'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' star stabbed to death; suspect bizarrely calls cops hours after incident and is arrested



Eduardo Xol — a star of ABC’s reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” — has died at age 58. Authorities said a stabbing was the cause of death.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff, Xol died Friday at the Desert Regional Medical Center after an incident that occurred 10 days earlier — at 5:41 a.m. Sept. 10 — in Palm Springs, California.

'We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our beloved Eduardo Xol.'

The Palm Springs Police Department said in a press release that officers responded to a 911 call from a man at the identical address and time that the Riverside County Sheriff noted.

"Upon arriving at the scene, officers heard a male voice inside the residence in apparent distress," the Palm Springs police said. "After making entry, officers discovered a man suffering from significant injuries consistent with an assault."

The news release stated that "the victim informed officers that he had been stabbed, though he did not identify the assailant."

The stabbing victim was rushed to a local hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition at the time.

Police said they received a phone call hours after the stabbing from a man claiming to have been assaulted the night before.

However, "through further investigation," officers determined that the man who made the call was the suspect in the stabbing earlier that day.

Palm Springs officers arrested Richard Joseph Gonzales, 34, of Cathedral City. He initially was charged with attempted murder and was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. Updated inmate records show Gonzales has been charged with murder.

No bail was set, and he is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 18.

Xol’s family issued the following statement to the Hollywood Reporter:

We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our beloved Eduardo Xol. We know that his kindness has touched the lives of so many. We ask for that kindness returned now allowing our privacy to be respected as we process our grief. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Eduardo’s name to the Lupus Foundation of America as he spent so much of his life in the service of others.

Xol was a personality and designer on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" for more than seven seasons.

As an actor, he appeared in the 1998 film “Bravo” and tele-novelas such as “La Jaula de Oro,” “Sentimientos de Oro,” and “Acapulco, Cuerpo y Alma.”

Xol also was an author as well as a correspondent for People en Español and AOL Latino.

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NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed by suspected drunk driver on eve of sister's wedding: 'Unimaginable tragedy'



NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed on Thursday night — a day before their sister's wedding.

Around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were riding bicycles down a road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

'Both Matty and Johnny were terrifically admired by all of us. Wonderful young guys, and they impressed a lot of us off-ice.'

A Jeep Grand Cherokee attempted to pass a slower-moving sedan and an SUV while traveling north on County Route 551, police told WPVI.

The driver of the Grand Cherokee — 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown – fatally hit the Gaudreau brothers, Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police said in a statement on Friday.

The Gaudreau brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto and is being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the deadly accident, Lebron stated.

Citing the police affidavit, WPVI reported the state trooper who arrived at the scene detected a "strong odor of alcohol" on the driver. Higgins allegedly told the trooper he had consumed "five to six beers" before the fatal crash. The outlet reported that Higgins told investigators that his consumption of alcohol contributed to his impatience and reckless driving, according to the criminal complaint.

The trooper allegedly said Higgins failed a field sobriety test.

The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed the sudden death of the NHL superstar with a statement that called the fatal crash an "unimaginable tragedy."

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," the statement read. "Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice," the Blue Jackets said. "He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could."

"The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him," the statement continued. "Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms."

The statement concluded, "We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve."

Johnny played two seasons with the Blue Jackets and nine seasons with the Calgary Flames.

The Calgary Flames said in a statement, "It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau. Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, "The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew."

"While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path," Bettman stated.

"Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons," Bettmen added. "A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited."

Both Gaudreau brothers were hockey teammates at Boston College before Johnny was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011.

Jerry York — who coached the Gaudreau brothers at Boston College — told the Associated Press, "Just devastating news for all of us connected with the Gaudreau family. Both Matty and Johnny were terrifically admired by all of us. Wonderful young guys, and they impressed a lot of us off-ice."

Johnny scored 20-plus goals six times and was a 115-point player in the 2021-2022 season when he had a career-best 40 goals and 75 assists.

Matthew was also a professional hockey player who spent time in the AHL and ECHL.

Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith Gaudreau, and their two young children, 1-year-old daughter, Noa, and 6-month-old son, Johnny Jr.

Johnny and Matthew had been set to attend the wedding of their sister, Katie Gaudreau. The wedding ceremony is scheduled for Friday afternoon in New Jersey and a reception in Philadelphia later that night.

The brothers were supposed to be groomsmen during the wedding ceremony, according to the bride-to-be's wedding page.

This is the second tragedy for the Blue Jackets in recent years.

Columbus goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died in July 2021 when the 24-year-old was struck in the chest by a firework while attending the wedding of the daughter of then-Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace in Novi, Michigan.

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2 teens charged with murder in shooting death of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor; victim's mother reacts



Two teenage suspects have been charged with murder in the shooting death of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor.

Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, were each charged with one count of murder Monday.

Los Angeles police reportedly said the suspects have lengthy criminal records and are affiliated with the Florencia 13 gang.

Barceleau also faces a special circumstance of murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm. He also was hit with one count of attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm. If convicted, Barceleau faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole and is being held without bail.

Estrada also faces one count of attempted robbery with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. Estrada faces life in prison and is being held on $2,070,000 bail.

Two other suspects were charged in connection with the death of the actor.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was charged with one count of attempted robbery with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm. If he is convicted, Gutierrez faces up to four years and eight months in prison and is being held on $120,000 bail.

Frank Olano, 22, faces charges of accessory after the fact to murder, receiving stolen property, and three counts of being a felon with a firearm. Olano faces five years and eight months, according to prosecutors, and is being held on $1,080,000 bail.

Los Angeles police reportedly said the suspects have lengthy criminal records and are affiliated with the Florencia 13 gang.

The actor's mother, Scarlett Wactor, said of the suspects, "They're breathing air that my son doesn't get to any more. I prayed that they were not juveniles so that they could be tried as adults."

As Blaze News previously reported, Wactor was leaving his bartending shift at the Moxy Hotel in downtown Los Angeles around 3:25 a.m. May 25 when he confronted three males trying to steal the catalytic converter from his parked car. Police said one of the suspects fired at the actor, and the 37-year-old entertainer died at an area hospital.

Wactor was best known for playing Brando Corbin on "General Hospital" for 164 episodes. Wactor had 51 acting credits to his name, including "Westworld," The OA," "NCIS," "Criminal Minds," and "Disillusioned."

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón stated, "Johnny Wactor’s life was senselessly taken while he was simply walking to his parked car in downtown Los Angeles. We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions."

"The loss of this talented young actor, who was in the prime of his life and had so much to offer the world, is deeply felt by all of us," he continued. "Mr. Wactor’s work and presence touched the lives of many, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire community who mourn this devastating loss."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass added, "I want to thank the LAPD for their work and partnership throughout the investigation and for their continued efforts to keep Angelenos safe and to bring justice to victims of violence. We must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer. Those who commit crimes must be held fully responsible for their actions."

LAPD Chief Dominic Choi said he is "confident that we have the right people on the right charges."

Choi said, "To the family and loved ones of Johnny Wactor: We know that no legal action can ever bring back the person you have lost, but we hope that today’s announcement brings some measure of comfort in knowing that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions."

The LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide Division is still investigating the case.

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5 charged in connection with Matthew Perry's overdose death, including doctors and 'Ketamine Queen'



Five people — including two doctors and a notorious drug dealer known as the "Ketamine Queen" — have been arrested and face criminal charges in connection with Matthew Perry’s death from an accidental ketamine overdose last year, according to law enforcement.

Federal and Los Angeles law enforcement officials announced the arrests during a press conference Thursday afternoon.

'Investigation has revealed a broad, underground criminal network responsible for distributing large quantities of ketamine to Mr. Perry and others.'

Those arrested are Perry's live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa; physician Mark Chavez, Dr. Salvador Plasencia; Jasveen Sangha; and Eric Fleming.

Sangha and Plasencia are the lead defendants, and each has been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

Sangha, 41, also has been charged with one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine.

Plasencia, 42, also has been charged with seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation.

If convicted on all charges, Sangha would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Plasencia could face up to 10 years in federal prison for each ketamine-related count and up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of falsifying records.

Sangha and Plasencia are expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon at the U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Fleming, 54, on Aug. 8 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.

"Fleming admitted in court documents that he distributed the ketamine that killed Perry," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. "He further admitted to obtaining the ketamine from his source, Sangha, and to distributing 50 vials of ketamine to Perry’s live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa — half of them four days before Perry’s death."

Iwamasa, 59, on Aug. 7 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.

Iwamasa allegedly conspired with Sangha, Fleming, and Plasencia to illegally obtain ketamine and sell it to Perry. Iwamasa confessed to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training, including performing multiple injections on the "Friends" star on Oct. 28, 2023 — the day Perry died.

Iwamasa and Fleming will face up to 15 years and 25 years, respectively, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Chavez, 54, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to Plasencia, including some that Chavez had taken from Chavez's previous ketamine clinic.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California added, "Chavez also obtained additional ketamine to transfer to Plasencia by making false representations to a wholesale ketamine distributor and by submitting a fraudulent prescription in the name of a former patient without that patient’s knowledge or consent."

Chavez will be arraigned Aug. 30. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

'These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves.'

Authorities noted that Sangha is known as the "Ketamine Queen" because she allegedly is a big-time seller of the dangerous drug.

Law enforcement officials described Sangha's North Hollywood house as a "drug-selling emporium" and declared they found 80 vials of ketamine, thousands of pills, methamphetamine, and cocaine at her home.

Authorities said Sangha also sold ketamine to a 33-year-old man who died from an overdose in August 2019.

Immediately after the overdose death, Sangha allegedly conducted a Google search for "Can ketamine be listed as a cause of death[?]"

"Investigation has revealed a broad, underground criminal network responsible for distributing large quantities of ketamine to Mr. Perry and others," U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said at Thursday's press conference. "This network included a live-in assistant, various go-betweens, two medical doctors, and a major source of drug supply known as the ‘Ketamine Queen.'"

"These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves," Estrada continued. "They knew what they were doing was wrong. They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr. Perry, but they did it anyways. In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being.”

Estrada said that the defendants dealt Perry approximately 20 vials of ketamine in exchange for $55,000 in cash between September and October 2023.

Plasencia — a licensed medical doctor known as "Dr. P." — allegedly wrote in a text message in September 2023, "I wonder how much this moron will pay."

Perry, 54, died at his Los Angeles home Oct. 28, 2023. An assistant found him unresponsive and face-down in his hot tub.

In December, the Los Angeles County medical examiner revealed Perry’s cause of death was the result of "the acute effects of ketamine."

“There were trace amounts of ketamine detected in the stomach contents,” the report continued. “He was reported to be receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety.”

The coroner said contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine — a drug used to treat opioid use disorder.

Perry struggled with addiction for many years.

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Bob Newhart, comedy legend, dies at 94



Award-winning actor and legendary comedian Bob Newhart has died, according to multiple reports. The comedy icon was 94.

Newhart died on Thursday at his home in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses, according to his longtime publicist Jerry Digney.

Newhart is survived by four children and 10 grandchildren.

In 1955, Newhart started a job as an accountant. However, he realized that he wanted a career in comedy.

Newhart started making comedic bits revolving around one-sided telephone conversations. He was hired to do comedy sketches on the radio.

Newhart then became a stand-up comedian. He notched a contract with Warner Brothers Records, which resulted in the 1960 release of “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart” — the first comedy album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. It won the Grammy for Album of the Year, and Newhart took home the award for Best New Artist. In 2007, the comedy album was selected as one of 25 entries into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.

Newhart followed up with an illustrious television and movie career.

In 1962, Newhart appeared in the Steve McQueen war film "Hell Is for Heroes."

Newhart acted in notable movies such as "Cold Turkey," "In & Out," and "Elf," plus was a voice actor in Disney's "The Rescuers."

His TV career started in 1961 when he hosted "The Bob Newhart Show." The show lasted only one season, but Newhart was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and a Peabody Award.

In 1963, he made an appearance in an episode of "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour."

In 1972, he got his second "The Bob Newhart Show," which ran until 1978.

In 1982, the iconic deadpan comedic actor got another sitcom with "Newhart," which lasted eight years.

Newhart starred in the sitcom "Bob" for one season starting in 1992 and then in "George and Leo" with Judd Hirsch in 1997.

Newhart appeared in episodes of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," "Saturday Night Live," "The Simpsons," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "ER," "NCIS," "The Big Bang Theory," and "Young Sheldon" in 2020.

Newhart was a regular on the TV talk show and variety show circuit, making numerous guest appearances on "The Jack Paar Show," "The Gary Moore Show," "The Dean Martin Show," "The Ed Sullivan Show," and "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson."

Newhart was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1993.

For his comedic talents, he won the Mark Twain Prize for Humor in 2002.

Newhart is survived by four children and 10 grandchildren. His wife of 60 years, Virginia "Ginnie" Newhart, died in 2023.

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Shannen Doherty, star of 'Beverly Hills, 90210' and 'Charmed,' dead at 53



Shannen Doherty – star of "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed " – is dead at age 53.

Doherty died on Saturday following a long battle with cancer.

“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace," Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane said of the celebrity's death in a statement.

Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2015. The cancer went into remission in 2017. However, the cancer returned in 2019 and began to spread throughout her body. In February 2020, she revealed that the breast cancer had metastasized to Stage 4. The cancer spread to her bones and her brain in 2023.

Doherty told "Good Morning America" in 2020, "I don't think I've processed it. It's a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways. I definitely have days where I say, 'Why me?' And then I go, 'Well, why not me? Who else? Who else besides me deserves this?' None of us do. But I would say that my first reaction is always concern about how – how am I going to tell my mom, my husband."

Doherty began her Hollywood career as a child actor at age 10 in 1981 by appearing in "Father Murphy," a Western drama created by Michael Landon. She went on to appear on popular TV shows such as "Little House on the Prairie," "Our House," "Magnum, P.I.," "Airwolf," "Highway to Heaven," and "21 Jump Street."

At age 19, Doherty became a major television star portraying Brenda Walsh on "Beverly Hills, 90210." In 1998, she starred as Prue Halliwell in the massively successful "Charmed" TV series.

The actress appeared in movies such as "Heathers," "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," "Mallrats," and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back."

Doherty continued her acting career during her cancer battle, most recently appearing in the "Darkness of Man" movie that debuted in May.

She also hosted her own podcast, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” where she discussed her career and how breast cancer had impacted her life.

Doherty was married three times, including to actor George Hamilton's son Ashley Hamilton, poker player Rick Salomon, and photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Doherty filed for divorce from Iswarienko in April 2023 after 11 years of marriage.

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Dr. Ruth Westheimer, sex therapist turned pop icon, has died



Dr. Ruth Westheimer – the famous sex therapist who became a pop icon, a media personality, and best-selling author – has died. Westheimer passed away on Friday at the age of 96.

Pierre Lehu – Westheimer's publicist and who co-authored books with her – confirmed the celebrity death of the famous sex guru. Westheimer died at her home in New York City surrounded by family.

"She was restful when she passed away. Her son and daughter were with her and holding her hand at that moment. It was as peacefully as she could possibly go," Lehu told People magazine. "It's amazing, there was stuff still going on in her life [she has a book coming out this fall with Allison Gilbert] and someone wants to make a biopic about her."

Lehu did not offer any further details of Westheimer's death.

Westheimer was born Karola Ruth Siegel in Germany in 1928.

Westheimer described herself as "an orphan of the Holocaust" after losing her entire family during World War II.

At age 10, she was sent by her parents on a train to Switzerland to escape Kristallnacht. Westheimer never saw her parents again.

At 16, Westheimer moved to Palestine and reportedly joined the Haganah – the underground movement for Israeli independence. Westheimer was trained as a sniper, but she said she never shot at anyone.

Westheimer suffered severe leg injuries when a bomb exploded in her dormitory, killing many of her friends.

Westheimer developed numerous sex education programs after graduating from Columbia University. She delivered lectures at Yale, Hunter, Princeton, and Columbia universities.

In 1980, she began her call-in show "Sexually Speaking" on sex education.

By 1984, her radio show was nationally syndicated.

In 1985, she starred in her own TV show called "The Dr. Ruth Show."

She was a regular guest on popular late-night talk shows.

Westheimer penned more than 40 books and also wrote a nationally syndicated advice column.

She even had a board game named after her: "Dr. Ruth’s Game of Good Sex."

Westheimer was married three times. Her last husband – Manfred Westheimer who she married in 1961 – died of heart failure in 1997.

Westheimer is survived by her two children, Miriam and Joel, and four grandchildren.

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Mike Heslin dead at 30, doctors have 'no explanation' for 'unexpected cardiac arrest' death of 'Lioness' actor in 'perfect health'



"Special Ops: Lioness" actor Mike Heslin died suddenly at the age of 30. The young celebrity was allegedly in "perfect health" before dying from an "unexpected cardiac arrest" that doctors have "no explanation" for.

Heslin's sudden death was confirmed in an Instagram post by his husband – Scotty Dynamo.

"On July 2nd, my husband, best friend, and soulmate Mike Heslin passed away from an unexpected cardiac event after a week long battle in the hospital," Dynamo wrote. "Michael was young, in perfect health, and the doctors have no explanation for what happened."

"Michael was brilliant, selfless, talented, and a real-life guardian angel. He single-handedly carried me through multiple rounds of cancer," said Dynamo – a YouTube personality born Nicolas James Wilson.

Dynamo said of the celebrity death, "Michael, meeting you was the best thing to ever happen to me. You are my world. You are everything to me. When I felt you take your last breath, my heart shattered into a million pieces. If I had the power to trade places with you, I would do it in an instant. But I will take it one day at a time like you always told me to, and live every day in your honor."

Heslin allegedly was an organ donor who had "given the gift of life to four different families."

The Mayo Clinic defines sudden cardiac arrest as "the sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm. Breathing stops. The person becomes unconscious. Without immediate treatment, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death."

"The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is an irregular heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation," according to the Mayo Clinic. "Rapid, erratic heart signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of pumping blood. Certain heart conditions can make you more likely to have this type of heartbeat problem."

Risk factors that increase the chances for sudden cardiac arrest include a family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and an inactive lifestyle.

The Mayo Clinic notes that sudden cardiac arrest is different than a heart attack – which is caused by a blockage and SCA is not.

Heslin was also known in the entertainment world for his roles in "The Holiday Proposal Plan," "Influencers," and "7 Deadly Sins."

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Apollo 8 astronaut, who snapped iconic 'Earthrise' photo, dies in fiery plane crash caught on video



Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders died in a fiery plane crash over Puget Sound in Washington on Friday. The tragic incident was caught on video. Anders was 90.

At the time of the airplane crash, Anders was piloting his vintage Beechcraft T-34 Mentor – a single-engine, propeller-driven aircraft primarily used for flight training during the 1950s by the United States Air Force and U.S. Navy.

Video taken by Phillip Person shows Anders' plane suddenly falling from the sky and crashing into the Puget Sound, just 80 feet from the shore of Jones Island.

"I could not believe what I was seeing in front of my eyes," Person said. "It went into a barrel roll, sort of a loop, it was inverted."

"It tried to pull up before it hit the water, but it was too low when it started the loop, and it didn't clear the water," he said of the plane crash. "Looked like it clipped a wing at first, went down very hard, burst into flames, broke apart, and instantly went under water."

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement, "A Beechcraft T-34 Mentor crashed into the water near Roche Harbor, Washington, around 11:40 a.m. local time Friday, June 7. Only the pilot was on board."

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation into the deadly plane crash. The plane will be recovered from the water and will be examined by the NTSB at an offsite facility, where investigators will access tracking data, air traffic control communications recordings, and the pilot's flight experience.

You can watch video of the deadly crash here.

Anders' son, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Greg Anders, confirmed his father's sudden death and told the Associated Press, "The family is devastated. He was a great pilot and we will miss him terribly."

NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson said of the famed astronaut, "In 1968, during Apollo 8, Bill Anders offered to humanity among the deepest of gifts an astronaut can give. He traveled to the threshold of the Moon and helped all of us see something else: ourselves. He embodied the lessons and the purpose of exploration. We will miss him."

Anders was part of the Apollo 8 team – the first manned mission to orbit the Moon. Anders was the lunar modular pilot, Frank Borman was the commander, and James Lovell was the command modular pilot.

Anders snapped the iconic "Earthrise" photo, which captured the moment our planet rose over the lunar horizon on Dec. 24. 1968.

CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

During the mission's Christmas Eve broadcast, Anders and the crew read from the book of Genesis.

We are now approaching lunar sunrise. And for all the people back on Earth, the crew of Apollo 8 has a message that we would like to send to you. 'In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.'

Lovell is the last surviving member of the original Apollo 8 crew.

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Apollo 8's Christmas Eve 1968 Message www.youtube.com


Bill Walton, Hall of Fame basketball player, two-time NBA champion, UCLA legend, beloved color commentator, has died



Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton died on Monday at the age of 71. The two-time NBA champion passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

Walton is survived by his wife, Lori, and his four sons.

Walton was born in 1952 in La Mesa, California.

Walton was a proven winner.

He won high school basketball championships in 1969 and 1970.

He then went on to attend UCLA, where he led the Bruins to consecutive 30-0 seasons and played a significant role in the school's 88-game winning streak. He won two NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973 under the legendary coach John Wooden. While at UCLA, he was a three-time national player of the year.

Walton was the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

He led the Trail Blazers to the 1977 NBA championship while earning the Finals' MVP.

The 6-11 skilled big man was named the NBA’s MVP in the 1977-78 season.

Walton was named the league’s Sixth Man of the Year during the 1985-86 season with the Boston Celtics. He captured his second NBA championship with the Celtics that year.

He was a two-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA performer, two-time NBA All-Defensive player. Walton's prime years were plagued by foot injuries.

Bill "Big Red" Walton is a member of both the NBA’s 50th anniversary and 75th anniversary teams.

Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

Walton’s four sons — Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris — all played college basketball. Luke Walton won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, making the Waltons the first father-son duo to each win at least two NBA titles.

Following his illustrious NBA career, Walton became an NBA and college basketball color commentator despite struggling with a stutter until his late 20s. He was a beloved TV basketball analyst for CBS, NBC, and ESPN.

Walton was also renowned for his love of music, especially the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. He was known as "Grateful Red" because he attended hundreds of Grateful Dead concerts.

'Truly one of a kind'

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stressed that Walton was "truly one of a kind" and "redefined the center position."

"Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans," Silver said in a statement.

Silver continued, "But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events — always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered."

"As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him. My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues," Silver concluded his tribute to Walton.

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