 3," "All My Children," "Fraiser" and various other TV series. He was also a correspondent on "EXTRA."

Lawford's uncle was John F. Kennedy and his family often hung out with the First Family during JFK's presidency.

Lawford, who got a J.D. at Boston College School of Law, was very politically active all his life. He was active with the Democratic National Committee and worked for his Uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy. He also worked with the Special Olympics, the org his Aunt Eunice Shriver created.

He was also a New York Times best selling author with his book, 'Symptoms of Withdrawal.'

Lawford had battled addiction issues back in the '70s and '80s. He was reportedly arrested in 1980 for allegedly impersonating a doctor to score prescriptions.

TMZ got Lawford out in 2013, when he talked candidly about addiction.

Lawford was 63.

John McCain and Hillary Clinton didn't need a recount when he challenged her to a vodka shots contest ... just ask former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe.

We got McAuliffe at Fort Ward in Alexandria, VA and asked him how Bill Clinton got past John voting in 1999 to impeach him and 18 years later pay tribute to McCain at his memorial service over the weekend in the nation's capital.

A little backstory ... John and Hillary were in Estonia on a congressional tour in 2004 when the Arizona senator challenged the New York senator. McAuliffe tells us Hillary did NOT back down ... but ya gotta watch the vid to find out the final score.

In short, McAuliffe says even though McCain and the Clintons hailed from different political parties, there was never any disdain towards each other, and that much was evident with the Clintons -- along with scores of McCain's political rivals -- attending the late senator's memorial service.

As we reported ... former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush delivered eulogies for McCain at the service inside the Washington National Cathedral. The eulogies came at McCain's request.

There was no shortage of shots at Trump, who was never mentioned by name.

4:00 PM PT -- Hard to tell if it's related, but the Prez just tweeted in all caps ... "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Trump's tweet could be regarding his current struggle with Canada to reach a new NAFTA deal ... or he may have just felt the need to repeat his oft-used slogan. Just as likely, though ... it's a retort to Meghan's eulogy for her father.

Wolf Blitzer doesn't think anything at John McCain's funeral was out of line or too political ... and he's got no apparent issues with Meghan McCain's shot at the Prez either.

We got the CNN anchor at the Reagan National Airport in D.C. Saturday shortly after the late Senator's service wrapped up ... he said it was a beautiful funeral, fitting for "a great American and a great patriot."

Wolf also supported Meghan's comments about her father and the country, clearly slamming Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" motto.

Meghan said, "The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America was always great."

Blitzer's on board with that sentiment, telling us though America's made mistakes, it's the greatest country in the world in his opinion ... and "it's always been great."

As we reported ... former Presidents and McCain rivals George W. Bush and Barack Obama also delivered eulogies for the esteemed politician's National Memorial Service Saturday.

A couple of John McCain's biggest rivals -- the ones who respected him, anyway -- honored the late Senator at his National Memorial Service ... and so did his daughter, Meghan.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush delivered eulogies for McCain at the service inside the Washington National Cathedral ... which was packed with dignitaries paying their final respects.

President Obama clearly was addressing Donald Trump without mentioning his name, talking about politics today being small, mean, petty and grounded in insult. He talked about "phony controversy" and "manufacturing outrage." And, as Ivanka Trump looked on, he talked about certain people appearing "brave and tough" when they are actually steeped in fear.

Check out Meghan McCain's eulogy to her dad ... she moves the audience to applause as she explains how the current President can't hold a candle to her dad. She doesn't use Trump's name, but the message is clear.

McCain handpicked 43 and 44 earlier this year as speakers at his funeral, and Obama was reportedly surprised by the invitation. Remember, Obama defeated McCain in their run for the White House in 2008 -- and W bested him in the 2000 Republican primaries.

Although they butted heads with McCain on the campaign trail, there was always respect between the men. McCain famously shut down a voter who called Obama "an Arab" during their 2008 campaign battle.

15 people carried McCain's coffin at the memorial service ... including former VP Joe Biden, actor Warren Beatty, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

Obviously President Trump was absent from the service -- as was his respect for an American war hero. McCain reportedly made Trump persona non grata when he was making his funeral plans. McCain's former running mate in 2008, Sarah Palin, was reportedly also excluded.

Veep Mike Pence and WH Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly also attended.

Pence was one of the speakers at McCain's memorial service Friday, where Congress paid tribute as he lied in state at the U.S. Capitol.

McCain's private burial will be held Sunday at the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Originally Published -- 9/01/2018 6:33 AM PDT

Susan Brown -- a soap opera veteran best known for her longstanding role as Dr. Gail Baldwin on "General Hospital" -- has died ... according to the executive producer of the show, Frank Valentini.

Brown reportedly died Friday after a battle with Alzheimer's.

Valentini tweeted ... "It's a very sad day in Port Charles as the wonderful Susan Brown ("Gail Baldwin") passed away today. My sincerest condolences to her family and to all who knew this amazing woman."

Brown joined the cast of 'GH' in 1977 and was a recurring character until she left in 1985. She made guest appearances on the show until an official return in 1992 ... and remained in the cast until 2004.

She also played the same character on the soap spin-off "Port Charles."

Susan earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1979 for her performance on the daytime soap.

She was 86.

Dave Chappelle says John McCain is a symbol of national unity when our country needs it most, so he paid the late Senator his respects ... and gives props to his robot dance.

We got the famed comedian on Capitol Hill Friday after he visited McCain's casket at the U.S. Capitol. Chappelle tells us he was inspired to do so after he saw a video Jamie Foxx shared on his IG this week dancing with the Navy veteran onstage at an Apollo Theater charity event.

Foxx captioned the vid, "This is another reason why senator John McCain is so loved... he made u feel like politics and being a cool human being lived separately... he shined on em that night ... and that robot move was mean! R.I.P. you are a HERO!"

Seems like Chappelle totally agrees.

Aretha Franklin's star-studded funeral has wrapped up in Detroit, and Jennifer Hudson gave an amazing rendition of "Amazing Grace" to give the "Queen of Soul" a final, fitting send-off.

Aretha's "Celebration of Life" took place at the Greater Grace Temple, and completes a week of events honoring her. The funeral service was highlighted by performances by Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Hudson, Pastor Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters and the recently added Ariana Grande.

Franklin's funeral comes on the heels of her unforgettable memorial concert Thursday, dubbed "A People's Tribute to the Queen."

Earlier this week ... a 2-day, open-casket public viewing was held this Tuesday and Wednesday at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which drew lines around the block.

Aretha died August 16 from pancreatic cancer. She was 76.

RIP Queen.

John McCain's casket has arrived at the U.S. Capitol where it will lie in state ... and hundreds and hundreds of people lined up in the rain in D.C. to pay their respects.

Family, friends, colleagues and staff poured into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Friday for a ceremony honoring McCain's life. Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and VP Mike Pence all spoke and gave tribute to late Arizona Senator.

After the formal ceremony ended, the public was able to also pay their respects. Doors to the public opened at 2 PM ET and stayed open until 8 PM ET.

At the request of the late senator's family, flowers may be sent to your local VA Hospital.

McCain's National Memorial Service will be held Saturday at 10 AM ET at the Washington National Cathedral. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush -- both former political rivals of McCain -- are set to deliver eulogies at his request.

15 people will carry McCain's coffin at the memorial service ... including former VP Joe Biden, actor Warren Beatty, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

President Trump will not attend McCain's funeral after being made persona non grata, and McCain's former running mate in 2008, Sarah Palin, has also reportedly not been invited.

Since his death, heartfelt tributes from celebrities and fellow politicians have poured in for McCain ... including from Sen. Lindsey Graham, who told us he vows to do better to honor his friend.

There's also been a push to rename the Russell Senate Office Building the McCain Senate Office Building, spearheaded by Sen. Chuck Schumer.

As we reported ... more than 1,000 family, friends, officials, civic leaders and members of the public packed North Phoenix Baptist Church for a memorial service in Arizona on Thursday, where Biden was the speaker.

On Wednesday morning, the Arizona Army National Guard carried McCain's casket into the AZ State Capitol Museum rotunda for a private ceremony for family and colleagues ... including remarks by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.

4:00 PM PT -- Kyle died of an accidental drug overdose ... according to a statement from his family. They also say they've created The Kyle Pavone Foundation in his honor to help those struggling with drug addiction.

Kyle Pavone -- the lead vocalist of metal band We Came as Romans -- died as a result of drugs ... TMZ has learned.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office in Michigan tells us ... Kyle died of drug abuse. It's unclear if this means his death was accidental or by suicide ... or if he suffered an overdose or another complication related to drugs.

We're told a toxicology report will take up to 8 weeks to complete.

As we reported ... Pavone's death was revealed by the metalcore band on social media last weekend, with a statement saying, "Kyle's tragic loss came too early in his life and those of his bandmates. All are devastated by his passing. We will miss his smiles, his sincerity, his concern for others, and his impressive musical talent."

Sources close to the situation told us Kyle was transported to a Michigan hospital August 19 and was pronounced dead August 25.

We Came as Romans is best known for their songs "Hope," "The World I Used to Know" and "I Knew You Were Trouble." Their album "Tracing Back Roots" reached #8 on the Billboard charts in 2013.

Actress Vanessa Marquez -- who played Wendy Goldman on "ER" -- was shot and killed by police ... and authorities believe Vanessa had mental issues stemming from an eating disorder.

Vanessa's landlord called South Pasadena police Thursday afternoon, saying he was concerned for the actress. When police arrived she became combative and waved what cops believed was a semi-automatic handgun. Police shot her at least once in the torso.

It turned out she was brandishing a BB gun.

Vanessa was rushed to the hospital where she died.

Authorities say she was suffering from some sort of eating disorder which triggered seizures. Apparently when police arrived at her apartment she was mid-seizure.

Vanessa was on "ER" from 1994 to 1997. She accused George Clooney of booting her from the show and blacklisting her ... saying she was the victim of racist and sexist comments. Clooney has said he had no idea what she was even talking about.

In addition to "ER," her credits include "Stand and Deliver" and "Twenty Bucks."

John Legend picking a favorite Aretha song is like eating just one potato chip ... it's just impossible.

John was flying solo Thursday night at Craig's in WeHo, when our photog asked if one song from the Queen stood out. Check out John's answer. He probably could have gone even longer.

Aretha's funeral service is being held today, and it's like the Grammy's ... Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Faith Hill, Fantasia, Chaka Khan and on and on.

Former Prez Bill Clinton will speak.

Aretha Franklin's memorial in Detroit was a marathon of live music to honor the Queen of Soul -- and Patti LaBelle gave an incredibly moving performance.

Patti sang her hit song "You Are My Friend," and belted what turned out to be one of the best tributes of the night. Other acts including The Four Tops and Johnny Gill also hit the stage at Chene Park Amphitheatre.

We broke the story ... 23 acts were originally slated to perform Thursday, including big names like the Four Tops, Gladys Knight, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley and lots of others. Gladys' rep later clarified she wouldn't be performing, but would be in attendance.

The Four Tops performed "Bernadette," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out, I'll Be There."

It's kind of a big deal these stars committed to the show -- 'cause they're all footing their own travel and lodging expenses, according to a document obtained by TMZ. Clearly, these folks hold Aretha near and dear to their hearts to trek out to Michigan to do this.

Aretha's funeral service is still to come Friday, which will feature headliners like Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande.

A 2-day, open casket public viewing was held this past Tuesday and Wednesday ... which had lines around the block of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

Aretha died earlier this month from pancreatic cancer. She was 76.

President Trump is defending the way he handled the death of Senator John McCain, saying he did "everything that they requested" and didn't bungle a damn thing.

The Prez sat down with Bloomberg News Thursday for an exclusive interview in the Oval Office, and reporters asked if he missed an opportunity to unite the country and made a mistake by initially not keeping the White House's American flag at half staff until McCain was buried -- an honor that's been bestowed on other senators who've died while in office.

You'll recall ... Trump ordered the flag be flown at half staff the day McCain died, but it was flying at full staff just a day later -- which pissed off A LOT of people, and reportedly caused a veterans group to personally demand that he lower it again out of respect.

Trump caved to the pressure, and eventually issued a statement praising McCain's service to the country after acting clammy at first with reporters who asked about the late statesman.

There's also this ... Bloomberg asked if he thought McCain would've made a better president than Barack Obama ... and DT refused to answer, saying "I don’t want to comment on it ... I have a very strong opinion, all right." Bloomberg notes that Sarah Huckabee Sanders was staring daggers at her boss while he said this, to which he reportedly joked that she was "having a nervous breakdown" over his response -- adding he might elaborate someday.