Persons of Note Who Have Passed Away

[ap215]

Tony Valdez, Longtime Reporter and Anchor at Los Angeles’ KTTV, Dies at 78

Tony Valdez, a reporter and anchor at KTTV Channel 11 in Los Angeles for more than 35 years, has died. He was 78.

Valdez had been battling end-stage kidney failure and died at home, his son, Steve Valdez, told the station on Friday.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv ... 235481309/

[ap215]

UFC Fighter Felipe Colares Dead at 29 After Being Run Over By a Bus

UFC fighter Felipe “Cabocão” Colares tragically passed away in Guaratiba after he was hit by a bus on Monday morning. He was 29.

His trainer Rodrigo Babi told news outlet Combate that the Brazilian fighter was returning home from Avenida das Américas in Guaratiba when he was struck by a bus. He died while being transported to the nearby Rocha Faria Hospital. He leaves behind his wife Jacqueline and their 10-month-old son Rhavi.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mma-uf ... i=BB15ms5q

[ap215]

Newton Minow, ex-FCC chief who dubbed TV 'wasteland,' dies

CHICAGO -- Newton N. Minow, who as Federal Communications Commission chief in the early 1960s famously proclaimed that network television was a "vast wasteland," died Saturday. He was 97.

Minow, who received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, died Saturday at home, surrounded by loved ones, said his daughter, Nell Minow.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/fcc ... d-99142667

[ap215]

Vida Blue, flamethrowing ace of A's dynasty, dies at 73

Vida Blue, a flamethrowing left-hander who became the youngest MVP in AL/NL history in 1971 and helped the Athletics win three straight World Series championships from 1972-74, died on Saturday. He was 73.

"There are few players with a more decorated career than Vida Blue," the A's said in a statement. "He was a three-time champion, an MVP, a six-time All-Star, a Cy Young Award winner, and an Oakland A's Hall of Famer. Vida will always be a franchise legend and a friend. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this arduous time."

https://www.mlb.com/news/vida-blue-dies-at-73

[Libertas]

Saw Vida and this guy several times


https://youtu.be/rX6BtiGQiPY

[Glennfs]

Saw Vida and this guy several times


https://youtu.be/rX6BtiGQiPY

He had HOF talent what a shame he got hooked on coke.

[ap215]

He to me was the best reporter in the 80's era there will never be another one like him rest in paradise John.

New York local news legend John Roland dies at 81

For nearly 30 years, Roland delivered the news to New Yorkers at 10 every night.

https://news.yahoo.com/york-local-news- ... 40340.html

[ap215]

Really heartbreaking.

General Hospital Veteran Jacklyn Zeman Has Passed Away At 70

General Hospital fan favorite Jacklyn Zeman, who played Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Spencer since 1977, has passed away at the age of 70.

The actress passed away on May 10, 2023.

https://soaphub.com/general-hospital/ne ... way-at-70/

[ap215]

Mommy blogger Heather Armstrong, known as Dooce to fans, dead at 47

NEW YORK (AP) — The pioneering mommy blogger Heather Armstrong, who laid bare her struggles as a parent and her battles with depression and alcoholism on her site Dooce.com and on social media, has died at 47.

Armstrong’s boyfriend, Pete Ashdown, told The Associated Press that he found her Tuesday night at their Salt Lake City home.

https://apnews.com/article/dooce-heathe ... ea3afb02cb

[Glennfs]

Joe Kapp NFL and CFL QB a very interesting character

[ap215]

Hodding Carter III, State Department spokesman during Iran hostage crisis, dies at 88

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Hodding Carter III, a Mississippi journalist and civil rights activist who as U.S. State Department spokesman informed Americans about the Iran hostage crisis and later won awards for his televised documentaries, has died. He was 88.

His daughter, Catherine Carter Sullivan, confirmed that he died Thursday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he taught leadership and public policy.

https://apnews.com/article/hodding-cart ... f0b886cdd7

[ap215]

Poker legend Doyle Brunson dies at age 89

Doyle Brunson led one of the most colorful and interesting lives in the history of professional gambling. And “Texas Dolly,” as he was accidentally named by CBS’s Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, passed away on Sunday at the age of 89. The loss was confirmed by his son Todd Brunson on Twitter.

https://dknation.draftkings.com/2023/5/ ... ly-hold-em

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Lexington state representative dies at 45

Freshman State Rep. Lamin Swann, a Democrat from Lexington, died Saturday. He was 45.

Swann had a “significant medical emergency requiring hospitalization” Tuesday, his mom, Pam Dixon, said earlier this week.

https://www.theinteriorjournal.com/2023 ... ies-at-45/

[ap215]

Original Crash Bandicoot voice actor Brendan O’Brien passed away

This morning has shone a sad light on the news that voice actor Brendan O’Brien passed away earlier this year at the age of 60 — The American performer had starred in several films, TV shows, and video games, but will be best known to video game fans as the original voice of PlayStation platforming hero, Crash Bandicoot.

O’Brien’s passing happened back on March 23, but this evaded public notice until this past weekend, when game developer Tony Grayson reported the news on Twitter. A eulogy was also added to the Legacy website last week, which speaks of O’Brien’s adoption of acting at a very early age, as well as his musical expertise, and his love of nature and exploration, shared with his wife, Ingrid.

https://www.destructoid.com/original-cr ... ssed-away/

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Ralph Lee, Greenwich Village Halloween Parade founder, theater artist, dies at 87

Ralph Lee, the legendary father of the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, died Fri., May 12, at Westbeth Artists Housing. He was 87.

Lee was an original tenant of Westbeth, the affordable residential complex for artists at Washington and Bethune Streets in the West Village.

https://thevillagesun.com/ralph-lee-gre ... dies-at-87

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Comedian Andy Smart Dies "Unexpectedly" at Age 63: Eddie Izzard and More Pay Tribute

The comedy world has lost one of their own.

British comedian Andy Smart died on May 16, his daughter Grace announced on Twitter. He was 63.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1374667/co ... ay-tribute

[ap215]

Legend may he RIP.

Wrestling Legend ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham Reportedly Dead at 79

“Superstar” Billy Graham, one of the most charismatic pro wrestlers of all time, has died at 79 years old, according to fellow wrestling legend Ric Flair.

Graham (real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman) died Wednesday after being taken off life support and spending most of his time in the hospital this year. He was initially hospitalized in January with an infection in his ears that spread to his ear bones and skull. Graham was battling numerous health issues that included acute kidney failure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and hearing loss.

https://www.si.com/wrestling/2023/05/18 ... tedly-dies

[Number6]

‘Laverne & Shirley’ star Cindy Williams dead at 75

Cindy Williams, the dynamic actress known best for playing the bubbly Shirley Feeney on the beloved sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” has died, according to a statement from her family, provided to CNN by a representative. She was 75.

Williams died after a short illness, said the statement from her children Zak and Emily Hudson, provided to CNN by family spokesperson and Williams’ personal assistant Liz Cranis.

“The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed,” their statement read. “Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved.”
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/30/entertai ... index.html

She was also Ron Howard's girlfriend in American Graffitti. According to IDMB, she had 86 acting credits and appeared in 10 episodes of Sami this year.

[Glennfs]

Legend may he RIP.

Wrestling Legend ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham Reportedly Dead at 79

“Superstar” Billy Graham, one of the most charismatic pro wrestlers of all time, has died at 79 years old, according to fellow wrestling legend Ric Flair.

Graham (real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman) died Wednesday after being taken off life support and spending most of his time in the hospital this year. He was initially hospitalized in January with an infection in his ears that spread to his ear bones and skull. Graham was battling numerous health issues that included acute kidney failure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and hearing loss.

https://www.si.com/wrestling/2023/05/18 ... tedly-dies

We used to see him all the time at Carowinds. We had a seasons pass so we went quite often and he was always sitting in the same shady spot.
We never pestered him just nodded and waved

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Sam Zell, Chicago real estate tycoon, dead at 81

Anybody who encountered Sam Zell — be they one of his executives, a rival in a business deal, a foundation chief or a journalist — knew where they stood with him.

Mr. Zell was raspy voiced and blunt, with little patience for cockeyed ideas or sentimentality. He exulted in his reputation for using salty language even in politically correct times. It made him popular on the speaking circuit, where attendees eagerly listened for his business insights and for the entertainment he might provide.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2 ... uity-group

[ap215]

Not only an incredible football player but also a huge Civil Rights Advocate thank you Jim you'll be missed.

All-time NFL great running back, social activist Jim Brown dead at 87

Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown, the unstoppable running back who retired at the peak of his brilliant career to become an actor as well as a prominent civil rights advocate during the 1960s, has died. He was 87.

A spokeswoman for Brown’s family said he passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night with his wife, Monique, by his side.

https://apnews.com/article/nfl-jim-brow ... ium=AP_NFL

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Former 49ers LB Craig Puki dies at 66

The 49ers on Friday announced the death of former linebacker Craig Puki. He died at 66.

Puki was a third-round pick by San Francisco in the 1980 NFL draft out of Tennessee. He played two years with the 49ers and started six of the 32 games he played.

https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2023/05 ... ies-at-66/

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Andy Rourke: The Smiths bassist dies aged 59

Andy Rourke, the bassist for rock band The Smiths, has died aged 59, the band has announced.

Guitarist Johnny Marr confirmed "with deep sadness" that Rourke died after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-65644596

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Pete Brown, co-writer of ‘Sunshine of Your Love,’ ‘White Room’ for rock group Cream, dies at 82

NEW YORK (AP) — Songwriter and poet Pete Brown, who co-wrote “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room” for the short-lived rock supergroup Cream in the 1960s, has died. He was 82.

The London-based Brown died of cancer late Friday, according to a post on his Facebook page.

https://apnews.com/article/brown-cream- ... 36d072cf74

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Former Arkansas U.S. Rep. Marion Berry, who served 7 terms, dies at 80

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Robert Marion Berry, an Arkansas Democrat who served seven terms in Congress and was known for his blunt rhetoric and advocacy for farmers and older residents, has died. He was 80.

Berry, who was known as “Marion,” died Friday, his family confirmed in a statement Saturday. A cause of death was not provided.

https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-con ... a603c7a082