Source: WENN / WENN R&B Legend James Ingram Dies An R&B Legend has unfortunately passed away. James Ingram died today, January 29, from a battle with a form of brain cancer. Both Quincy Jones and Debbie Allen have since shared heartfelt messages about their late friend to social media. https://twitter.com/QuincyDJones/status/1090373668105007106/video/1 I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir. He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name. pic.twitter.com/TDJfpbbJWa — Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) January 29, 2019 Ingram was known for several #1 hit including his Patti Austin duet Baby Come to Me” and “Somewhere Out There” with Linda Ronstadt. The 12 time Grammy nominee took home a trophy for “Yah Mo B There” with Michael McDonald in 1985. Condolences to the Ingram family.
Sad news out of the food world today, as beloved Top Chef star Fatima Ali has passed away at the age of 29. Ali had been battling Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, since 2017. News of Chef Fatima’s passing was confirmed today by the Bravo network. “We are deeply saddened to share the news that Fatima Ali has lost her courageous battle with cancer,” said a representative. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. “People not only fell in love with her cooking, but fell in love with her personality and heart. We hope that the beautiful memories shared with her will provide comfort to everyone who knew and loved her.” Ali underwent surgery to remove a tumor last year, and she told People magazine that she was “technically cancer-free” while attending the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen last July. Ali seemed to suspect that her battle was far from over, and sadly, she was right. In October of 2018, Ali revealed that her cancer had returned with a vengeance in a heartbreaking article for Bon Appetit . “The cancer cells my doctors believed had vanished are back with a vengeance in my left hip and femur bone,” Fatima wrote, adding that doctors had given her “a year to live, with or without the new chemotherapy regimen.” She opted out of the chemo and instead devoted her final months to experiencing as much of life as she possibly could in the short time she had remaining. “I am desperate to overload my senses in the coming months, making reservations at the world’s best restaurants, reaching out to past lovers and friends, and smothering my family, giving them the time that I so selfishly guarded before,” Ali wrote. “I was looking forward to being 30, flirty, and thriving. Guess I have to step it up on the flirting. I have no time to lose.” A favorite among fans and colleagues on Top Chef , Ali received an outpouring of support from her co-stars after revealing her diagnosis, and now, past and current contestants are paying loving tribute to an incredible talent who was taken much too soon. “It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer. I will miss you Fati, and you will be in my heart forever,” fellow chef Bruce Kalman wrote along with the above photo. “I’ll always remember the great times we had, especially our interview during the tailgating episode discussing football, stadiums, and Taylor Swift. Much love, Bruce.” Our thoughts go out to Chef Fatima’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time She will be greatly missed by many.
Sad news out of the food world today, as beloved Top Chef star Fatima Ali has passed away at the age of 29. Ali had been battling Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, since 2017. News of Chef Fatima’s passing was confirmed today by the Bravo network. “We are deeply saddened to share the news that Fatima Ali has lost her courageous battle with cancer,” said a representative. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. “People not only fell in love with her cooking, but fell in love with her personality and heart. We hope that the beautiful memories shared with her will provide comfort to everyone who knew and loved her.” Ali underwent surgery to remove a tumor last year, and she told People magazine that she was “technically cancer-free” while attending the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen last July. Ali seemed to suspect that her battle was far from over, and sadly, she was right. In October of 2018, Ali revealed that her cancer had returned with a vengeance in a heartbreaking article for Bon Appetit . “The cancer cells my doctors believed had vanished are back with a vengeance in my left hip and femur bone,” Fatima wrote, adding that doctors had given her “a year to live, with or without the new chemotherapy regimen.” She opted out of the chemo and instead devoted her final months to experiencing as much of life as she possibly could in the short time she had remaining. “I am desperate to overload my senses in the coming months, making reservations at the world’s best restaurants, reaching out to past lovers and friends, and smothering my family, giving them the time that I so selfishly guarded before,” Ali wrote. “I was looking forward to being 30, flirty, and thriving. Guess I have to step it up on the flirting. I have no time to lose.” A favorite among fans and colleagues on Top Chef , Ali received an outpouring of support from her co-stars after revealing her diagnosis, and now, past and current contestants are paying loving tribute to an incredible talent who was taken much too soon. “It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer. I will miss you Fati, and you will be in my heart forever,” fellow chef Bruce Kalman wrote along with the above photo. “I’ll always remember the great times we had, especially our interview during the tailgating episode discussing football, stadiums, and Taylor Swift. Much love, Bruce.” Our thoughts go out to Chef Fatima’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time She will be greatly missed by many.
Source: Michael Tullberg / Getty Kevin Barnett Dead At 32 Rel show co-creator and comedian Kevin Barnett has died at just 32-years old. Reports say Barnett was vacationing in Mexico at the time of his death, but the cause is still unknown. The Broad City writer was beloved and respected by so many of his comedy colleagues. I’m at a loss for words hearing about Kevin Barnett… We went to college together and both moved out to LA to pursue the dream. Rest in paradise brother — King Bach (@KingBach) January 22, 2019 Rest In Peace Kevin Barnett. Too young, just too, too young… Kevin Barnett Dies: Comedian Passes Away Tragically at 32 – https://t.co/p4ppGL1VsW https://t.co/UJcWrCb6s0 — David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) January 22, 2019 RIP Kevin Barnett. I love you man, and you were walking proof that real niggas could dress up as wolverine or even Devil May Cry and not be labeled the “Black Version” of that character. Still can’t believe you’re gone. This hit home. Fuck. pic.twitter.com/KGE3r5BbwI — TOO WOKE is Out Now! (@noredavis) January 22, 2019 Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barnett family. He will be greatly missed.
GiGi Wu was known as the Bikini Climber by her fans all over the world. Tragically, after a serious fall on her latest and final hike, she was unable to walk or even move. Wu died before rescue could arrive. Fans all over the world are mourning. GiGi Wu was a 36-year-old Taiwanese woman known as the “Bikini Climber.” She earned this moniker from her famous habit of mountain-climbing while wearing a bikini. Her latest adventure was a 25-day hike. It would also be her last. Taiwan News reports that Wu sutmbled and fell into a ravine in Central Taiwan’s Yushan Mountain. She dropped 65 feet. The injuries to Wu’s leg were severe enough that she was unable to walk or even move. She was able to call for help … but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Rescuers were unable to reach her for some time due to dangerous weather conditions. It was nearly 28 hours later when rescuers were able to airlift her out of the ravine. Tragically, Wu was pronounced dead. Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Many have (not unreasonably) assumed that Wu died from exposure to the elements. More than a day out in the cold could be bad on anyone. Spending more than a day injured in a ravine, underdressed, in weather too dangerous for rescuers to reach you? That sounds horrifying. We should also keep in mind that her serious injuries would have been a strong contributing factor. GiGi Wu’s story and photos touched the hearts and minds of counltess climbing enthusiasts all over the world. When the news of her death first broke, the comments on her photos on Facebook were flooded with comments. “Thank you for bringing us countless beautiful scenery, blessings to your soul,” writes one mourner. “In the eyes of people who like climbing, you are a standard, professional climber, admirable!” comments another. That same commenter concludes: “Be an angel in your favorite mountain forest.” Those are some truly beautiful, heartwarming sentiments. There is no method of climbing mountains or hiking that is entirely risk-free. There are, however, steps to mitigate your risks and dangers. Usually, the best tool that you can have in your belt is experience. Wu had no shortage of that. Remember, this tragedy took place during a 25-day hike . We do not know what sort of equipment she may have had (aside from her bikini) with her, but it is almost impossible to “prepare” for a deadly fall. Everything about this story is heartbreaking. Our thoughts go out to Wu’s friends, family, loved ones, and to her fans. They are all grieving and mourning at this time as they grapple with this sudden loss, and the concept of Wu’s final hours.
Jo Andres, the director of the 1996 festival circuit hit Black Kites and wife of over 31 years to actor Steve Buscemi, has died from causes unknown. She was 65 years old. The award-winning actor – known for his roles on Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, Fargo and The Big Lebowski – married Andres in 1987. They welcomed one child together, a son named Lucian, in 1990. No date of death has been disclosed, but a memorial service reportedly was held last Tuesday at the couple’s home in Brooklyn. The sad news has only just gone public now. Andres, who posed on the red carpet with Buscemi seven months ago, rose to prominence within the 1980s art world through what is described on her website as “film/dance/light performances.” She made her directorial debut with the aforementioned Black Kites. Black Kites is a 26-minute short film based on the 1992 journals and drawing of Sarajevan visual artist Alma Hajric. It was was written and directed by Andres and it starred Mimi Goese and Buscemi. Lucian Buscemi, the then-six-year-old son of the actor and Andres, also appeared in the movie. According to Andres’ website, she worked at various times as an artist in residence at numerous universities, museums and art colonies; including Yaddo and The Rockefeller Study Center in Bellagio, Italy. Andres’ other big screen resume includes the 2012 short Liquid Tara, along with videos of her performance pieces. She directed the 2013 music video When The Curtain Comes Down for Diana Krall, which featured Buscemi and which was played during the singer-pianist’s international tour. In a 2009 Q&A with The Independent, Buscemi said his favorite work of art is “something by my wife Jo Andres. She paints, she makes films, she has done performance.” “Condolences to Steve Buscemi and loved ones on his loss,” tweeted actor James Woods on Saturday, adding: “This fine family was so supportive of first responders during 9/11 tragedy.” Our thoughts go out to Andres’ friends, family members and loved ones at this time. May she rest in peace. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2018: In Memoriam
Source: MARK RALSTON / Getty 3 Dead After Shooting Inside Torrance Bowling Alley The Gable House Bowl in Torrance, California is where three people were killed and four others were shot in mass shooting late last night according to CNN . Source: MARK RALSTON / Getty A fight broke out inside the building and at some point gunshots rang out leaving the bowlers and their families hiding under tables in fear for their lives. “Bowlers were diving under the benches,” the witness, Dana Scott, told RMG News. “The people that were still bowling on the lanes were on the floors, underneath the seats, behind the benches.” “People were looking for their parents, because this is a family league. You’ve got mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, everybody’s friends in that league,” she said. Source: Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images / Getty Police made no arrests after arriving on the scene and are still conducting and investigation to identify suspects. The names of the victims has not been releases at this time. Prayers up for those who lost their lives.
Source: Noel Hendrickson / Getty South Carolina Mother Crushed To Death Pushing SUV Extremely sad way to start 2019 . According to WTLX 29-year-old mother of 2, Leisa Bonique Johnson, was killed in front of her 3-year-old and 5-year-old daughters while attempting to push her broken down SUV out of the road at 1 a.m. on Monday. When the truck stopping running in the middle of a Spartanburg, South Carolina road, Johnson attempted to push the car to the shoulder and in the process became pinned under the vehicle with the girls sitting inside. The panicked children used her cell phone to call police, but clearly there was nothing they could do to help their mother. Johnson’s aunt and uncle say the car ran out of gas as she was driving to the emergency room, potentially to deal with blood pressure and blood sugar issues. The girls reportedly got out of the car three times and witnessed their mother’s death says Leisa’s aunt Sheila Rookard: “They managed to get out the car three times to see their mama up under their car,” said Rookard. “It’s going to be a struggle, you know, from the beginning, especially with them kids seeing that with (their) mom and stuff,” Rookard said. “Y’all just pray for us.” Here’s where things get a bit shady, in a story on WSPA, one of the daughters reportedly told a family member that a police officer pulled up and told Leisa to get the car out the road. Then left. A woman. With 2 small daughters. To move a car. Alone. At 1 a.m. Reporters are working to confirm the validity of that claim. If true, could spell BIG trouble for said officer and the police department. Rest in peace, Leisa Johson. Those poor girls…
Source: CNP / Getty Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, And More To Honor Aretha Franklin Next month, the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin , will be honored with a concert celebration to be televised by CBS. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ According to reports from the Detroit Free Press , the legendary performer will be memorialized with performances by fellow songstresses Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, SZA, Patti LaBelle and more stars at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Co-produced by Cliv Davis alongside Grammys director, Ken Ehrlich, “Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul” will be held on January 13th, with additional performances by some other huge names including John Legend, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Kelly Clarkson, Common, BeBe Winans, Chloe x Halle, H.E.R. and Janelle Monae. ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “I am thrilled to have the Recording Academy and CBS as partners in this global tribute to my very dear friend Aretha Franklin,” Davis said in a. statement. “Aretha was more than the Queen of Soul; she was a national treasure. This unique concert–featuring many of today’s greatest artists–will celebrate Aretha in a spectacular manner befitting her once-in-a-lifetime talent.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Tyler Perry is slated to host the one-of-a-kind event, however, a broadcast date has not yet been set–though we do know that it’s going down sometimes in 2019. In the meantime, the 61st Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will broadcast on February 10th–a broadcast which is also sure to honor the late, great Aretha during the show. Who would you like to see sing in honor of Aretha Franklin? Continue reading →
