Michael Vick Last Surviving Dog From Dogfighting Case Dies ... 15 Years Old
Frodo -- the final surviving dog from the infamous Michael Vick dogfighting ring -- has died ... officials at the BADRAP animal rescue org. confirmed on Monday.
The pup was estimated to be 15 years old.
According to BADRAP, Frodo was one of 48 dogs that were saved after Vick's dogfighting ring was broken up by law enforcement back in 2007.
The org. says Frodo found a new home following the former NFL star's arrest, and spent the last 14 years "being pampered like a prince with his new family."
But, sadly, the org. says he died on Saturday ... though they did note the dog had one final steak before he passed away.
Officials at the org. say two other known surviving dogs from the Vick case died recently as well.
As we previously reported, Vick was released from the Atlanta Falcons and also spent time behind bars over his role in the case.
The ex-quarterback did apologize for it all ... and he later went on to start for the Philadelphia Eagles following his release from prison.
He's since fought tirelessly against animal abuse ... even advocating at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2015 to pass a bill to allow cops to rescue pets from hot cars.
Vick ultimately left the NFL following the 2015 season, and he now works as an analyst breaking down games for FOX.
related articles
Raiders LB Will Compton Mom Tragically Dies ... Hours Before Browns Game
-
Breaking News
- 292 shares
Horrible news ... Raiders linebacker Will Compton says his mom tragically died just hours before Las Vegas' game against the Browns.
"I am heart broken to let you know my mom suddenly passed away last night," Compton said in a statement on his social media page just before the Cleveland-Raiders kickoff on Monday. "I am headed home to be with family."
He continued, "It has been a brutal last 16 hours."
Compton -- who's been in the NFL since 2013 -- had just signed with the Raiders earlier this month ... and had just posted Sunday about how excited he was to play for the team.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
The Raiders announced early Monday morning that the 32-year-old would miss the Cleveland game.
"Please love on your moms and keep my family in your thoughts and prayers," Compton said. "Our mom was everything to us."
Prayers to you and the fam 🙏🏾
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) December 20, 2021 @Bwagz
Several NFL players have already reached out to support Compton on social media, with Bobby Wagner and Quandre Diggs offering thoughts and prayers.
#RIP
related articles
'Whitest Kids U Know' Trevor Moore's Cause of Death Revealed ... Coroner Says Accidental
-
Exclusive
- 1.7K shares
Trevor Moore died as a direct result of the fall he suffered at his home -- a drop that L.A. County officials are saying was an accident ... which may have been caused by booze.
The "Whitest Kids U Know" star's cause of death was revealed to be blunt force head trauma, this after falling from his second-story balcony ... which the L.A. County Medical Examiner's Office has deemed to be an accident.
Per the autopsy report, obtained by TMZ, Moore was also heavily intoxicated at the time of his death ... with his BAC coming back as high as 0.27 among 3 different samples taken -- more than three times the legal limit to drive.
TMZ broke the story, cops discovered open bottles of booze scattered about when they arrived at Moore's home back in August after the accident.
The Medical Examiner also notes ... they watched security camera footage to help make the determination that TM's death was not a suicide.
As we reported, the guy was found unresponsive in his backyard where he was pronounced dead. Law enforcement sources had told us at the time -- it appeared he'd fallen from a balcony out there ... and that it was just him, with no foul play suspected.
Trevor is most famous for helping launch the WKUK comedy sketch group. He was 41.
RIP
related articles
Il Divo Baritone Singer Carlos Marin Dead at 53
Carlos Marin, a member of Il Divo, has died ... this according to his bandmates.
The operatic quartet confirmed Marin's passing Sunday, writing ... "It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. There wiIl never be another voice or spirit like Carlos."
They add, "For 17 years the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend. We hope and pray that his beautiful soul will rest in peace. With Love -- David, Sebastien and Urs."
His death might be COVID related ... as his agent reportedly told some media outlets he'd contracted the virus and was recently hospitalized -- this while he was actually on tour with his guys in Europe.
Marin was the only baritone of the group ... with Urs Buhler, David Miller and Sebastien Izambard -- the other 3 singers -- all serving as tenors. The group was formed by Simon Cowell in '03, sort of as a reimagining of the hugely popular Three Tenors from the '90s.
I am finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now. I am devastated Carlos Marin has passed away. He loved life. He loved performing and always had so much appreciation towards the fans who supported the group from day 1. Rest in peace Carlos. I will miss you.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) December 20, 2021 @SimonCowell
Speaking of Cowell, he too shared his condolences with a sweet tribute ... "I am finding this so difficult to put into words how I feel right now. I am devastated Carlos Marin has passed away. He loved life. He loved performing and always had so much appreciation towards the fans who supported the group from day 1. Rest in peace Carlos. I will miss you."
Il Divo had a prolific run through the 2000s and well into the 2010s ... cranking out 10 studio albums, 2 live albums, lots of collabs and other mashups of their greatest hits over the years. The 4 crooners are credited with pioneering the way for pop opera ... AKA, popera.
They were a big hit ... producing more than 150 certified gold and platinum hits globally, and pumping out around 30 million album sales as well. Il Divo had some of their original songs -- like "Regresa a Mi" ... but were also well known for their covers, including "O Holy Night," "Hallelujah," "Amazing Grace" and others.
Marin was 53.
RIP
related articles
Drakeo the Ruler Dead from Stabbing During L.A. Festival ... Snoop Dogg Responds
-
Exclusive Details
- 17K shares
Snoop has responded to Drakeo's death, taking to Twitter with a sorrowful message.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/m8n6Bq2KJC
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) December 19, 2021 @SnoopDogg
SD says he was informed about the stabbing while he was in his dressing room, and immediately left the grounds. In the same breath, he sent condolences to Drakeo's family.
L.A. rapper Drakeo the Ruler is dead after a stabbing at the Snoop Dogg-headlined Once Upon a Time festival concert ... TMZ has learned.
Drakeo was one of the dozens of billed performers at the huge all-day event Saturday in L.A.'s Exposition Park.
LA rapper Drakeo The Ruler was reportedly stabbed in the neck at “Once Upon A Time In LA” festival earlier tonight.
— Hip Hop Ties (@HipHopTiesMedia) December 19, 2021 @HipHopTiesMedia
Prayers up for Drakeo.🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ittTIDZlHq
He was backstage around 8:30 PM when a fight broke out -- and during the altercation, he got stabbed ... according to law enforcement sources
We're told LAPD, California Highway Patrol and the fire department responded, and Drakeo was rushed to a hospital -- but multiple sources tell us he died from his injuries.
There are reports he was stabbed in the neck, but we haven't confirmed that yet.
We're told cops are investigating and will try to interview all artists and their entourages who were in the area when the fight started.
After the fight and Drakeo's stabbing, concert organizers shut down the festival -- so headliners like Snoop and 50 Cent never even took the stage.
Originally Published -- 4:11 AM PT
related articles
Mexican Boxer Gilberto Ramirez Wearing Vicente Fernandez Tribute Shoes ... For Gonzalez Fight
-
Exclusive
- 102 shares
Mexican boxer Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez tells TMZ Sports he'll be honoring the late Vicente Fernandez during his fight tonight ... by rocking some custom tribute shoes and playing the singer's music in the arena.
The 30-year-old is set to scrap with Yunieski Gonzalez at AT&T Center in San Antonio later today ... and he tells us he's going to do everything in his power to make sure Fernandez's presence is felt.
Ramirez says on one of his shoes there will be an image of Vicente ... and when he walks out to the ring for his match, he'll play "El Rey."
"He was a legend," Ramirez said of Fernandez this week ... "It's sad for his family, for everyone too because everyone knew about Chente."
"It's really sad that he just passed away."
Ramirez said he grew up listening to Fernandez ... and had artist Ali Gonzalez add the Fernandez imagery to his shoes shortly after the singer's death earlier this month.
"Since Zurdo is gonna be going to war," Ali said, "we decided to commemorate the great legend, Vicente Fernandez."
related articles
Kim Potter Breaks Down on Stand ... Details Shooting & Killing Daunte Wright
2:51 PM PT -- The legal team for Wright's family tells us, "Daunte Wright's killing at Potter's hands was absolutely preventable. The argument that she mistook her firearm for her taser is simply beyond comprehension and a damning indictment of both her and the Brooklyn Center Police Department's practices and training protocols."
Kim Potter -- the MN cop on trial for shooting and killing Daunte Wright -- just broke down during her testimony about the second she realized what she had done.
An emotional Potter was questioned Friday on exactly what happened in the moments leading up to Wright's death. Potter has maintained she thought she was pulling out her taser, when in fact, it was her gun.
4/11/21
Fighting back tears, she told the court, "I remember yelling Taser, Taser, Taser and nothing happened. And then, he told me I shot him."
By the end of the sentence, Potter was sobbing, and grabbing for tissues.
Potter's been charged with manslaughter for Wright's death, which happened back in April. Bodycam showed the exchange between Potter and 20-year-old Wright -- who was trying to drive away from cops after officers stopped him on a weapons possession warrant.
Originally Published -- 11:55 AM PT
related articles
Glenn Foster Ben Crump Says Evidence Shows Ex-NFLer Was Choked ... Before In-Custody Death
-
Breaking News
- 103 shares
Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump says evidence shows ex-NFL defensive lineman Glenn Foster was choked before he died in police custody earlier this month.
The renowned lawyer made the claim in a statement Friday ... saying an independent autopsy revealed that Foster's body showed "some evidence of neck compressions and strangulation."
Crump said he and medical experts believe it all reveals that Foster did not die of "natural causes" on Dec. 6 ... just two days after he was arrested in Alabama on Dec. 4.
"As we continue to investigate the case," Crump said, "we are learning that Mr. Foster's death in Pickens County appears to be part of a disturbing trend of Black men dying while in the custody of the Pickens County Sheriff's Office."
NEWS ALERT: @AttorneyCrump and co-counsel Diandra “Fu” Debrosse Zimmermann and Robert F. “Bobby” DiCello have released a statement on the preliminary findings of the independent autopsy of Glenn Foster Jr. pic.twitter.com/ezay4XHign
— Ben Crump Law, PLLC (@BenCrumpLaw) December 17, 2021 @BenCrumpLaw
"Keeping people in your custody alive is literally the lowest bar we can set for a law enforcement agency," Crump added, "and is something that the Pickens County Sheriff's Office failed to do."
"Pickens County owes the family the truth relating to Mr. Foster's tragic death."
Law enforcement officials have been mum about the details surrounding Foster's passing ... with reps from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency only saying that Foster did, in fact, die while in police custody.
"Nothing further is available as the investigation is ongoing," officials said in a statement the day after Foster's death.
We've reached out to the ALEA for comment on Crump's claims ... but so far, no word back yet.
Foster -- who signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and played two seasons for the team -- was just 31 years old.
His funeral has been set for Saturday in Louisiana.
related articles
Young Dolph Murder Case Feds Leaning on Informants ... No Solid Suspects Yet
-
Exclusive
- 3K shares
Federal agents investigating Young Dolph's murder are hoping their informants can help them crack the case ... but so far, the information provided hasn't led to any suspects or arrests.
Sources with direct knowledge of the investigation tell TMZ ... federal agents recently interviewed informants about Dolph's shooting death in Memphis, resulting in a few new leads.
While we're told there are no solid suspects yet, the feds are hoping the information gleaned from their informants will lead them in the right direction to eventually make a probable cause arrest.
11/17/21
Meanwhile, investigators from the Memphis Police Department are also probing the case and talking to their sources on the street.
Memphis PD Sgt. Louis Brownlee tells TMZ ... cops have received quite a few tips on Young Dolph's murder, and while investigators have followed up on that info, there hasn't been anything to lead to an arrest.
As we reported, Young Dolph was gunned down last month while he was inside a Memphis cookie shop, with 2 masked gunmen being caught on surveillance footage before they fled in a getaway car.
related articles
Andrés Meléndez MLB Minor Leaguer Dead At 20 ... Cleveland Guardians Prospect
-
Breaking News
- 81 shares
Andrés Meléndez -- a catcher prospect in the Cleveland Guardians' minor league system -- died on Thursday in Florida ... the team announced.
He was only 20 years old.
The Guardians did not reveal a cause of death ... but said the passing was "sudden."
"The Cleveland Guardians are saddened to share Andrés Meléndez passed away suddenly this afternoon," the team said in a statement Thursday night. "Meléndez is remembered by his teammates and friends as a positive, respectful and thoughtful young man with a beautiful smile who had a profound impact on others."
"He will be greatly missed."
I never thought I would be saying these words but RIP mi hermano. Anyone who knew or played with Andres saw the joy he brought everyday. He was always bringing positive energy to the field and locker room. He was a fantastic teammate and an even better person. Love you Andres. pic.twitter.com/bN1YpCtXU5
— Josh Wolf (@JoshWolf30) December 17, 2021 @JoshWolf30
Meléndez initially signed with the Milwaukee Brewers' organization as an international free agent in 2017 ... but was later traded to the Guardians in 2019.
In his first season at the Low-A level of the minor leagues this year, Meléndez hit 8 home runs and batted .247 -- and was just beginning to gain notoriety with the Guardians' affiliate, the Lynchburg Hillcats.
"We join the Cleveland Guardians in mourning the untimely loss of Andrés Meléndez, a former player in the Brewers organization," the Milwaukee Brewers said in a statement Thursday night, "and offer the friends, family and teammates of Andrés our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time."
Meléndez's Hillcats teammate, pitcher Josh Wolf, mourned the loss shortly after the tragic news was announced ... saying the catcher was "always bringing positive energy to the field and locker room."
"He was a fantastic teammate and an even better person," Wolf added. "Love you Andres."
RIP
related articles
Travis Scott Astroworld Victims Died from Asphyxia ... Medical Examiner Report Released
-
Exclusive
- 12.6K shares
The 10 people killed at Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival all suffocated to death in a crowd surge that crushed their lungs, according to the medical examiner.
The info, released more than a month after the Houston tragedy lists each of the ten victims' cause of death as "compression asphyxia." The report states each victim was pronounced dead at local hospitals. Only one of the ten had a "contributory cause" to his death of the combined toxic effects of cocaine, methamphetamine and ethanol.
Of course, the investigation of what failures led to those deaths continues. As we reported, the Astroworld stage started to be torn down Wednesday, 40 days after the concert ended.
As you know, Travis, Live Nation and other promoters are facing billions of dollars in litigation for negligence and wrongful death.
TMZ broke the story, Travis has teamed up with government officials over the last few weeks to organize a safety report for city officials across the country to use moving forward when planning large-scale music events.
Families of the victims from the show have mostly positioned their anger toward Travis, refusing his help even after he and his team had offered to help pay for funeral costs.
It remains to be seen when Travis will return to the stage next, but reports say he's already been pulled from Coachella.
related articles
Nick Cannon 'Asked God for Strength' ... Opens Up About Son's Death
Nick Cannon is on a long road to healing following the death of his 5-month-old son, Zen, who died of a malignant brain tumor earlier this month.
The "Wild 'N Out" star told folks on the "Today" show that he relied on his faith to get him through this tough time, saying, "I'm optimistic in finding the purpose through all of the pain."
As you may recall, Nick broke the devastating news on "The Nick Cannon Show" at the beginning of this month, getting very emotional talking about the final days of his son's life. Prior to that, Nick and Alyssa Scott had kept their son's health issues private.
When asked how he's doing now, Nick says he is taking it only 5 minutes at a time... "I'm so used to being upbeat and outspoken ... this was probably the most delicate and the most precious thing I've ever had to talk about."
Nick says before his diagnosis, he initially thought Zen had a minor sinus problem.
As far as mama Alyssa, Nick says he is "in awe" of her strength while dealing with such a tough loss, after carrying the baby for 9 months. He says that he tries to be there for her, but sometimes all they can do is "connect through prayer."
As we previously told you, Nick got a tattoo of his son and says that's only the beginning of what he plans to do to make sure Zen is always by his side.
Nick said he asked God for the miracle of strength and to find a peace that surpasses all understanding during this time.
related articles
O.J. Simpson Hope H'wood Shuns Him Post-Parole!!! Says Nicole Brown's Sister
-
Exclusive
- 3.2K shares
The Juice is officially loose now that he's off parole early, and one person who isn't very happy about it is the sister of his slain ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson.
O.J. Simpson being released into society without a parole officer's supervision is a huge downer for Tanya Brown, who tells TMZ ... the guy doesn't deserve a second chance -- especially not in Hollywood, where she thinks he'll attempt a professional comeback.
Tanya says she usually believes most folks oughta get a shot at redemption, but for her, O.J.'s not in that category -- not only because he was found liable for killing her sister, but also because she says he hasn't shown any remorse whatsoever.
He also hasn't done much to show he's changed, according to Tanya ... who insists Simpson probably doesn't think he's done anything wrong.
It's because of his enormous ego that Tanya believes he will beeline it for Tinseltown -- but she's praying L.A. power players will continue to shun him ... just like they did in the wake of his 1995 acquittal.
While Tanya says she has no control over who embraces him, she's really hoping Hollywood elites don't even think of welcoming him back ... but the cynic in her is sorta doubtful.
In Tanya's eyes, L.A. has a bad rep when it comes to honoring women ... and she tells us she wouldn't be surprised if they take O.J. in with open arms. That'd be a true shame, according to her, because she says O.J. not only killed Nicole but mistreated her well before that ... citing multiple reported incidents of abuse.
Bottom line ... if O.J. shows up in town and isn't run back out, she'll never set foot here again.
related articles
Travis Scott Leading Effort to Fix Concert Safety ... Joining Music, Safety & Government Leaders
-
Exclusive
- 1.2K shares
Travis Scott is getting to work to ensure an event like the Astroworld tragedy never happens again, joining leaders from government and music in a first of its kind initiative ... TMZ has learned.
Sources with direct knowledge tell us Travis has spent the last few weeks meeting with leaders from The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) -- a group that represents the interests of more than 1,400 cities across the country.
We're told the goal is to form a committee made up of members of government, public safety, emergency response, health care event management, music and technology -- and create a safety report for future shows to follow and ensure safety and security.
We've obtained an outline of the group's goals, which also states it will "aggressively focus on new technologies and innovations that offer ways to address these challenges."
Outside of Travis, the report will be led by the Chair of the Conference's Tourism, Art, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee and Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve.
You'll remember, it was during Travis' first interview since Astroworld last week when he told Charlamagne Tha God he felt it was his responsibility to fix things moving forward and to be sure something like the Houston tragedy never happened again.
Of course, the interview was not met well by some of the families of the 10 victims who lost their lives at the festival. Valerie Cortinas Fisher, the attorney for the family of 23-year-old Rudy Peña said despite what Travis thought, the interview didn't heal anyone -- telling us anyone can act sorry on camera -- but it's the action after that counts.
However, it appears with the new committee Travis is doing more than just talking.
related articles
'90 Day Fiance' Jason Hitch Dead at 45 from COVID
-
Exclusive
- 3.4K shares
Jason Hitch, who was a pivotal part of season 2 of "90 Day Fiancé" has died after complications from COVID-19 ... TMZ has learned.
Jason's sister, Shannon tells us he passed away Tuesday night inside the ICU of a Florida hospital. We're told Jason's family was able to be with him when he died and held his hand in his final moments. Shannon says Jason was not vaccinated and did not have preexisting medical conditions, to the family's knowledge.
Hitch died from complications of COVID-19 and perhaps other factors, Shannon says.
Jason appeared on season 2 of the show in 2014 and was married to Cássia Tavares -- a Brazilian woman who had moved to the United States to be with Jason -- they separated in 2017 and filed for divorce in 2018.
Jason was a first lieutenant in the Army reserves in Florida. Shannon tells us he was a "true and honest shooter, a great officer and leader to his men."
Jason was 45.
RIP
related articles
Young Dolph Partner, Mia, Speaks at Street Sign Unveiling Love Your Family, Violence Isn't the Way
Young Dolph was just honored in Memphis with a street naming, a ceremony that featured some touching words from his longtime partner, who hopes violence in the community slows.
Mia Jaye was on hand Wednesday for the unveiling of Adolph "Young Dolph" Thornton Jr. Avenue -- the new road in town that'll now honor his memory. With her two children by her side, MJ eulogized the late rapper ... singing his praises and the impact he left on her kids.
Mia said Dolph served as a good role model and father figure for the couple's son, while also treating his little girl like a queen ... and she says she hopes that's the legacy that he's remembered for, one of family and community.
Another point Mia made was Dolph behind the scenes of his rap career was a kind and gentle person.
Mia wants Dolph's death to serve as a reminder that Black men deserve to live, grow old and care for their families. Mia says the street sign should serve as a symbol for that message.
Councilwoman Martavius Jones and Councilman JB Smiley Jr., were among the group of local politicians at the ceremony.
Dolph was shot and killed last month in broad daylight. His murder investigation is currently underway ... but no suspects have been apprehended yet. He was 36.
RIP