RIP

John Brenkus -- the founder and host of ESPN's Emmy-winning "Sport Science" show -- has died at 54 years old.

Brenkus' loved ones said in a statement Sunday evening he passed away on Saturday following a battle with depression.

"His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time," the statement read, "and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help."

Mike "The Bodysnatcher" McCallum -- a former professional boxer -- has died ... according to multiple reports.

The Jamaican athlete passed away Saturday while he was on his way to the gym in Las Vegas, according to the The Jamaica Observer. The outlet claims he fell ill and pulled over to the side of the road where he was eventually found by deceased by police.

His cause of death has not been reported ... and, we've reached out to Las Vegas Police for more information.

Jason Sudeikis says his uncle, actor George Wendt, proved an age-old adage wrong ... 'cause he says he was one hero who lived up to his reputation.

The actor appeared on a panel alongside Paul Rudd, Eric Stonestreet, Heidi Gardner and others for Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City ... and, he was asked by an audience member to reflect on the late "Cheers" star.

Sudeikis says his uncle was warm and kind ... and -- since he loved helping out the Children's Mercy Hospital, too -- the people involved with the fundraiser have been thinking about him a lot.

Phil Robertson may be gone, but the team behind "Duck Dynasty" is keeping his memory alive ... paying tribute to him during an episode of the new revival show.

The Robertson family patriarch -- who passed away just a week ago -- will appear in archival footage from the premiere episode of "Duck Dynasty: The Revival."

The clip shows Phil listening to an impassioned speech from his son, Willie, who asks for the elder Robertson's thoughts.

Devin Harjes, best known for his role on "Boardwalk Empire" is dead.

According to Devin's obituary, he died on May 27 at Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York. The Hollywood Reporter reported he died after a brief battle with cancer.

He began his career in Texas theater before moving to New York. He was best known for playing Jack Dempsey on the HBO series. He also played roles on shows such as "Gotham," "Orange is the New Black," "Daredevil," "Elementary," "Blue Bloods," "FBI," and "Manifest."

Ronald Fenty, the father of Rihanna, has died ... TMZ has learned.

A source with direct knowledge tells TMZ ... Ronald died in Los Angeles after battling an illness.

On Wednesday, Rihanna's brother, Rajad Fenty, was photographed arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. We're told Rihanna was also in the car, although she's not visible in the photo.

Renée Victor -- a veteran actress best known for her voice work -- has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

Victor's agency confirmed the news ... telling us she passed away Friday night surrounded by family at her home in Sherman Oaks, California after a battle with lymphoma.

Renée's daughters Raquel and Margo released a statement which noted that their mom was loved by so many people around the world ... adding those who knew her will always cherish her memory.

Actress Loretta Swit -- best known for playing the character Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the long-running sitcom "M*A*S*H" -- died today, TMZ has learned.

Swit's publicist, Harlan Boll, tells TMZ … the two spoke last night, and she seemed fine. Boll said Swit died Friday inside her NYC apartment -- she was found at 10 AM by her maid.

Swit was pronounced dead at noon, according to Boll. No cause of death has been confirmed, but Boll says they believe she died from natural causes.

Luka Doncic's $5,000 just went a long way -- the DTLA mural honoring the late Kobe and Gigi Bryant that was defaced amid an apparent beef between street artists has been restored.

The tribute piece received a new paint job and was returned to its former glory this week ... after it was spotted last month covered with white paint and a graffiti tag.

The fresh mural now looks like its original ... and features Kobe holding a baby Gigi, the L.A. skyline and the phrase "Mamba Forever."

Everyone who potentially saw the tragic golf cart accident involving John Elway and his agent, Jeff Sperbeck, has been interviewed by cops ... and there is still no evidence to suggest a crime occurred, TMZ Sports is told.

According to Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, police officers have spoken to all parties who were in the area near where Sperbeck fell off an Elway-driven ride back on April 26 ... and "there is no evidence or statement to indicate this is nothing more than a tragic accident."

Bianco added in his Thursday statement to TMZ Sports, "We determined the case would remain open until we contacted all residents who might have video of the path traveled."

The 2023 OceanGate Titan submersible implosion left no survivors and minimal physical remnants ... but now the U.S. Coast Guard has revealed the shocking items that did survive the tragic disaster.

In a TikTok shared by Discovery, a US Coast Guard member reveals a pen -- completely intact -- was found while she and her colleagues were sifting through the waterlogged remains of the Titan.

The official reveals the pen was discovered in a surviving piece of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush's suit sleeve and was "caked" in sand.

Baylor Bears defensive lineman Alex Foster has died at 18 years old, the university announced Wednesday.

The school did not reveal the teen's cause of death ... but head football coach Dave Aranda and athletic director Mack Rhoades said in a joint statement the passing was "unexpected."

Multiple outlets reported Foster died from gunshot wounds he sustained during an incident in Greenville, Mississippi early Wednesday morning.

Late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay will be honored with a private ceremony next week, the team announced Wednesday.

The NFL franchise revealed two events will be held to remember the 65-year-old -- one for his closest family members and friends ... and another for the public, which will be held at a later date.

The private memorial will take place on June 2, the Colts said ... although the location was not disclosed.

Phil Robertson's death will not be featured on the upcoming season of the "Duck Dynasty" revival ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the show tell us cameras were not rolling when Phil died over the weekend ... and the production crew has no plans to rush back to capture the Robertson family mourning to refashion the debut of "Duck Dynasty: The Revival."

We're told Phil's passing will be addressed in the second season ... staying true to the show's commitment to authenticity and reflecting the events of the Robertson clan. The family has always been about showing a genuine portrayal of their lives -- and that meant not forcing the news into a completed season.

Guitar icon and legendary performer Rick Derringer died on Memorial Day -- and it's because his heart suddenly gave out, TMZ has learned.

Rick's longtime wife Jenda Derringer tells TMZ he died "peacefully" after being taken off life support Monday night following a medical episode.

His caretaker and close friend, Tony Wilson, tells us he had a triple bypass just two months ago but was doing well. He adds RD seemed totally fine over the weekend -- but on Monday night, as he was getting ready for bed and reaching for his favorite pillow, he went into what he described as some sort of shock and later died at the hospital in Ormond Beach, Florida.

"Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson is dead ... according to his daughter-in-law.

Korie Robertson -- Phil's son Willie's wife of more than 30 years -- posted the news to Facebook Sunday ... saying Phil was a man of God, who always tried to remind people that death only meant returning to God's kingdom.

She thanked fans for their thoughtful prayers ... and, she promises the family will continue to honor him and his legacy.