RIP

Kyle Anderson -- one of the best dart throwers in the world -- has died at just 33 years old ... the Professional Darts Corporation confirmed Monday.

"We send our condolences and best wishes to Kyle's family and friends at this terribly sad time, particularly his wife and children," PDC president Barry Hearn said in a statement.

"He was a popular player on the tour and his talent and dedication made him an inspiration to other players around the world."

No cause of death has been released.

Anderson has been throwing darts competitively for decades ... and competed in SEVEN total World Championships -- and famously won the Auckland Darts Masters in 2017.

Darts players from around the globe expressed sadness over his death Monday ... with legend Phil Taylor writing on social media, "What terrible news to wake up to what a nice friendly man."

"@KyleDarts RIP pal. Thoughts go to all your family."

Added fellow PDC star Simon Whitlock, "Totally gutted to wake to the terrible news about Kyle. Not only a brilliant player but a very nice man."

"Many times I played against him and loved playing with him. You will be missed Kyle but never forgotten -- tragic."

Vanessa Bryant is honoring Kobe Bryant on his 43rd birthday by posting a heartfelt message to her late husband ... saying she will love him forever.

The tributes have been pouring in for the NBA legend on Monday ... with the Lakers, Carmelo Anthony, Russell Wilson and more sharing messages of love.

Vanessa shared a picture of the couple kissing and posing with the Larry O'Brien trophy after winning one of his 5 championships on Instagram just minutes ago ... saying, "Happy birthday, Papi. Te Amo por siempre. Amor Eterno. ❤️💔 43."

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, passed away in a tragic helicopter crash in January 2020 ... and Vanessa has previously opened up on the "unimaginable" pain she's gone through since the accident.

"Lying in bed crying isn't going to change the fact that my family will never be the same again," Vanessa told People.com back in March ... "But getting out of bed and pushing forward is going to make the day better for my girls and for me. So that's what I do."

Former NHL winger Jimmy Hayes -- who played for several teams including the Chicago Blackhawks -- has died ... his alma mater, Boston College, announced on Monday.

He was just 31 years old.

No other details surrounding the former NHL player's death were given.

"Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes," B.C. officials said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family."

Hayes -- who was picked in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft -- made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks in 2011.

He went on to play 7 seasons in the league ... logging ice time for the 'Hawks, Panthers, Bruins and Devils. He finished his career with 54 total goals scored.

Hayes' younger brother, Kevin Hayes, is currently a member of the Philadelphia Flyers.

#RIP

Don Everly, the last remaining member of The Everly Brothers -- the duo that had a profound influence on numerous groups including The Beatles -- has died.

Don passed away Saturday at his home in Nashville. The cause of death is not yet known.

The Everly Brothers had a string of huge hits, beginning with "Bye Bye Love" in 1957, and then "All I Have to Do Is Dream," "When Will I Be Loved," "Wake Up Little Susie," "Cathy's Clown," and more.

Don and Phil had flawless harmony, and it not only resonated with consumers, it became a template for numerous bands and groups, including The Beatles, The Mamas and the Papas,  Simon and Garfunkel, the Hollies, and more.

Phil died in 2014 of pulmonary disease.

The Everly Bros. toured with the likes of Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and many other early rockers who cemented the genre.

The duo was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 1986 ... well deserved.

His family said, "Don lived by what he felt in his heart. Don expressed his appreciation for the ability to live his dreams … with his soulmate and wife, Adela, and sharing the music that made him an Everly Brother."

Don is survived by his wife, his mother and his 4 children.

He was 84.

A 19-year-old soccer player from Afghanistan's youth national team has been identified as one of the people who tragically fell from a U.S. military aircraft on Monday at Kabul airport, authorities confirm.

"It is with great sadness that Zaki Anwari, one of the players of the national junior football team of the country, died in a bad accident," The General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports of Afghanistan said on Thursday.

"The late Anwari among hundreds of young people who wanted to leave the country, fell down in an accident from the air."

Video footage from the chaos shows people frantically hanging on to a C-17 aircraft at the Kabul airport as hundreds tried to escape after the Taliban takeover.

Several people managed to hang on to the plane during takeoff before falling to their deaths ... and Anwari was apparently one of the victims.

"May he rest in heaven and pray to God for his family, friends and sports colleagues," the General Directorate added.

Crushing news from Gary Player ... the golf legend has announced his wife of 64 years has died from cancer.

The 3-time Masters champ announced the horrible news on his social media page Wednesday ... saying, "The unthinkable has happened."

"My childhood sweetheart, my rock, and my soulmate Vivienne has lost her battle with pancreatic cancer," Player said.

"I cannot describe the deep sense of sadness I feel at having lost the one person who has always meant the world to me."

Player explained he met Vivienne when he was 14 years old ... and called it "love at first sight."

The two eventually got married in 1957.

"She fully supported my career and raised our six children almost single-handedly while I was touring the world playing golf," Player said. "She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a wonderful human being who cared so deeply for others and lived her life in service to others."

The 85-year-old golfer continued, "Vivienne taught me the value of love, faith and trust. She taught our children those same values, and they were blessed to have a mother who lived those values every single day."

Travis Barker had a momentous day ... flying for the first time since the deadly plane crash 13 years ago that killed 4 people and left him with third-degree burns on 65 percent of his body.

Travis and GF Kourtney Kardashian boarded a plane in L.A. Saturday ... and it had to be a terrifying moment for the Blink-182 drummer who had vowed never to fly again after the crash that took the life of 2 close friends, Charles "Che" Still and Chris Baker, along with the 2 pilots. DJ AM survived the crash but died a year later of an overdose.

Travis understandably seemed hesitant ... he and Kourtney, along with Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble, were headed to Cabo, but Travis was an hour late. It's unclear if he was just delayed or had second thoughts, but it must have been gut-wrenching for him.

Years before the 2008 crash, Travis was terrified of flying, and just before getting on the ill-fated jet, he called his dad and said he had a bad feeling about the flight. Although he vowed never to fly again, he recently softened his position and said he might give it another try.

To understand the gravitas ... Travis had multiple surgeries and skin grafts and spent months in a burn unit in tremendous pain. So, getting on a plane again must have been unbelievably emotional and, frankly, scary.

That he did, on Kylie's private jet, and the group left for a vacay in Mexico.

Legendary college football coach Bobby Bowden is being remembered with a public tribute on Friday ... with a Lie In Honor at the Florida State Capitol.

Coach Bowden's casket arrived via motorcade at the state Capitol in Tallahassee early Friday morning ... which was placed and covered in roses.

Family and fans have showed up to pay their respects ... including Gov. Ron DeSantis, who ordered flags to be at half-staff at state and local government buildings.

This is part of a 3-day service for Bowden -- he will also receive a tribute at the Moore Athletic Center at FSU’s Doak Campbell Stadium.

A funeral will be held at FSU's Tucker Civic on Saturday, which will be open to the public and available to watch on live stream ... and Sunday, Bowden's service will be held at Reid Chapel on Samford University's campus.

The private burial will follow in Trussville, Alabama -- Bowden's home state.

As we previously reported, Bowden died on August 8 at the age of 91 -- his son, Terry, stating, "My father passed away peacefully early this morning with all six of his children and my mother here by his side."

Terry said a month prior that his father was battling pancreatic cancer.

Track star Cameron Burrell -- the godson of legendary sprinter Carl Lewis -- died by suicide, TMZ Sports has learned.

Records show the 26-year-old's manner of death was ruled a suicide after his body was inspected by the medical examiner this week. The cause of death was listed as a "gunshot wound of the head."

Records also show Burrell passed away in a Houston, Texas parking garage.

As we previously reported, Burrell tragically died on Monday ... with his family and his alma mater, the Univ. of Houston, announcing they were devastated by the news.

"We are going through profound sorrow and ask that all of our friends, extended University of Houston family and the track and field community in the U.S. and abroad allow us to gather with our closest family and friends," Burrell's father, Leroy Burrell, said on Tuesday.

"We are profoundly grief-stricken, and thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support. We will forward more information when it is available.”

Cameron was one of the best sprinters on the planet ... starring at the Univ. of Houston, where he won the 100-meter championship in 2018.

Cameron also anchored Houston's 4x100-meter relay team, and was a three-time NCAA All-American in multiple events.

Hockey Hall of Famer Tony Esposito -- one of greatest goalies EVER -- died Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer ... NHL officials confirmed.

He was 78 years old.

"The hockey world will miss him greatly," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "The NHL family extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Marilyn, sons Mark [Kim] and Jason, and grandchildren Lauren and Kamryn."

Esposito joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 1969 and went on to star for the team for 15 years -- winning the Vezina Trophy three times.

Esposito -- whose brother, Phil Esposito, was also a mega-NHL star -- was named an All-Star five times ... and finished his career with a 418-302 record and a 2.93 goals against average.

He was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

"It is a sad day for the Blackhawks and all of hockey," said the Blackhawks, who have already retired Esposito's #35 jersey. "But, with his wonderful family, let us celebrate a life well lived."

"Tony Esposito's banner will be part of the United Center forever, as will his legacy as a superstar, on and off the ice."

Track star Cameron Burrell -- former NCAA champion and godson of the legendary Carl Lewis -- passed away at the age of 26 years old, his family announced Tuesday.

Burrell was a star at the University of Houston ... capturing the 100m championship in 2018. CB also anchored Houston's 4x100m relay team. Bottom line, he was the fastest college athlete in the U.S.

CB was also 3x NCAA All-American in multiple events ... and held an NCAA record in the 4x100m relay.

Cameron's dad, Leroy Burrell, announced the devastating news through the U of Houston, saying ... "My family is extremely saddened with the loss of our son, Cameron, last night."

"We are going through profound sorrow and ask that all of our friends, extended University of Houston family and the track and field community in the U.S. and abroad allow us to gather with our closest family and friends."

"We are profoundly grief-stricken, and thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support. We will forward more information when it is available.”

Cameron was following in his dad Leroy's footsteps ... who was a former world record holder in the 100m and gold medalist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the 4x100m relay.

Burrell's godfather was legendary track star, 9x Olympic gold medalist, Carl Lewis.

The circumstances surrounding Cameron's death are currently unclear ... but medical records show the place of death as a "parking garage."

Dog the Bounty Hunter's gearing up to wed his fiancee very soon, and he doesn't feel bad about remarrying anymore following the death of his wife, Beth ... because God approves.

Dog just revealed his major life news on the podcast, "Two Guys from Hollywood," telling the cohosts his wedding to Francie Frane is scheduled to go down September 2 ... and the venue's more expensive than he'd like!!!

As we reported ... Dog and Francie got engaged in May 2020 -- 10 months after Beth died of cancer -- and Francie also lost her spouse to cancer shortly before Dog did.

The couple is obviously still going strong, and Dog says though he initially felt uneasy about getting remarried after losing Beth ... that all changed when he read some scripture.

Dog says he found a passage in The Bible that says, "God does not want a man to be alone, that he knows we need a companion, whether we're man or woman."

Now, that doesn't sound like an exact Old Testament quote -- we think he's referring to Genesis 2:18 -- but you get the idea.

Richard Donner -- the legendary director of "Superman," "Lethal Weapon" and many other famous films -- suffered from heart disease and died of heart failure ... according to his death certificate.

The document says Donner died at his home in West Hollywood on the morning of July 5, and the immediate cause of death is listed as cardiopulmonary failure.

The death certificate lists atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as an underlying cause of his passing, as well.

On a lighter note ... according to the document, Donner was a film director for 65 years, meaning he started his iconic career in the late '50s.

As we told you ... Donner was one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood who got his big break with 1976's "The Omen," which led to the 'Superman' and 'Lethal Weapon' franchises.

He's also known for flicks like "Ladyhawke," "The Goonies," "Scrooged" and "Conspiracy Theory."

Prosecutors have just revealed more stunning allegations against Terry Kennedy ... saying they believe the skateboarding star became enraged for "no apparent reason" before committing murder.

The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office made the announcement in a statement to TMZ Sports on Monday ... shedding more light on the alleged incident that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Josiah Kassahun.

Prosecutors say that on July 27, at around 11:05 a.m., Kennedy, his ex-girlfriend, and Kassahun checked out of a Comfort Suites Motel in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. and began walking toward Kennedy's ex's car.

But, while on the walk, officials say Kennedy got upset for "no apparent reason."

Prosecutors say Kassahun tried to calm the 36-year-old skateboarding star down ... but that's when Kennedy allegedly punched the man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and strike his head on the pavement.

Officials say Kennedy then kicked Kassahun in the torso ... before leaving the area in his ex's car.

As we previously reported, Kassahun died four days later from his injuries ... and Kennedy was ultimately charged with first-degree murder.

Prosecutors say Kennedy had a bond hearing Monday morning and his bail was set at $1 million. He's due back in court later this month for his arraignment.

"I would also like to extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Kassahun’s family and friends as they cope with this terrible tragedy," Oakbrook Terrace Chief of Police Casey Calvello said.

"I know that nothing will bring Josiah back, but I hope that the charges brought against the defendant offer some measure of comfort to his loved ones."

Jane Withers -- one of the most famous child stars in Hollywood's history -- has died.

The legendary actress passed away Saturday in Burbank, CA ... surrounded by loved ones, this according to her daughter, Kendall Errair, who released a statement about her mother's death. A cause of death wasn't addressed.

She writes, "My mother was such a special lady. She lit up a room with her laughter, but she especially radiated joy and thankfulness when talking about the career she so loved and how lucky she was." Kendall also added that Jane's short first name was chosen by her mother with the idea and hope that one day, it'd be able to fit up onto a giant marquee.

Well, it certainly did ... and then some. Jane came through on that dream early and often.

JW got her start in showbiz at a very young age -- around 3 or so -- in Atlanta ... where she learned to tap dance, sing and even had her own radio program in which she interviewed celebs who came to town. From there, she was off to Hollywood, where her career took off.

After a number of uncredited roles in the early to mid-'30s, Jane got her big break starring opposite Shirley Temple in 'Bright Eyes' ... in which she played an older, spoiled girl who was pretty mean to little ST. There's a famous doll-taking scene everyone seems to remember.

From there, Jane started to land lead roles for herself ... including in pictures like "Ginger," "Paddy O'Day," "Little Miss Nobody," "This is the Life," "Rascals," "Checkers," "Wild and Wooly," "My Best Gal" and more. She kinda ran the table as far as kid actors went back in those days ... having a helluva run in the '30s. And, she wasn't done yet.

Jane went on to star in a number of films throughout the '40s as well, but she "retired" from acting at the young age of 21 in the 1947 as her child stardom had started to fade. Later in the '50s, she got back to work and had a memorable role opposite James Dean in 'Giant.'

She went on to act on and off in the decades that followed, and even gave voice acting a go in both radio and some Disney flicks. All-in-all, she has 71 acting credits to her name.

Jane is survived by her children. She was 95.

Bobby Bowden -- one of the greatest college football coaches ever -- died early Sunday morning at the age of 91 years old.

Bowden -- Florida State University's head coach from 1976 to 2009 -- was one of the most acclaimed football coaches of all-time. He won 2 National Championships ('93 & '99) and 377 games -- 2nd most all-time -- during his 40 years as a college football coach.

Bobby spent 34 seasons as FSU's head coach ... and was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Terry Bowden, Bobby's son, confirmed the news to the AP ... issuing the following statement about the passing of his dad.

"My father passed away peacefully early this morning with all six of his children and my mother here by his side."

"I couldn't have asked for a better personal mentor than my father. He was a wonderful husband and father, who relied on his strong Christian faith to provide the foundation for his life."

Terry continued ... "I also was fortunate to be raised by a football coach who had a reputation for coaching the right way his entire career. He was admired by everyone who played for him or coached against him."

FSU issued a statement on social media, writing ... "Today we lost a legend but you never lose a legacy. Rest In Peace Coach Bowden"

Bowden is known for his HOF coaching career ... but he also played ball back in the day. BB was a part of Alabama's football team as a freshman in 1948 ... before transferring to Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham.

Bobby -- who was born in Birmingham -- was a successful college quarterback.

It was just last month that Terry announced Bobby was battling a terminal illness. He later said that sickness was pancreatic cancer.

Deion Sanders, a 2x All-American under Bowden, reacted to his former coach passing, writing ... "God bless the Bowden Family, Friends & Loved ones. My Prayers are with u. I've lost 1 of the best coaches I've ever had."

Some of the top football coaches in the country also weighed in on Bobby's death ... including Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, and Dabo Swinney.

On Twitter, Meyer wrote ... "Today, we lost a legend. Bobby was a great friend and mentor to me, and his impact transcended the coaching profession in so many ways. Sending love to Ann and the entire Bowden family. Rest In Peace Coach Bowden."

A public funeral service will be held for coach Saturday on FSU's campus.