Ex-Wisconsin Badger Jack Pugh Dead at 25

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Former Wisconsin tight end Jack Pugh -- a once highly touted recruit who bravely opened up about his struggles off the field -- has died at 25 years old.

The Badgers announced the news Tuesday, saying Pugh -- who spent three years in the program -- was “a positive light” and someone who truly cared about others … adding teammates and staff deeply loved him.

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Pugh arrived in Madison as a four-star prospect in the 2021 class, despite being relatively new to football. The Ohio native didn’t even play the sport until his junior year at Hilliard Bradley High School … but still racked up offers from powerhouse programs like Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State.

But behind the scenes, Pugh was fighting a much tougher battle.

Late Comedian Alex Duong Loved Ones Crowdsourcing Young Daughter's College Fund

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Actor-comedian Alex Duong's death is putting a lot of emotional and financial stress on his family ... TMZ has learned. But loved ones are rallying around them.

Duong's very close friend and GoFundMe operator Hilarie Steele tells TMZ ... the mounting medical bills from Alex's cancer treatment could add up to $500K or even $1 million ... putting a lot of pressure on his wife, Christina.

Selena Quintanilla Remembering The Late Legend on Anniversary of Her Murder

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Today marks 31 years since Selena Quintanilla was tragically murdered. She was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar -- who had been president of her fan club and managing her clothing boutiques -- on March 31, 1995.

Last year, Yolanda was denied parole when a board decided she was still a "continuing threat."

The world suffered a tremendous loss when Selena was killed -- but fans are choosing to spend the morbid anniversary celebrating the "Como la flor" singer's life and legacy.

Christopher North Ambrosia Keyboardist Died from Illness After Cancer, Car Accident

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Christopher North -- a founding member and keyboardist for '70s and '80s rock band Ambrosia -- died after a bout with pneumonia, TMZ has learned.

His brother, Richard North, tells TMZ ... Christopher was hospitalized for about 3 weeks before he succumbed to complications related to pneumonia.

As we reported, Christopher previously battled throat cancer and was struck by an out-of-control vehicle in Santa Monica last October, which left him hospitalized for about 2 months. His brother tells us he had been admitted to the hospital twice since then.

Ambrosia Founding Member Christopher North Dead at 75

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Christopher North -- the founding keyboardist for '70s and '80s rock band Ambrosia -- has died.

The band confirmed North's passing on their Facebook page Monday, writing, "We will always remember 'Northwind' for his fiery, 'intense' stage presence -- a legacy that began when he was first discovered playing in a dimly lit room, his organ topped with a bottle of wine."

The cause of death is unclear at this time, but according to the band, North faced health challenges in recent years, including a "brave and successful battle with throat cancer." He was also hospitalized last year after being struck by a vehicle while walking, according to an October post by Ambrosia lead vocalist David Pack.

Eric Dane First Look at Final TV Role Before Death

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HBO Max dropped a new trailer for season 3 of "Euphoria," giving fans a glimpse at Eric Dane's final TV role before he passed.

The actor died last month after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- more commonly known as ALS.

He had filmed his scenes for the upcoming installment of the HBO hit series prior to his passing ... and the new promo includes the first look at his final TV acting appearance.

In the clip, we see his character -- Cal Jacobs -- reunite with Hunter Schafer's character Jules.

House Music Legend DJ Dan Dead at 57

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West Coast house music legend Daniel Wherrett -- known as DJ Dan -- has died. No information has been provided about the cause of death.

The sad news was posted to his social media profiles on Sunday, remembering the artist as "one of the most beloved, genre-defying, and genuinely influential pioneers in the history of American electronic music."

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The statement celebrated Dan for blending house, breakbeat and techno genres into "a psychedelic fusion" known as "West Coast House Sound."

The EDM producer was slated to perform at Dead Ringer in Reno, NV on Saturday ... but he never showed, according to Billboard.

A source close to Dan told the mag he hadn't been responding to texts for two days before he passed.

Over the course of his career, DJ Dan had three songs that made Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart -- including "That Phone Track," which topped the list in 2004.

He was 57.

RIP

Comedian Alex Duong Dead at 42

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Beloved comedian and actor Alex Duong -- who appeared on "Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle" and "Blue Bloods" -- has died after a year-long bout with cancer, TMZ has learned.

Hilarie Steele, a very close friend of the family who was there when he died, tells TMZ ... Alex went into septic shock Friday night and passed away at 11 AM Saturday at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by family and friends.

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Last year, Alex was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma -- a rare and aggressive cancer -- after experiencing headaches behind his eye. After a biopsy was performed, the tumor was labeled as extremely aggressive, and Alex ended up with an eye patch and rounds of treatment.

Actress Mary Beth Hurt Dead at 79

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Mary Beth Hurt -- known for her appearances in films like "Interiors" and "The World According to Garp" -- has died, TMZ has learned.

Mary's daughter Molly Schrader -- who Mary shared with her Oscar-nominated writer-director husband Paul Schrader -- tells TMZ ... Mary passed away yesterday morning from Alzheimer's in Jersey City.

The late actress was surrounded by family, including Paul.

On Facebook, Paul and Molly reportedly released a joint statement, writing, “She was an actress, a wife, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a friend, and she took on all those roles with grace and kind ferocity."

Kate Cassidy Liam Payne's Former GF Soaks Up Sun in Miami

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Kate Cassidy -- the former girlfriend of late One Direction singer Liam Payne -- is still putting the pieces of her life back together following Liam's tragic passing over a year ago ... and the influencer looked great celebrating her birthday in Florida.

We got shots of the 27-year-old having a good time with friends on a boat in Miami Bay on Saturday.

She absolutely sizzled in a white one-piece and a bucket hat as she basked in the glow of the Florida sun with her closest pals.

Noelia Castillo Ramos Father Cheers Her on as She Tries to Walk, Watch

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Noelia Castillo Ramos' father encouraged her to take a few steps with the use of a pair of canes ... in a heartbreaking video that has emerged after she opted to be euthanized.

Noelia's dad -- Geronimo Castillo -- says Noelia will be running again soon ... lovingly referring to her as a "machine" in the new video published by the Spanish outlet Okdiario.

Noelia's dad flashes a small smile for the camera as she moves along slowly ... though she doesn't speak during her dad's running commentary.

Kanye West I Wanna Rock With You All Night, Fake MJ!!!

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2:35 PM PT -- Bianca Censori is giving fans a look at the artistic process behind being a music video director ... sharing an early mock-up of the set and thanking designer Cody Fusina for helping bring her vision to life.

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There aren't many stars bigger than Kanye West ... but, when you put Michael Jackson in a music video, the "Smooth Criminal" is bound to steal some attention!

The rapper released the music video for his new song "FATHER" -- directed by his wife, Bianca Censori -- off his album "BULLY" early Saturday morning ... and it features an eclectic cast -- with a knight on horseback, a couple astronauts and even Travis Scott, who is also featured on the track, making an appearance in the clip.

But, the real scene-stealer sits a few rows behind Ye in the vid's church setting ... a man who appears to be Michael Jackson in an all-white suit.

'Back to the Future' James Tolkan Dead at 94

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James Tolkan, the actor best known for his work in the "Back to the Future" trilogy, has died, TMZ can confirm.

Bob Gale, who, along with director Robert Zemeckis, created the franchise, tells TMZ ... Tolkan died Friday, peacefully at his Lake Placid home. His cause of death was not revealed.

The beloved hard-nosed character actor appeared in several classic '80s films, such as "Top Gun" and "War Games" ... but he was best known as Vice Principal Strickland in the 'BTTF' films, always giving Marty McFly a hard time about being a slacker.

His agent, John Alcantar, tells TMZ ... James loved the 'BTTF' fandom and got a kick out of being at conventions. Despite playing hard-asses on screen ... Tolkan was a total sweetheart of a man.

He is survived by his wife, Parmelee.

Tolkan was 94.

RIP

O.J. Trial Forensics Investigator Dr. Henry C. Lee Dead at 87

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Dr. Henry C. Lee -- a renowned forensic scientist whose testimony for the defense is credited with helping a jury acquit O.J. Simpson in the world-famous double-murder trial in 1995 -- died today at his home in Henderson, Nevada. He was 87.

Among other high-profile cases, Lee worked on the JonBenét Ramsey murder investigation in the 1990s, the Laci Peterson case in the early 2000s, as well as the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping. He also assisted the forensics investigation of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Noelia Castillo Ramos Family Wasn't There During Euthanasia After Court Plea Shut Down

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Noelia Castillo Ramos' parents were not with her when she died following a voluntary euthanasia procedure, TMZ has learned.

A spokesperson for Abogados Cristianos -- Christian Lawyers, the organization representing Noelia's dad in his legal attempt to stop the procedure -- tells TMZ neither her mother nor her father were present for her death Thursday.

News outlets reported a judge denied her father's last-minute request to stop the medically-assisted suicide ... but the spokesperson tells us Christian Lawyers wasn't aware of him taking any specific action leading up to the procedure.

Kauai, Hawaii Helicopter Tour Crash Kills 3, Hospitalizes 2

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Three people were killed Thursday in a helicopter crash at Kalalau Beach on Kauai, Hawaii ... multiple agencies report the chopper crashed into the ocean near the beach around 3:45 PM.

Officials say the helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation -- a doors-off thrill-seeker helicopter tour company -- according to the Kauai Police Department.

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Officials say 4 passengers and 1 pilot were on board ... and the 2 survivors were taken to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue.