PHOTO - National Enquirer’s Whitney Houston Coffin Photo Cover Strikes a Nerve.

A new round of disgust is running rampant on the internet as the tabloid magazine National Enquirer has decided to lead this month’s edition with a picture of a Whitney Houston casket photo showing the deceased singer in her coffin.

But should anyone really be surprised?

Several news organizations have criticized the magazine saying it is in bad taste and is not showing the family the privacy they have requested.

The cover photo shows Houston in her open casket during her memorial service.

Whitney Houston Death Photo on Enquirer Cover

The controversy erupted when the National Enquirer purchased a photo from somebody on the “inside” and chose to run it on the cover of their current edition.

News organizations across the country are hearing that fans are angry and feel the casket picture is in bad taste and the tabloid is simply trying to cause controversy to sell magazines.

This is how things work in Hollywood – nothing is sacred and everything is open for exploitation if money is involved.

The National Inquirer has run death photos of Elvis, John Lennon, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and others.

Celebrity death photos are commonly in high demand and will sell to the highest bidder.

Welcome to the real World of Hollywood and death!

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Whitney Houston Dies in Beverley Hills – Grammy Tribute Planned

Whitney Houston Dead at 48 in Beverley Hills

Award winning singer Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday night at the Beverley Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Houston was 48 years old.

Houston was at one point married to musician Bobby Brown and both were notorious drug users who spent time in drug rehab.

Police say it does not appear that there was any foul play but until a complete autopsy can be performed they cannot rule out a drug overdose.

Houston Partied Friday Night in L.A.

TMZ is reporting that no illegal drugs were found in Houston’s hotel room but there were prescription drugs and evidence that the Grammy Award winning singer may have drowned in the bath tub.

Whitney had performed as late as Friday night at a local hotel as part of the 2012 Grammy preshow celebration and was photographed looking intoxicated and agitated.



The 2012 Grammy committee has announced that the Awards show will now take on a different tone and that singer Jennifer Hudson will present a tribute to Houston at Sunday night’s Grammy Award telecast.

By Sunday morning Houston’s official website added a splash page that simply read “In Loving Memory.”

RIP Whitney Houston. You are now in the arms of the Angels… may you find some comfort there.

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Video - 4 Dead at Indianapolis State Fair as Sugarland Stage Collapses

There was tragic news out of Indianapolis Indiana Saturday night.

The concert stage used by Sugarland collapsed at the Indiana State Fair Grounds as 70 mph winds whipped through the area.

No act was performing at the time of the collapse but 4 people were killed and at least 40 people were taken to local hospitals and 150 people were treated at a triage area set up at the fairgrounds.

About 12,000 fans were in attendance for the show.

The Indianapolis State Fair runs from August 5th through August 21st and is known for hosting some of the biggest acts in the music business.

Watch the Stage Collapse at the Indiana State Fair


The band Sugarland was preparing to perform when a gust of wind blew the support beams out from under the stage canopy causing the entire rig to come crashing down.

“The storm blew in and the stage rigging started to sway. You could see it was going to collapse but there was nothing anybody could do. Then it just fell to the ground – almost like it was slow motion.”

You can hear the panic in the voices of the people on the video as the structure begins to fall.

Sugarland took to twitter to say,

“We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you'll join us. They need your strength.”

Lead singer of Sugarland Sara Bareilles later tweeted,

“I'm speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost.”

Fellow musician Keith Urban wrote,

"I just saw the footage from Indiana State Fair tonight on YouTube and am absolutely in shock. We send our prayers and thoughts to each and every one of you who were there and your families and loved ones as well. God bless you all."

No word yet if organizers will cancel the Fair or any of the upcoming shows scheduled for next week.

Acts scheduled to appear during the week of August 15th include Janet Jackson, Train, Maroon 5, and Lady Antebellum.

People work to remove injured fans after stage collapse

So far there has not been any official word from these artists or their representatives about cancellations but some are expected to bow out in respect for the dead and injured.

The stage area will also be the subject of an investigation and may not be usable for several weeks as investigators comb the area looking for clues as to what caused the stage to collapse.



Early Sunday morning Sugarland had updated their official website with the following statement,

“We are all right after our stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair tonight. Many of our fans and friends in Indianapolis may not be. Please keep them in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever form of strength you are able to send. They need you. Thank you.”

The band was scheduled to perform in Des Moines, Iowa Sunday evening before heading to Albuquerque, New Mexico later in the week.

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Eerie – All These Musicians Died When They Were 27 – “Forever 27” Artist List

In light of the sudden death of singer Amy Winehouse today, we came across this creepy phenomenon called “27 Club” or “Forever 27”.

Some people just refer to them as “The 27’s”

What is it and who are they?

It is a list of famous artists and musicians that all died when they were 27-years-old.

Some call it a coincidence, others may call it divine, but it is mostly just sad that we have lost so many talented people at age twenty seven.

Jimi Hendrix – Drugs
Janis Joplin – Heroin Overdose
Jim Morrison – Drug Overdose
Amy Winehouse – Unknown at this time
Kurt Kobain – Suicide

Biographer Charles R. Cross says,

"The number of musicians who died at 27 is truly remarkable by any standard. While humans die regularly at all ages, there is a statistical spike for musicians who die at 27".

There is even a book “The 27s: The Greatest Myth of Rock & Roll” by Eric Segalstad and Josh Hunter that discusses the life of not only the above artists, but 30 other musicians that died when they were 27.

Coincidence?



Other notable names are Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan of the Grateful Dead, Pete Ham of Badfinger, Gary Thain of Uriah Heep, D. Boon of the Minutemen, Pete de Freitas of Echo & the Bunnymen, and Rudy Lewis of The Drifters.

And the list goes on…….

Truth can be stranger than fiction some times.

Remember kids – stay in school and don’t do drugs.

And finally, watch your back Lady Gaga.

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CNBC Anchor Mark Haines Has Died – He was 65

Mark Haines, host of CNBC’s “Squawk Box” has died.

Anybody who ever watched CNBC knew who Mark Haines was. He frequently argued with not only the guests, but also his fellow colleagues.

Haines had been around for a long time and was one of the founding anchors when the network started 20 years ago when it was called FNN – Financial News Network.

In fact, it was a first of a kind and no other network existed that covered strictly the financial sector.

Haines hosted CNBC’s morning show “Squawk Box”.

Mark died unexpectedly at his home last night, the financial news network said.

CNBC President Mark Hoffman said,

"With his searing wit, profound insight and piercing interview style, he was a constant and trusted presence in business news for more than 20 years. From the dot-com bubble to the tragic events of 9/11 to the depths of the financial crisis, Mark was always the unflappable pro. Mark loved CNBC and we loved him back. He will be deeply missed."

Watch Mark Haines and Barney Frank Spar on Air


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Macho Man Randy Savage Dead at 58

Professional wrestling fans are in shock today.

One of the greatest heroes of the sport has died.

TMZ is reporting that Macho Man Randy Savage was killed in a car accident around 9:30 this morning in Seminole Florida.

FHP says Savage was travelling in his vehicle when he had a heart attack, swerved across the center median, and crashed head on into a tree.

He was pronounced dead at a hospital near Tampa.

Cops say alcohol was not an issue and that Randy’s wife was also in the car and suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. Both were wearing their seat belts.

Macho Man Randy Savage wrestled for the WWF from 1985-1994 and the WCW from 1994-1999 and was known for his flamboyant costumes and feuds with fellow wrestlers Ric Flair and Jake "The Snake" Roberts.

Uncle Leo Len Lesser from Seinfeld Dies

Say it aint so - Poor Uncle Leo.

Long time actor and funnyman Len Lesser died on Thursday after being hospitalized with phenomena. He was 88 years old.

The actor was well known for his role as Uncle Leo from the hit series Seinfeld. Both Seinfeld and Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza on the show, expressed their condolences using their Twitter accounts this morning saying.

"Len was a tremendous guy. He was a smart actor/comedian who knew exactly what he was doing in the creation of Uncle Leo. I enjoyed many wonderful conversations with Len who was so openly grateful to be part of our show and so humble about his stunning contribution to it. I am so happy to have known him and my sympathies go to his family. But his was a fun life and he leaves many fans behind and many who will be enjoying his work for years to come."

Lesser was a seasoned professional and Hollywood staple for decades and appeared in successful projects as ER, Everybody Loves Raymond, Just Shoot Me, Mad About You, Falcon Crest, Quincy, Kojak, Bonanza, All in the Family, The Cosby Show, and countless others.

Good night Uncle Leo.

Dennis Hopper Dies From Prostate Cancer

Hollywood lost a legend today. Dennis Hopper, 74, has died after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Hopper is best known for his roles in "Easy Rider", "Rebel Without A Cause", and "Blue Velvet". While most knew him from these classic movies, he was also known for less rebellious roles in "Hoosiers", "Apocalypse Now", and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2."

During the course of his career he won two Academy Awards and received a star on the Hollywood walk of fame.

Hopper had been married five times and was currently in a legal battle with his current wife, Victoria, who insisted that Hopper was trying to cut her out of the will and her inheritance. The feud was still in full swing up until his death.

His second marriage, to singer-actress Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, lasted only eight days.
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Actor Gary Coleman Has Died

UPDATE: Friday 5/28/2010

Gary Coleman has died. His wife Shanon made the decision to end life support and Gary died at 12:05 pm.

A representative issued the following statement:

"Thanks to everyone for their well wishing and support during this tragic time. Now that Gary has passed, we know he will be missed because of all the love and support shown in the past couple of days. Gary is now at peace and his memory will be kept in the hearts of those who were entertained by him throughout the years."

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Actor Gary Coleman, who starred on the hit series "Different Strokes", has been hospitalized in Provo Utah.

News reports indicate that Coleman, 42, was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery after suffering a fall.

Little more is known about the circumstances or his prognosis.

Coleman was admitted to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and his brother-in-law told reporters the actor was in critical condition.

UPDATE: Friday 5/28/2010 - The family reports that Coleman is unconscious and on life support after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage.
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Brittany Murphy's Husband Simon Monjack Found Dead

Sad news in Hollywood today as we learn that Brittany Murphy's husband Simon Monjack was found dead in the same house Brittany died in five months ago.

Monjack was pronounced dead after 911 was called Sunday evening around nine-thirty p.m.

Firefighters responding to a call from a woman found the 39-year-old Monjack dead at his Hollywood Hills home. Monjack and Murphy had shared their home with Murphy's mother, Sharon.

While a cause of death has not been given, officials say it appears to be from natural causes.

An investigation has been started.

Six months ago Monjack's wife, Brittany Murphy, died of pneumonia complicated by an iron deficiency, anemia and multiple drug intoxication.

The couple had been married since 2007.
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Corey Haim Dead At 38

Actor Corey Haim has died at a Burbank hospital.

Wednesday morning, the 38-year-old "Lost Boys" actor died of "still to be determined causes" and an autopsy has been scheduled.

Haim is believed to have died from a drug overdose, likely the result of an accident. Haim had a life-long battle with substance abuse.

Haim became known in films such as "Lucas" (1986), "License To Drive" (1988), and "The Lost Boy's" (1987) and had a number of projects scheduled through 2010.

His last major project was a reunion show with former cohort Corey Feldman in "The Two Coreys" where Haim's drug problem was obvious.
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Marie Osmond's Son Dies In Suicide

The eighteen-year-old son of Marie Osmond, Michael Blosil, has died after jumping from his Los Angeles apartment building.

Reports indicate that Michael Blosil left a suicide note saying he was going to kill himself after suffering from depression. The L.A. coroner's office has launched an investigation.

Donny and Marie have cancelled their Las Vegas show for tonight and issued the following statement:

"My family and I are devastated and in deep shock by the tragic loss of our dear Michael and ask that everyone respect our privacy during this difficult time"

Blosil had been suffering from depression for several years, as did his mother Marie in 2001 when she penned the book "Behind the Smile," about her experience with postpartum depression.

Marie Osmond has appeared on the television show "Dancing With the Stars," and she and Donny are currently headlining a show in Las Vegas.
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Growing Pains Actor Andrew Koenig Found Dead In Vancouver After Suicide

Actor Andrew Koenig has been found and the news is not good.

The "Growing Pains" actor was found dead in a Vancouver park after committing suicide. His body was found in a wooded area near Stanley Park.

His parents held an emotional news conference yesterday saying, "Andrew took his own life." Andrew's father, Walter Koenig, played Chekov on the original "Star Trek" television series.

Officials say foul play has been ruled out, and the family did not believe drugs were involved saying depression was most likely the motivator and said, "He obviously was in a lot of pain".

They said Andrew, 41, had been depressed, and had given away his belongings and had stopped taking his medication and taking phone calls. They pleaded with others who suffer from depression to reach out and seek help.

Walter said at a press conference:

"If you are one of those people who can't handle it any more, know people are out there who really care before you make that final decision, talk to somebody."

In addition to his run on Growing Pains, Andrew Koenig also appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, My Two Dads, G.I. Joe, and the movies NonSense, InAlienable and The Theory of Everything.

Watch Video Of Walter Koenig Press Conference



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Deadliest Catch Captain Dies - Phil Harris

Bad news being reported this morning - Captain Phil Harris of the hit show "Deadliest Catch" has died.

Harris was rushed to the hospital two weeks ago after a massive stroke in late January, but had been improving over the last week. The actor was 53 years old and died in a hospital in Alaska.

According to the ship's Web site, "Cornelia Marie", Phil Harris began fishing at age seven and started working on the big rigs by age seventeen.

When Harris turned twenty-one he managed a fishing boat out of Seattle, making him one of the youngest captains on the Bering Sea during the lucrative opilio crab season.

Harris' kids released a statement:

"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad, Captain Phil Harris. Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end. For the crew, and us he was someone who never backed down. We will remember and celebrate that strength. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers."

"Deadliest Catch", which has ran for five seasons, is one of the Discovery Channel's most popular hits and portrays the commercial opilio crab fishing industry in the dangerous waters off Alaska.

Watch Captain Phil Harris Take Command Of His Ship Cornelia Marie




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Actor Justin Mentell Killed In Car Accident

Wisconsin authorities have reported that "Boston Legal" actor Justin Mentell has died from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Mentell, age 27, died Monday after driving his Jeep off the road and down an embankment while hitting two trees in a remote area of Wisconsin.

He was by himself in the car and was not wearing a seat-belt. The actor was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the accident scene about 8:30 Monday morning.

Cops believe the accident occurred around 3:00 a.m.

Justin played the role of attorney Garrett Wells on "Boston Legal" from 2005-2006.

Last year, Mentell played Terrell in the fantasy adventure "G-Force" appearing with Sam Rockwell, Will Arnett, Nicolas Cage, Tracy Morgan, Penélope Cruz and Steve Buscemi.

"G-Force" told the story of a specially trained squad of guinea pigs that is dispatched to stop a diabolical billionaire from taking over the world.
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Disc Jockey DJ AM Found Dead

Adam Goldstein, better known as DJ AM, was found dead Friday afternoon in his Manhattan apartment, and a crack pipe and pill bottles were found near his body.

Goldstein, 36, worked at some of Hollywood's most exclusive clubs and parties as a DJ, and dated some of Hollywood's hottest personalities like Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore.

Cops broke down the door to his Manhattan apartment and found his body about 5:20 p.m. Friday.

Goldstein was open about his past drug abuse with crack, cocaine and ecstasy, but had been telling reporters and friends he was now drug free.

Last September he survived a tragic South Carolina plane crash that killed four people and seriously injured his friend Travis Barker.

Goldstein and Barker were the only survivors.
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Jackson's Dr. Murray To Be Charged With Manslaughter

Word has leaked out that Michael Jackson's personal physician will be charged with manslaughter within the next two weeks.

A law enforcement employee told a reporter that Dr. Conrad Murray could be arrested as soon as next Wednesday, and that police are going to serve one more search warrant to a Los Angeles pharmacy.

The LAPD is in talks with investigators about whether they will give Murray the choice of surrendering in Los Angeles, or be arrested in Houston, where he is currently living.

Murray is suspected of facilitating Jackson's death by using the intravenous anesthetic propofol to help him sleep just hours before he died.
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Michael Jackson Dead Of Heart Attack At Age 50 - Last Photo

Pop star Michael Jackson has died. He was 50 years old.

The singer was found unresponsive at his home in California Thursday afternoon. He was rushed to the UCLA medical center but could not be revived. A Los Angeles Fire Department source told reporters that Jackson was in full cardiac arrest when rescue units arrived on scene.

Aides told a doctor that Jackson collapsed after receiving a shot of the drug Demerol. His breathing grew weaker and weaker and suffered a heart attack. Police have opened an investigation into the arrest but stress they do not suspect criminal activity.

His mother, sister Janet Jackson, and other family members rushed to the hospital. This sad news comes the same day we learn that actress Farrah Fawcett has passed away.

Michael was best known for his signature moon walk, thriller video and album, the smash hit song Billy Jean, massive plastic surgery, and his encounters with law enforcement for suspected child molestation at his now famous Neverland Ranch.

Jackson was planning to appear in a sold-out series of concerts in London next month that would have run until March. Promoters of the concerts had recently said that the singer had passed a physical examination to remove any concerns about his health.

Michael is survived by his three younger children, Prince Michael Jackson, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince Michael Jackson II.
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Actor David Carradine Dead In Thailand

Update: It is looking more and more like David died by accident either from a bondage fetish, or an auto-erotica asphyxiation session.

His third wife, Gail Jensen, has come forward telling the press the actor was into some strange things:

"David was pretty strange. He liked to get tied up. He would tie himself up and I would walk in and see him and say 'Oh my God, David, you got to be kidding me - and I would turn around and walk out.

I would leave him to his own sexual devices. He liked to be tied up. And he could tie himself up ... He spent days planning a different feature. He would go to a hardware store and buy the stuff."

Last week, a Thai publication called Thai Rath published what it said was the death photo taken by officials at the scene. The death picture showed a man hanging by his neck with his hands tied above his head. It is noy clear if the man hanging in the picture is Carradine.


Actor David Carradine Found Dead In Thailand - Hanging In A Closet

Kung Fu actor and celebrity David Carradine has been found dead in a Thailand hotel - naked with a rope around his neck.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday.

Carradine, 72, who was in Bangkok filming his latest movie, had commented back in 2004 that he had thought about suicide. But everybody around him on his current film project said he was in great spirits and in a good mood over the last days and weeks.

David had been staying at the Swissotel Nai Lert Park hotel in Bangkok.

Reports have surfaced that a hotel maid found his naked body hanging inside a closet with a rope around his neck. Officials say he had been dead for at least 12 hours.

The actor had been busy, with no less then seven projects in their final stages of production, including "Night Of The Templar", about a Medieval Knight who is resurrected to fulfill his vow and bestow a blood-thirst vengeance upon the kindred spirits of those who betrayed him long ago.

According to an IMDB list of his projects, the actor has appeared in over 200 movie and television projects since 1963, becoming famous for his roles in "Kung Fu" and the Quentin Tarantino "Kill Bill" franchise.

In "Kill Bill - Vol. 2," (2004), his character comes face to face with Bill himself. The role brought Carradine a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor.

Carradine was a leading member of a respected Hollywood acting family that included his father, John Carradine and brother Keith.
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Natasha Richardson Has Died - Autopsy Results

Update:

Natasha Richardson has died.

An autopsy confirmed the death was a result of blunt head trauma received from her ski accident.

The cause of death was epidural hematoma which is bleeding between the skull and the brain's covering.

Richardson was not wearing a helmet and the death was ruled an accident.


Update:

News is surfacing that the actress Natasha Richardson was brain dead when she arrived in New York Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, the family made the decision to remove her from respirators and all life support.

With husband Liam Neeson by her side, the 45-year-old Richardson was moved to Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan on Tuesday, a day after injuring her head in a skiing accident in Montreal.


[Original Post]

Natasha Richardson, wife of actor Liam Neeson, was involved in a skiing accident that has left her in critical condition in a Montreal hospital.

The actress suffered severe head trauma, but the extent of her injuries are not yet known. The accident occurred on Monday at the Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec.

Neeson and Richardson were married in 1994 and have two sons, Micheál Richard Antonio, 13, and Daniel Jack, 12

The actress was last seen in 2008 playing Mrs. Kingsley in the romantic comedy "Wild Child", the story of a rebellious Malibu princess who is shipped off to a strict English boarding school by her father.
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