Canadian rapper Jon James McMurray fell to his death on Saturday in British Columbia while filming a video in which he was walking on the wing of a plane while rapping. The 33-year old’s management released a statement, saying, “As Jon got further out onto the wing of the plane, it caused the small Cessna to go into a downward spiral that the pilot couldn’t correct. Jon held onto the wing until it was too late, and by the time he let go, he didn’t have time to pull his chute. He impacted and died instantly.” According to Billboard , a GoFundMe page has been set up to “get his stuff out there to the world in the right way… [and] help with Jon James’ celebration of life.” McMurray, who grew up skiing in the Rocky Mountains, was known for doing crazy stunts in most of his videos. He will truly be missed by his fans.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images) The world was in shock back in July when news broke that Tina Turner ‘s 59-year old son Craig Turner had committed suicide by fatally shooting himself in the head. The Rock & Roll legend has been understandably mum on the matter, until now. She told BBC News , “I still don’t know what took him to the edge because at that stage he had said to me that he had never met a woman that he felt that way about. He was bringing her to meet me [for] his birthday in August. He had decorated his apartment that I bought him years ago. He had gotten a new job with a prominent real estate company in California, [which] he was very happy with.” The eight-time Grammy winner continued on, adding that she thinks loneliness played a part in Craig’s decision to end his life. “I think it was something with being alone. But when I think that, why didn’t he call the new girlfriend that give him the lift? He was an introverted person. He was very shy, so I didn’t know either, except now when I listen back to our last conversations, I notice a change. The last few times we talked, the conversations were different, and I didn’t know that until after the suicide.” Miss Tina may be heartbreaking over losing her eldest child, but she insists that she won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. And when it’s her time to go, it won’t be a problem because, “I really don’t mind leaving,” she said. Our thoughts are still with Tina and her family during this time.
Image via Bobby Bank/Getty Images Dennis Hof, Bunny Ranch Owner, Dead At 72 Dennis Hof and his world famous Bunny Ranch in Nevada became a major part of the American pop sex culture and now part of that culture has died. According to TMZ , Hof was pronounced dead at his renowned house-of-ill-repute after emergency crews received a 911 call around 11AM this morning. Hof had been found unresponsive and was unable to be revived, no foul play is suspected. Hof’s birthday was just two days ago on October 14 and he spent it celebrating with Flavor Flav, Ron Jeremy, the LA Lakers’ Jhonny Buss and a performance by Afroman of all people. Obviously, part of Hof’s legacy is Lamar Odom’s infamous overdose but that didn’t stop him from mastering publicity. Hof was in the midst of running for state assembly in Nevada and had recently won the Republican primary. Hof used to say “There’s no business like ho business”, not sure how that will play at the pearly gates, bug Godspeed.
Paul Allen, the multi-billionaire who co-founded Microsoft alongside Bill Gates in 1975, died on Monday afternoon at his home in Seattle. He was 65 years old. Allen, who was worth around $20 billion around the time of his passing, lost his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a disease he announced had returned two weeks ago. “Some personal news: Recently, I learned the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma I battled in 2009 has returned,” Allen Tweeted on October 1, addingat the time: “I’ve begun treatment & my doctors are optimistic that I will see a good result. Appreciate the support I’ve received & count on it as I fight this challenge.” The wildly successful businessman’s Vulcan Inc. confirmed the sad news today, writing on Twitter: It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of @PaulGAllen, our founder and noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts. All of us who worked with Paul feel an inexpressible loss today. Allen’s sister, Jody, also released a statement. She said Paul was “a remarkable individual on every level,” adding in full: While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much-loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend. Paul’s family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern. For all the demands on his schedule, there was always time for family and friends. At this time of loss and grief for us – and so many others – we are profoundly grateful for the care and concern he demonstrated every day. Allen and Gates were both college dropouts. They came up with the idea for Microsoft in Albuquerque, designing software together for the nascient personal computer revolution. Microsoft moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1979. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1983 and resigned shortly thereafter, but still was an active member of the board until the year 2000. Allen was also a prominent figure in the professional sports world. He had owned the Seattle Seahawks since 1997 and the Portland Trail Blazers since 1988. He was also the co-owner of the MLS’ Seattle Sounders FC. Over the years, Allen donated over $2 billion to charity. He was never married and left behind no children. Said Vulcan CEO, Bill Hilf, of Allen: “All of us who had the honor of working with Paul feel inexpressible loss today. “He possessed a remarkable intellect and a passion to solve some of the world’s most difficult problems, with the conviction that creative thinking and new approaches could make profound and lasting impact. “Today we mourn our boss, mentor and friend whose 65 years were too short – and acknowledge the honor it has been to work alongside someone whose life transformed the world.” May Paul Allen rest in peace. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2018: In Memoriam
(Photo by Chris Christoforou/Redferns) Amy Winehouse Hologram Will Tour In 2019 First Tupac , then Ol’ Dirty Bastard , now Amy Winehouse joins the ranks of deceased celebs who’ve been turned into holograms. Just seven years after the singer’s death, Base Hologram has announced a partnership with the Winehouse estate to produce a concert tour to celebrate her legacy. The company released a statement about the upcoming tour saying: “Utilizing new state-of-the-art proprietary technology, the production will launch towards the end of 2019. Featuring digitally remastered arrangements of her classics, the hologram will be backed by a live band, singers and theatrical stagecraft.” We’re excited to announce that we’re partnering with the family of GRAMMY Award-winning artist @amywinehouse to celebrate her legacy. This worldwide hologram tour, set to start in late 2019, will raise funds and awareness for @AmysFoundation ! https://t.co/K0CIPH6Tty pic.twitter.com/GyR0ygyPEc — BASE Hologram (@BASEHologram) October 11, 2018 But most of the die-hard Winehouse stans aren’t here for it. Phew, they didn't exploit Amy Winehouse enough while she was alive https://t.co/VPJy94qDUW — rick (@rickburin) October 12, 2018 Mitch Winehouse works hard to maintain his spot on the list of the world’s worst humans. https://t.co/77RfYkRrmc — Tiffany (@MsFlowersTweets) October 11, 2018 Ok so I think Amy Winehouse was great, & I bet her live show was . But this is a hologram. I can't help but wonder what she'd think about this. I would be furious. Instead of a hologram, we could, ya know, put living artists on the road & cultivate actual live music. https://t.co/wcIuNGiZ1D — audrey witch hunt (@dj_ewi) October 12, 2018 Tupac at Coachella was groundbreaking — but is it too soon for Hologram Amy?
(Photo by Pramod Thakur/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) Audrey Wells Passes Away A Day Before “The Hate U Give” Releases In Theaters 58-Year-Old screenwriter Audrey Wells had passed away according to Page Six , just one day short of seeing through her final project. Audrey Wells, who wrote and directed the 2003 romantic comedy “Under the Tuscan Sun” as well as the screenplay for the new film “The Hate U Give,” has died after a five-year battle with cancer. A representative from United Talent Agency says Wells died Thursday. Wells worked on notible projects throughout her career, like screenplays for films like “The Truth About Cats and Dogs,” and “Shall We Dance,” with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere. Wells also wrote the script for the critically-acclaimed new film “The Hate U Give,” an adaptation of Angie Thomas’ young adult novel about a police shooting of a young black man. The film starring Amandla Stenberg is now playing in limited release before it expands nationwide Oct. 19. UTA Co-President David Kramer said in a statement that Wells was “truly special.” “The strong, independent female characters she shaped resonate today more than ever and will be a part of her legacy always,” Kramer said. “We will miss her amazing, spirit, creativity and the love she gave us.” So sad, may she rest in peace.
(Photo by Pramod Thakur/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) Audrey Wells Passes Away A Day Before “The Hate U Give” Releases In Theaters 58-Year-Old screenwriter Audrey Wells had passed away according to Page Six , just one day short of seeing through her final project. Audrey Wells, who wrote and directed the 2003 romantic comedy “Under the Tuscan Sun” as well as the screenplay for the new film “The Hate U Give,” has died after a five-year battle with cancer. A representative from United Talent Agency says Wells died Thursday. Wells worked on notible projects throughout her career, like screenplays for films like “The Truth About Cats and Dogs,” and “Shall We Dance,” with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere. Wells also wrote the script for the critically-acclaimed new film “The Hate U Give,” an adaptation of Angie Thomas’ young adult novel about a police shooting of a young black man. The film starring Amandla Stenberg is now playing in limited release before it expands nationwide Oct. 19. UTA Co-President David Kramer said in a statement that Wells was “truly special.” “The strong, independent female characters she shaped resonate today more than ever and will be a part of her legacy always,” Kramer said. “We will miss her amazing, spirit, creativity and the love she gave us.” So sad, may she rest in peace.
Paul John Vasquez, a veteran actor likely best known to television fans for his role on Sons of Anarchy, died of a heart attack on Monday night, according to multiple news outlets. He was 48 years old. “This news has come as a surprise to us,” a representative for Vasquez People Magazine, adding somberly: “Our hearts are heavy. He was a kind, creative and loving man. He will be missed.” According to TMZ, Vasquez was at his father’s home in San Jose when he suffered the apparent heart attack. He did found him unconscious and called the paramedics, but they were never able to revive him. The cause of death has not yet been made official and remains, as of this writing, under investigation. You very likely recognize Vasquez, even if you weren’t able to immediately place him upon seeing his face. The actor enjoyed a number of small roles on a number of very populr TV shows, such as Sons of Anarchy, How I Met Your Mother, NYPD Blue and CSI: NY. He appeared on the FX drama in 2011 for two episodes as the character of Angel Ganz and is actually the second Sons of Anarchy player to have been found dead in recent months. Back in June, Alan O’Neil – who appeared at various times on the final two seasons of this series – was discovered dead by his girlfriend , although no foul play was suspected The L.A. County Coroner’s Office spokeswoman previously said that O’Neill, who portrayed Hugh on the critically acclaimed program, died of sequelae of chronic ethanol (alcohol) overconsumption. Vasquez, meanwhile, was born and raised in San Jose, California. After graduating college in 1988, he moved to Los Angeles in order to pursue acting as a full-time living. Prior to his sudden passing, he set to star in the short Thug Alley, as well as Spody Gets His Gunz, two projects which he actually wrote. The actor was also scheduled to appear in the action thriller Lone Wolf. Vasquez made his small screen debut the same year in the show Private Eye, contining from then on to establish himself as a character actor over the next few decades. We send our condolences to his family members, friends and loved ones. May Paul John Vasquez rest in peace .
It’s been nearly a week since rapper Mac Miller passed away after suffering a drug overdose at his San Fernando Valley home. Though authorities have yet to determine Miller’s cause of death , all signs seem to indicate that he finally succumbed to the substance abuse issues that had plagued him throughout his life. Small amounts of powdery white substances believed to be drugs in the opioid family were reportedly found in Miller’s home. And a 911 call seemed to indicate that panicked friends of Miller were had little doubt as to the cause of his condition. The fact that he was not alone at the time of his death combined with the revelation that Miller had been dead for several hours before authorities arrived led to rumors that there would be an investigation as a result of possible foul play. For now, however, it looks as though police are treating Miller’s death as a tragic accident. “This is strictly a Coroner’s Office case at this time,” Sgt. Barry Montgomery, a spokesman for the LAPD , told Radar Online. “As far as we are concerned, we are not investigating it as a criminal activity.” Officially, the cause of Miller’s death is labeled as “deferred” pending the results of a toxicology report. Fans have expressed shock over the fact that there will be no investigation, as early reports about Miller’s final hours seemed to indicate a chaotic scene. And for many, the length of time between when the rapper died and when his body was found suggested criminal negligence. Witnesses told police that a group consisting mostly of young men was “coming in and out all night” in the hours before Miller’s death, breaking bottles and engaging in other destructive acts. Sources claim several people left the home in a hurry just before police arrived. “They seemed in a rush to go,” claimed one onlooker. Sadly, many who knew Miller best were not surprised by his tragic passing. Miller’s substance abuse issues were a major factor in his recent breakup with Ariana Grande , and she was one of many who implored him to get sober. On Wednesday, Miller’s body was shipped from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh so that he could be laid to rest in his hometown. Our thoughts go out to Mac Miller’s loved ones during this difficult time. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2018: In Memoriam
Artists and industry folks who knew and now miss Mac Miller after his tragic death last Friday discuss the positive, comedic energy the rapper had, the impact he left on their lives, and their fondest memories of him. Rest in Peace, Mac. Getty/YouTube