Kelis Husband Mike Mora Dead at 37 ... From Stomach Cancer

Published

Mike Mora, who married Kelis 8 years ago, is dead after a battle with stomach cancer.

A rep for Mike, who was a professional photographer, confirmed the death which comes 6 months after he learned of his cancer diagnosis.

Mike and Kelis had secretly tied the knot back in 2014, and had 2 children together -- 6-year-old son, Shepherd, and 1-year old daughter, Galilee.

In January 2020, they moved away from L.A. with plans to build a home, and a life on a farm outside the city -- but, shortly after the move Mike began experiencing "the worst pain" in his stomach.

He revealed his stage 4 cancer diagnosis back in September, saying ... "I thought the whole time that I just had an ulcer. With no idea what was about to come my way."

He told his followers his symptoms started one year ago, before he had been diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma -- and said doctors had given him only 18 months to live.

In another post, he said ... "I never thought this could happen to me. At just 36, with 3 kiddos, and a wife that loves me. I want to be able to help those that might experience something, maybe, hopefully. By showing that it’s possible to make it through."

Mike was 37 when he passed.

RIP

WWE Legend Scott Hall Dead At 63 ... After Being Taken Off Life Support

Published | Updated

WWE legend Scott Hall has passed away following complications from a recent surgery, sources tell TMZ Sports. He was 63 years old.

As we previously reported, Hall -- AKA Razor Ramon -- was placed on life support after experiencing serious medical issues related to a procedure on a broken hip ... suffering three heart attacks on Saturday.

Hall's good friend and fellow wrestler Kevin Nash said the family intended to take the legend off life support once his loved ones were able to say goodbye one last time ... and on Monday night, he was pronounced dead.

Hall kickstarted his career with the National Wrestling Alliance in 1984 ... and went on to make a name for himself with World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Federation in the 1990s.

Hall is well-known for his signature toothpick throw ... which was a fan-favorite move over the years. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014.

Hall's biggest match came against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania X ... in a ladder match for the Intercontinental title.

Hall -- alongside Nash and Hulk Hogan -- co-founded the New World Order in 1996 ... becoming a massive success in the industry. The group reunited in 2015 ... taking the stage at WrestleMania 31.

The nWo was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020.

RIP.

UPDATE

10:39 AM PT -- Dr. David Abbasi, orthopedic surgeon, who works as a ringside physician at MMA and boxing matches made a video explaining the medical issues that did -- or may have -- resulted in the tragic death of wresting legend Scott Hall.

UPDATE

WWE Legend Scott Hall Taken Off Life Support ... Still Fighting

Published | Updated
UPDATE

1:48 PM PT -- Wrestling star Shawn "X-Pac" Waltman -- who fought alongside Hall in the nWo -- just confirmed his friend has been taken off life support ... but is still fighting for his life.

UPDATE

Wrestling insider Dave Meltzer reported Hall was taken off life support earlier on Monday ... and it would be a "miracle" if he survives.

The family of Scott Hall -- the wrestling legend who was one of the famous founding members of the NWO -- will "discontinue" his life support on Monday ... his good friend Kevin Nash announced.

Nash, who wrestled with Hall in the WCW and helped form the NWO with the 63-year-old in the late 1990s, said doctors will end Hall's life support "once his family is in place" later Monday.

"I'm going to lose the one person on this planet I've spent more of my life with than anyone else," Nash wrote on his social media page late Sunday night.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"My heart is broken and I'm so very f***ing sad. I love Scott with all my heart but now I have to prepare my life without him in the present."

Hall was put on life support following complications from a procedure to fix a broken hip he injured in a recent fall. According to PW Torch, Hall suffered three heart attacks while trying to recover from the surgery in the hospital on Saturday night.

Nash was emotional in his post announcing the sad news ... saying, "As we prepare for life without him just remember there goes a great guy you ain't going to see another one like him again."

"See Ya down the road Scott," Nash added. "I couldn't love a human being any more than I do you."

Originally Published -- 5:49 AM PT

Ukraine President Zelensky Sends Letter to Fam of U.S. Journo Killed in Conflict We Are 'Mourning With You'

Published | Updated

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is showing once again why he's being hailed as an exceptional leader at an impossible time for his country ... offering condolences to the family of a U.S. journalist killed during the conflict.

On Sunday, it was announced Brent Renaud, an acclaimed filmmaker and former NY Times journalist, was shot and killed in Ukraine after Russian forces allegedly opened fire on his vehicle. It's been reported he was gathering information for a report on refugees.

A letter, sent from Zelensky to Renaud's family reads, "A talented and brave journalist, Brent lost his life while documenting human tragedy, devastation and suffering of the millions of Ukrainians. With all his courage and determination, he traveled to the most dangerous war zones to film the unprecedented ruthlessness and evil, also inflicted upon our nation by the aggressor state."

Zelensky continues, "The people of Ukraine, who are fighting against the Russian regime to defend their Homeland and democracy in the world, are mourning with you."

As for some of his other accomplishments -- Renaud's "Last Chance High" on HBO was a series that profiled at-risk youth on Chicago's West Side ... the series went on to win a Peabody Award.

In finishing his letter, Zelensky says, "May Brent's life, service and sacrifice inspire generations of people all around the world to stand up in fight for the forces of light against forces of darkness."

Ukraine Pregnant Woman & Baby Die ... Maternity Ward Bombed

Published

A pregnant woman and her baby were killed when Russian forces bombed a maternity ward in Ukraine last week -- and the images of the destruction are shocking.

The expecting mother -- who has gone unidentified -- lost her life last Wednesday shortly after her child was delivered via emergency C-section following an airstrike that rained down on a hospital in Mariupol, which treated some soon-to-be moms.

Unfortunately, shortly after the newborn was delivered, it was declared dead. While everything was going on, the expectant mother realized she might lose her baby and reportedly cried out ... "Kill me now!"

After the baby died, medics attempted to save the woman, but after 30 minutes she succumbed to her injuries.

It's just a snapshot of the horror being inflicted in Ukraine right now -- highlighting that the most vulnerable of people are being targeted and killed in this ongoing war.

BTW, the moment this woman was being rushed out of the destroyed hospital on a stretcher was captured on video by AP reporters ... and it's incredibly difficult to watch.

The woman appears pale as volunteers run to try to get her to safety. She's bleeding from the waist down and seems completely out of it as she stares off into space. Unclear how many months along she was, but she appeared to be in at least the 2nd trimester.

As far as what Russia is saying about this ... they're claiming they bombed this hospital because it was being used as a hideout for Ukrainian extremists -- also insisting that no patients or medics were left inside. Clearly, that's BS.

The war is going into its third week now ... with no end in sight. Russia is moving in on Kyiv, but Ukrainian soldiers are holding them back as best they can ... for now.

Jason 'White Chocolate' Williams Retracts Kobe Bryant Comments ... He Is 'The Greatest Laker Ever'

Published

Jason "White Chocolate" Williams felt the heat for saying Kobe Bryant is not a top-five all-time Laker -- and, now, he's retracting his statement, officially deeming the Black Mamba L.A.'s G.O.A.T.

The former point guard says he misunderstood the question on the "Players Choice" podcast last week when he said he was "not sure" if Bryant was a top-five Laker.

"In the conversation you all heard," Williams said in a lengthy post on his social media page Sunday, "my thinking was that we were talking about ALL the greatest NBA players EVER who wore the Laker purple and gold jersey for at least ONE season."

"I wasn’t talking about the greatest LAKER ever… because of course that’s Kobe!!! Kobe IS the Lakers!!! 💛💜"

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

In other words ... Williams says he thought the question was strictly from a basketball standpoint -- NOT what each player actually meant to the franchise.

In his IG statement, Williams explained he believes Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James are better hoopers than Bryant, but they don't mean nearly as much to L.A. as Kobe.

"My bad if I've hurt any of y’all feelings, it’s just my opinion!!!" Williams said. "I love this game and I respect this game!! It has nothing to do with Kobe bustin my team’s ass just about every time we played them either."

Seems Laker Nation -- which includes John Salley, who told us last week he definitely disagreed with JW -- will be happy with the retraction now.

William Hurt Dead at 71

Published | Updated

William Hurt -- an Oscar-winning actor with a long tenure in Hollywood -- has died.

His son, Will, made the sad announcement Sunday -- telling Deadline ... "It is with great sadness that the Hurt family mourns the passing of William Hurt, beloved father and Oscar winning actor, on March 13, 2022, one week before his 72nd birthday."

Will adds of his father's passing ... "He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes. The family requests privacy at this time."

Like we said, Hurt was a bit of a chameleon of an actor ... able to portray several different types of characters in a range of genres -- from comedy to drama to science fiction, and everything in between. He might best be remembered for his Academy Award-winning role in 1985's "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

The guy was on a roll in the '80s when it came to noteworthy parts -- in addition to 'Spider Woman,' he was also nominated for Oscars for his work in 'Children of a Lesser God' and 'Broadcast News.' Other flicks from that era he starred in include 'The Big Chill,' 'Gorky Park,' 'A Time of Destiny,' 'The Accidental Tourist,' 'Body Heat,' and more.

The '90s gave Hurt even more shine ... he acted in a ton of cult classics like 'Mr. Wonderful,' 'Alice,' 'Lost in Space,' 'One True Thing,' 'Jane Eyre,' 'Dark City,' 'The Doctor' and 'The 4th Floor,' among others. Going into the new century, Hurt kept on cranking out great performances -- some standouts that come to mind ... 'A History of Violence,' 'The Incredible Hulk,' 'The Village,' 'The King,' 'Mr. Brooks,' 'Syriana,' 'Vantage Point,' 'Changing Lanes' ... and many, many other huge movies.

Hurt's TV game was quite strong too ... he'd acted in hit shows like 'The King of Queens,' 'Goliath,' 'Condor,' 'Damages,' 'Dune,' 'Beowulf,' and others. He was in the middle of production for a new series called 'Pantheon,' and also starred in the new fantasy movie 'The King's Daughter.'

Hurt had previously been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer, but seemed to be on the road to recovery some years ago as he tried new treatments out of Berkeley that were touted as side-effect-free at the time.

He leaves behind four children from different relationships. Hurt was 71.

RIP

Traci Braxton Dead at 50 From Cancer

Published | Updated
UPDATE

9:30 AM PT -- Toni Braxton took to Instagram and penned a heartfelt message saying ... "It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci. Needless to say, she was a bright light, a wonderful daughter, an amazing sister, a loving mother, wife, grandmother and a respected performer. We will miss her dearly."

UPDATE

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Traci Braxton, the sister of Toni Braxton, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Traci's Husband Kevin Surratt tells TMZ ... "We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatment for Esophageal cancer our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory."

We're told Traci's sisters, mom and friends were by her side when she passed.

Traci appeared on the family's reality show, "Braxton Family Values." She was an actress, best known for "Sinners Wanted." She also appeared in "There's a Stranger in my House" and "Chaaw." She recorded a hit song, "Last Call," that rose to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. She also recorded "Broken Things" featuring her sisters, Toni, Towanda and Trina.

As you know, Traci has famous sisters ... Toni, Towanda, Tamar and Trina.

The family has experienced other recent tragedies. Her niece, Lauren Braxton, died from a heroin and fentanyl OD back in 2019 at age 24.

031222_traci_braxton_last_time_kal 4/10/19
LAST TIME WE SAW HER ...

The last time we saw Traci she was joking and laughing with our cameras on the streets of NYC in April 2019.

Traci leaves a husband, Kevin Surratt and a child.

She was 50.

RIP

Originally Published -- 7:41 AM PT

'BACHELORETTE' ALUM CLINT ARLIS Died By Suicide

Published | Updated

Clint Arlis, one of the contestants on season 11 of "The Bachelorette," died by suicide ... TMZ has confirmed.

According to the coroner's report, obtained by TMZ, cops found Clint dead in his parent's Illinois home back in January, he was found hanging in a bedroom closet.

The report says officers found a note left behind on Clint's bedroom dresser ... and his parents told investigators he had been experiencing paranoia and thought people were watching him.

According to the docs, Clint's parents told police his struggles with paranoia began after he had a legal issue with a friend, and he had recently moved back with his parents to get back on his feet after having some difficulties living on his own in Texas.

Page Six was first to report the cause of death.

The report says Clint's parents also told investigators he was having relationship issues with his girlfriend of 4 years ... and he was taking experimental medications as part of a clinical trial for alopecia, with his dosage increasing.

As we reported ... Clint's sister broke the news of his death back in January, but at the time, there was no cause of death.

It's heartbreaking ... the docs say Clint's father told cops he was the one who found Clint hanged in the closet, with the dad searching the house for his son when Clint didn't come downstairs in the morning.

Clint, who was only 34, competed against Nick Viall on 'Bachelorette' is remembered for his slogan ... "Villains gotta vill."

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.

Cat-Tastrophe Two Death Row Dogs Spared ... After Alleged Cat Killing

Published | Updated

Two dogs have been sprung from death row after allegedly killing a neighbor's cat ... this after a legal battle that lasted more than a year.

A 2-year-old pit bull named Odin, and a 6-year-old Akita mix named Lucy were caught back in January 2021 next to a dead cat named Big Boy. Animal control officers came and took the dogs to a shelter, and began legal proceedings to euthanize the pooches.

The dogs owners, Nola Lowman and her son, William Dillon Jr., hired lawyers ... who argued Odin and Lucy just came upon the cat and the probability was that a coyote killed the feline.

They pointed to not just one but 4 cat attacks in the area ... which suggested a serial animal killer was on the loose.

Authorities didn't see it their way, and ruled the 2 dogs were considered "vicious." That's a critical word, because under Maryland law animals that are labeled "vicious" must be euthanized.

According to The Washington Post, the dogs were impounded for more than a year, as lawyers racked up a $25,000 bill trying to appeal the decision.

A few weeks ago, a judge reversed the death sentence, saying the dogs had no history of aggressiveness. The judge didn't find the dogs innocent ... rather, the label "vicious" was replaced with the label "dangerous."

So, the 2 danger dogs have been spared and are back at home.

Jerry Jones Longtime Assistant & 'Best Friend' Dies ... 'She Has Been My Rock'

Published

Jerry Jones' longtime assistant, Marylyn Love, passed away this week ... and the Dallas Cowboys owner said he's devastated over the death, calling her his "best friend."

The team and Jones announced the sad news in a statement Thursday ... with Jerry saying he's flat-out heartbroken over it all.

"Marylyn has been by my side, she has been my rock, my voice, my calm in the storm for more than 40 years," Jones said ... "She was our foundation."

Jones said Love left a law firm in Oklahoma decades ago to become the Cowboys owner's assistant -- and the 79-year-old added that she helped form the Cowboys' org. from the beginning.

"Marylyn helped shape this franchise as one of very few people who have been with me and my family since Day 1," Jones said.

"Marlyn was not only my executive assistant, but she was my advisor, my confidant, my best friend and a cherished member of our family."

Her impact was so great on the team, former Cowboys star Deion Sanders actually shouted her out in his Hall of Fame acceptance speech back in 2011 -- calling her Jones' "greatest cover corner in the NFL."

Jones said he and the team are all mourning her passing "together with her family."

RIP

Ex-MLB Pitcher Odalis Perez Dead At 44 ... After Apparent Fall From Ladder

Published | Updated

Tragic news in the baseball world ... former MLB pitcher Odalis Perez died on Thursday night after he apparently fell off a ladder in his home.

He was just 44 years old.

Perez's attorney, Walin Batista, confirmed the news to ESPN ... explaining Perez's family believes the former Los Angeles Dodger slipped down a ladder in the Dominican Republic.

"Around 7 p.m., his brother Cristian Perez arrived at the house and found Odalis lying in the patio," Batista told the outlet. "We don't know yet the cause of his death, but everything seems to indicate Odalis slipped down a ladder. This is a tragedy."

The Dodgers and the Nationals -- two of Perez's former teams -- both mourned Perez's passing on social media on Thursday night ... with both organizations sending their condolences to the former left-handed pitcher's family and friends.

Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero also expressed sadness over the news in an emotional tweet.

"I keep the memories of the moments we were able to share," Vlad said. "May God take you to a good place."

Perez made his debut in the Big Leagues with the Atlanta Braves in 1998 ... and he went on to play 10 more years in The Show for the Dodgers, Royals and Nationals.

He ended his career with a 73-82 record, a 4.46 ERA and 920 strikeouts in 1,335 innings pitched.

'Sesame Street' Emilio Delgado Dead at 81 ... Played Luis for 40 Years

Published | Updated

Emilio Delgado -- the actor best known, and beloved, for his role as Luis on "Sesame Street" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Delgado's wife, Carol, tells TMZ he passed away Thursday surrounded by family at his home in NYC. We're told Emilio had recently been in hospice care ... he was diagnosed with the blood cancer Multiple myeloma in December 2020.

Carol says Emilio was still a working actor right up until the pandemic -- playing the lead in "Quixote Nuevo" -- a theater production that had a 3-city run before things were shut down. He also recently did some voiceover work in January 2022.

The beloved Mexican-American actor was a pioneer in children's television, playing Luis, the 'Fix-It Shop' owner for a total of 40 years on the 'Street.' He took a brief hiatus from the show in the late 80s, but returned within a year.

He also performed in live theater throughout his career -- including some "Sesame Street" stage productions -- and has appeared at various conventions over the years.

Emilio was 81.

RIP

Russian War Identity of Ukrainian Family Killed by Russian Missile Revealed

Published | Updated

This ghastly image is swirling around the world, bringing home the horrors of Putin's war.

We can now put faces to the innocent civilians who were killed by Russian mortar fire as they tried to escape Irpin, Ukraine.

Tatiana Perebeinis was the chief accountant for SE Ranking ... it's a Silicon Valley startup which has a large presence in Kyiv. The 43-year-old mother of 2 died, alongside her daughter, Alise, 9, and son Nikita, 18.

Tatiana's husband, Sergii Perebeinis, was not with his family when they were killed. He posted on Facebook, "Trying to hold on but it's really hard." He said the family dogs were also killed in the attack.

It's heartbreak heaped on heartbreak ... their funerals are on hold because the morgues in the city are all filled to capacity.

The family's apartment building was bombed the day before Tatiana and her kids were slaughtered on the street by Russian force.

Tatiana's company issued a statement, saying she was "a very friendly, brave, courageous woman with a great sense of humor. She always cheered everyone around her up. She was truly like a big sister to all of us."

Her son was supposed to attend a university this year. He was required to stay in Ukraine ... 18 to 60-year-old men cannot leave the country.

Hopefully, these images will find their way to the Russian people, so they can see for themselves how their leader is destroying Ukraine, killing civilians and committing war crime after war crime.

Heath Freeman 'Bones' Actor's Autopsy ... Shows Overdose on Several Drugs

Published

"Bones" actor Heath Freeman died from an overdose of multiple opioids and narcotics, including fentanyl and cocaine ... according to the medical examiner's report.

Heath was found dead in his Austin, TX home last November, and the Travis County Medical Examiner says he had a lethal cocktail of booze and several drugs. Specifically, the report says fentanyl, cocaine, hydrocodone, oxycodone and alprazolam (generic Xanax) were in his system. The manner of death is listed as an accident.

According to the report, he was found unresponsive in his bed ... after apparently partying very hard the night before.

Heath was pronounced dead at the scene, and the report notes cops found oxy and alprazolam pills in his home.

Freeman was featured on a number of shows during his career -- like "ER," 'NCIS,' and "The Closer" -- but he's best known for playing Howard Epps ... a recurring character for 3 years on "Bones."

Ukrainian Soldiers Emotions Pour Out in Funeral Service ... As Death Toll Rises

Published | Updated

A heart-wrenching, and far too common scene, in Ukraine ... 2 soldiers killed while trying to fend off the Russians were laid to rest, and their friends and family could not hold back their emotions.

The funeral service for the soldiers -- only identified as 44-year-old Victor and 25-year-old Ivan -- commenced Tuesday. The servicemen were buried at the Lychakiv Cemetery, where loved ones gathered to say their final farewells and their grief is evident in these images.

Several mourners were down on their knees next to the gravesites ... sobbing and wiping away tears as they laid flowers atop the caskets.

An estimated 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in less than 2 weeks of war against the Russian invaders -- and nearly 500 civilians are confirmed dead.

As Vladimir Putin has vowed to continue the assault until Russia captures all of Ukraine ... the nation's soldiers -- and their families -- are sadly gathering more and more to salute fallen heroes.