LeeLovesHotTrends.com » obituaries

Former NBA Player Lorenzen Wright Found Dead

Admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:11:26 +0000

Days after former Cleveland Cavalier and University of Memphis basketball player Lorenzen Wright was reported missing, Memphis authorities found his dead body Wednesday, July 28.

Wright was in town to visit a number of friends and his six children and he was expected to Atlanta last July 18, the day he was last seen alive. He was reported missing by his family on July 22nd. But his body was found dead Wednesday in a heavily wooded area in Memphis, TN by Hacks Cross Road, near Winchester. Local ABC Channel in Memphis reported that there was a 911 call made from Wright’s cell phone around 1:00 A.M. of July 19. The caller was still speaking when the dispatcher heard multiple gun shots. Aside from being murdered, reports say that Wright was also robbed of tens of thousands of dollars.

The police are yet to confirm that the body found is that indeed of Lorenzen but the player’s uncle Curtis Wright already told an international news agency that the police had already informed the player’s father, Herb Wright, Wednesday afternoon that Lorenzen had died.

His family, friends and relatives are already morning his death.

On the behalf of the family of the player, a cousin of Lorenzen, Camella Logan, said, “Lorenzen’s family has come together to mourn his loss and honor his legacy. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences as they are comforting at this very difficult time. Additionally, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to cope with his sudden loss.”

Lorenzen Wright, 34, played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May he rest in peace.

Actor James Gammon Dies of Cancer At 70

Admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:22:45 +0000

Remember James Gammon who played Lou Brown in Major League and Major League II? We heard the saddest news today that Gammon passed away at the age of 70.

Gammon passed last Friday, July 16, at his daughter’s home in Costa Mesa, CA. During his last hours, he was surrounded by family and friends after a battle with cancer of the adrenal glands and liver. He was hospice at home because he was too pale and weak to undergo surgery or chemotherapy.

Playing the role of a manager of the Cleveland Indians, earned him the favor of many fans. He may also be best-remembered for his characters in Silverado, Urban Cowboy, Leaving Normal, and Cold Mountain, and played father Nick Bridges to Don Johnson on Nash Bridges for five years.

James Gammon’s wife, Nancy said, “He was very proud of his stage work. One time he was referred to as Sam Shepard’s muse. He did a lot of plays for Sam and originated a lot of characters.”

“He did a lot of movies and TV, but I think his great presence and power was on the stage,” stated Paul Koslo an actor and director who worked with Gammon at the MET. “He always had something unexpected, riveting and real,” he added.

James Gammon’s memorial service will be held next month at the MET Theater in Los Angeles which he generously helped to fund in 1970.

Gammon is survived by his wife of 38 years, Nancy Kapusta, his two daughters Allison Mann of Costa Mesa and Amy Gammon of West Hollywood. In addition he leaves behind a brother, sister and two grandchildren.

Slipknot Bassist Paul Gray, ‘The Pig’, Dies at 38

Admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:44:00 +0000

A bad month for metal. First was Peter Steele, died last April 14 of heart failure, then Ronnie James Dio died of stomach cancer. Now, Paul Gray, the bassist for Grammy-winning metal band Slipknot, was found dead Monday in hotel room in Urbandale, Iowa according to the police. He was 38.

Police said a hotel employee Grey found at 10:50 a.m. at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott at 8800 Northpark Johnston Drive in Johnston on Monday. Officials did not find any evidence of foul play but preliminary reports from the scene indicates a drug overdose as the cause of death. A complete investigation of the death will be completed by Urbandale police detectives. An autopsy will be performed on Tuesday by the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office is assisting in the death investigation. The toxicology results will determine if there were any contributing factors in the death of Gray, police said.

Paul Grey, also known as #2 or “The Pig”, is the bassist and back up vocals for the band Slipknot since 1995. The band is known for their appearances and masks. Slipknot‘s self-titled debut in 1999 sold more than a million copies and the two following album have also gone platinum. They won a Grammy in 2006 for Best Metal Performance for their single, Before I Forget. Their fourth album that was released 2008, All Hope Is Gone, is the last album to feature original bass player Paul Gray.

He leaves behind a wife, Brenna Paul, who is expecting their first child. May he rest in peace.

Pitcher Jose Lima Dies at 37

Admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 01:35:15 +0000

Former MLB All-Star and pitcher Jose Lima dies of a massive heart-attack at the age of 37. This news was first reported by ESPN.

Lima’s wife, Dorca Astacio, said: “Jose was complaining while sleeping and I just thought he was having a nightmare,” Astacio told ESPNdeportes.com. “I called the paramedics, but they couldn’t help him.”

At the age of 21, Jose Lima made his Major League debut with the Detroit Tigers in April 1994. After three years, he was traded to the Houston Astros where he played his best season after winning 21 games in 1999 and earning him a trip to the All Star Game that year. Then, he almost set a Major League record by allowing 48 home runs the following season. He is also known for the phrase “Lima Time” because of his enthusiastic and colorful pitchings.

Lima also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004, won 13 games with the team and had a record of 13-5, with a 4.07 ERA. The greatest moment in his career was when he pitched a 5-hit shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals giving the Dodgers their first postseason win since Game 5 of the 1988 World Series.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Jose Lima. Though he was taken from us way too soon, he truly lived his life to the fullest and his personality was simply unforgettable. He had the ability to light up a room and that’s exactly what he did every time I saw him. His memorable contributions to the Dodgers in 2004 and throughout baseball will always be remembered. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family during this extremely difficult time,” said Dodgers’ owner Frank McCourt.

Alex Cora, who played with Lima in LA: “He was a very happy person, very upbeat, really enjoyed the game, he brought a really great vibe to the clubhouse. Especially in ’04, I had a blast playing with him. We play this game for a living, but you have to enjoy it, and he did, he actually did.”

It’s a really really tragic news. He was too young. Our thoughts and prayers for him and his family.

J.D. Salinger, author of ‘Catcher in the Rye’, dies at 91

Admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:29:53 +0000

J.D. Salinger, the legendary author, who is renowned for his The Catcher in the Rye and Franny and Zooey novels, died at age 91 in Cornish, N.H.

His son, Matt Salinger, said that Salinger died of natural causes in his home Wednesday. Indeed, this news left an impact on his countless readers and even to some celebrity fans.

The Catcher in the Rye was not only popular among adults but with teens as well. The novel was translated to different languages and has sold about 60 million copies worldwide. It was among the 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to 2005 as chosen by Time, and named by Modern Library and its readers as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.

The late British biographer Ian Hamilton wrote in his 1988 book, “In Search of J.D. Salinger” describes Salinger, “He was famous for not wanting to be famous.” Yes, that’s Salinger alright.

A recent Huffington Post article on “Remembering J.D. Salinger” points out one kind of moment:

Salinger will be read as long as there are misunderstood adolescents — or students of fine writing, especially funny writing… Come to think of it, what’s “Harry Potter” but the Salinger-esque story of an underestimated hormonal misfit boy packed off to private school?

I remembered when I read The Catcher in the Rye and met Holden Caulfield for the first time. At first I thought it was a boring book but eventually, just like all teenager who felt like they don’t belong, the Rye had been one of my favorite books along with my collection of Twain’s and Tolkien’s. I felt like I understand what Holden Caulfield is going through and I’m walking the same path as he is… Though I was not sent to a private school.

We are forever thankful for J.D. Salinger’s novels and short stories and he will forever live through them.

Bears defensive end Gaines Adams dies at 26

Admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:57:15 +0000

Chicago Bears’ defensive end Gaines Adams died Sunday morning at a young age of 26. He was found by his girlfriend at his family’s home and he was taken immediately to the emergency room at Self Regional Hospital. Adams was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. ET said Marcia Kelley-Clark, chief deputy coroner for Greenwood County.

In an autopsy performed Sunday by the Anderson County forensic pathologist, it showed that he died of cardiac arrest caused by an enlarged heart, and the death was ruled natural.

But neither he nor Adams’ relatives know about it. “Nobody was aware of any kind of medical condition,” Kelley-Clark said.

Report says that at the time of his death, neither drug abuse nor foul play was suspected but this will not be confirmed until the full toxicology tests result is released for at least two months time.

The Chicago Bears issued the following statement on the death of Gaines Adams: “We are stunned and saddened by the news of Gaines’ passing. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Adams was born in Greenwood, South Carolina, and played his college football at Clemson. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round in the 2007 NFL Draft and was later traded to the Chicago Bears during the 2009 regular season.

In this year alone, there are already five NFL players who died. Corey Smith, 29, a Lions defensive end and Marquis Cooper, 26, a Raiders linebacker, was presumed dead on March 6, 2009 after the Coast Guard found their boat overturned. Steve McNair, 36, a former Titans and Ravens quarterback who died in July 4, 2009, in what police said was a murder-suicide. McNair was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds, along with the body of a young woman named Sahel Kazemi. Chris Henry, 26, a Bengals receiver was involved in a car accident and died of trauma in of head trauma on Dec. 16, 2009, after he came out of the back of a truck driven by his fiancee, Loleini Tonga. Then there’s Gaines Adams.

This is indeed a tragic loss for Adams family and for the Bears. He was so young and a person full of promise. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

R&B soul singer Teddy Pendergras dies at 59

Admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:47:08 +0000

Former publicist of Teddy Pendergrass confirms that the legend R&B soul singer and songwriter died Wednesday evening, January 13, 2010, at the age of 59.

His son, Teddy Pendergrass II, also said that his father died at Bryn Mawr Hospital in suburban Philadelphia. Teddy Pendergrass had a fatal car accident in 1982 and eight months ago underwent colon cancer surgery and had difficulty recovering.

“To all his fans who loved his music, thank you,” his son said. “He will live on through his music.”

Pendergrass became a popular singer in the 1970s and ’80s because of his forceful voice. He was R&B’s reigning sex symbol during that time and was known for his smash love ballads such as “Turn Off the Lights” “Wake Up Everybody”, and “Love TKO”.

Lisa Barbaris, who calls herself a close friend and Teddy’s last publicist said:

“His beloved family surrounded him. The world has lost one of its greatest voices and performers,” Barbaris said in a statement.

“His family is devastated. He has three children and, even though it was expected, it still hurts,” she said.

Just like MJ, Teddy Pendergrass was a passionate singer and he will live on through his music. He gained popularity as a member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. After completing physical therapy in 1984, he returned to the studio in his wheelchair to record the album Love Language, featuring ballad Hold Me (duet with Whitney Houston). He also returned to the public for a performance on July 13, 1985 at the historic Live Aid concert in Philadelphia, then continued to record throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1998, Pendergrass released his autobiography entitled, Truly Blessed.

May his soul rest in peace.

Tila Tequila fiancee Casey Johnson dies at age 30

Admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:59:33 +0000

Johnson & Johnson royalty Casey Johnson has passed away at the age of 30 as confirmed by The Los Angeles Police Department to Access Hollywood on Monday night. Details were withheld as of the cause of her death but a rep for the Johnson family issued a statement asking for privacy during this very difficult time.

Casey Johnson was hot topic for the tabloids these past days with her alleged engagement to reality star Tila Tequila. Earlier in the evening Tila posted in her Twitter account confirming the Johnson & Johnson heiress’s death. These are what she wrote:

“Everyone please pray 4 my Wifey Casey Johnson. She has passed away. Thank u for all ur love and support but I will be offline to be w family.”
Tila Tequila wrote these on her Twitter home page this morning but later tweeted a shocking update.

“I know u can feel me Casey! Dot let go! I’m almost home baby please hang on! We have a beautiful life planned out for us! I LOVE u! Hang on!”

Readers were confused and some speculated that maybe Casey was not dead or might still be in a comma. Still later Tila posted another message, confirming the tragedy:

“R.I.P my Angel. @caseyjonsonJnJ u will forever be in my heart! I love u so so much and we will Marry when I see U in Heaven my Wifey.”

Together with Tila and the Johnson family, the whole world joins them in their grief and loss. Our condolences to the bereaved family and to Casey, may you rest in peace.

Actress Brittany Murphy dies at 32

Admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:20:45 +0000

She was young, too young. It was first reported by TMZ that actress Brittany Murphy died on Sunday after going into cardiac arrest.

According to the online gossip site, the Los Angeles City Fire Department said that a call was made around 8AM PST from a home in L.A. that belongs to her husband, Simon Monjack. It was her mother, Sharon, who discovered Brittany unconscious in the shower. When the paramedics arrived, they concluded that she was in full cardiac arrest and conducted CPR immediately. She was then taken at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center near Beverly Hills where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Los Angeles Police Department has stated that they are conducting an investigation to rule out any criminal activity. Right now, the cause of Brittany Murphy’s cardiac arrest still remains unknown.

“In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support,” Murphy’s publicist, Nicole Perna, said in a statement. “It is their wish that you respect their privacy.”

Brittany Murphy was 32. She starred in “Clueless”, “Girl, Interrupted” and “8 Mile” movies. One of my personal favorites is her movie “Uptown Girls” with Dakota Fanning where she is a spoiled rock n’ roll girl yet so carefree, high-spirited, and with a very happy attitude which I think describes her personality in real life. Brittany was different from a lot of typical Hollywood actresses and she seemed like a genuinely nice girl. She will be missed by many. Our condolences to Brittany’s family.

German goalkeeper Robert Enke dies in apparent suicide

Admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:16:47 +0000

German international football goalkeeper, Robert Enke, died after being hit by a train on November 10, 2009, at Neustadt am Rubenberge, in what police suspect is a suicide. A sad news for all the fans of this soccer player since he is expected to play for Germany at the World Cup.

“The victim is apparently national team goalkeeper Robert Enke from Hannover 96,” a media officer for the Niedersachsen police told Reuters. “The first police indications are that it was a suicide.”

“The German team has learned of the death of Robert Enke with great shock. National team coach Joachim Loew and manager Oliver Bierhoff said ‘we are all shocked, we are speechless”, German soccer federation president Theo Zwanziger said.

Police says Robert walked in front of an oncoming train not far from his home. The train drivers said they saw a man on the track, hit the break but, unfortunately, could not stop in time. His car was found near the scene, unlocked, and with his wallet on the seat.

News of Enke’s death was announced by Martin Kind, Hannover’s president. Kind said Enke had appeared “unstable” recently. He and his wife lost their 2-year-old daughter to a heart ailment in 2006.

“You expect many things, but not something like that,” Kind said. “I do not know how and why it happened, but I do not think that it had anything to do with football.”

Robert Enke, 32, is considered as one of the most prominent player in the soccer world. It is a great loss and tragedy indeed. Hundreds of fans lit candles and placed flowers outside the Hannover stadium on Tuesday night in memory of their captain.

Rest in peace, Robert.