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Princess Diana's brother reveals tragic secret

<p>Charles Spencer has bravely detailed the alleged sexual abuse he experienced as a child.</p> <p>The younger brother of Princess Diana, now 59, initially made the revelation that he was abused as a child while in boarding school when he was 42. </p> <p>Now, the 9th Earl Spencer is recalling the alleged trauma in his new memoir <em>A Very Private School,</em> and the first moment he told anyone about the abuse he experienced. </p> <p>“I was doing a 10-day course of very deep introspection and therapy,” he told Fox News Digital.</p> <p>“My therapist said to each of us, ‘Whisper to me one secret you’d never told anyone.’ I whispered to him that I was sexually abused as a child by an adult.</p> <p>"And I remember him looking so shocked, and he had heard it all. Afterwards, he took me aside and said, ‘This is very serious stuff.’”</p> <p>He added that at that stage, he already had children, and having kids of his own made him realise how devastating his experience was. </p> <p>“I suddenly put it into context. What if one of my children of either gender had been subjected to this as an 11-year-old? It made my blood boil," he said. </p> <p>"I then started to allow myself to feel the full devastation of what had happened to me.”</p> <p>Spencer was eight when he was enrolled at Maidwell Hall, an elite English boarding school, and he claimed that it didn't take long for him to witness and experience incidents of alleged abuse. </p> <p>He claimed that  he was groomed and sexually abused at age 11 by an assistant matron at the school, who was 19 or 20 years old. </p> <p>“It was a brutal experience,” he claimed in his memoir. </p> <p>“The headmaster was a sadistic pedophile. He staffed a very small number of teachers in this place who were either … perverted or would never tell tales against him. There wasn’t really anyone to go to.“</p> <p>He added that the beatings had become "a ritual part of every day," and his parents had no idea the extent of what was going on behind closed doors.</p> <p>The royal also alleged that one student was whipped so badly he struggled to take off his pants at night because the dried blood and clothing stuck to his skin, and that it took two weeks for him to recover. </p> <p>Spencer claimed he was allowed to write a letter to his parents once a week, with the messages being supervised so he was unable to tell his parents what was going on. </p> <p>“We were just left there at the mercy of some really dangerous people,” Spencer alleged.</p> <p>He said that meeting with other former pupils was what motivated him to write the new memoir, and revisit the painful memories of his past. </p> <p>The historian recalled the moment he met another former student, who kept quiet about the abuse he experience because it was so traumatising. </p> <p>"He told me how he was made to feel worthless every day, how he’d been seriously sexually assaulted as a nine-year-old three times by somebody who was meant to protect him," he recalled.</p> <p>“I took 10 pages of notes, stopped and said, ‘This is too terrible — I can’t tell this story.’ He reached across, grabbed my arm and said, ‘Somebody has to do it – it’s got to be you.’ That convinced me, the truth needed to be shared with the world.”</p> <p>The 9th Earl also said that he is undergoing “a very effective” post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, as well as Tai Chi and breathing exercises.</p> <p>“I’ve got a whole armoury of support techniques to try and get to a better place,” he shared.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Arrests made over record-holder's sudden tragic death

<p>Arrests have been made after Kelvin Kiptum's father claimed that four men had attended his home looking for the Kenyan superstar before his death. </p> <p>The marathon world record holder tragically <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/world-record-holder-dies-tragically-at-age-24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a> at the age of 24, after a horrific collision that occurred in Western Kenya on Monday killed both him and his coach Gervais Hakizimana. </p> <p>Kenyan police have arrested four unidentified men after Kiptum's father, Samson Cheruiyot, called for an investigation into a visit that he said occurred just before the accident. </p> <p>"The four were taken to Elgeyo Marakwet for further investigations,"  Keiyo South Sub County commandant Abdullahi Dahir said. </p> <p>"They all come from Uasin Gishu County."</p> <p>Kiptum's devastated father broke down as he spoke about the death of his own child. </p> <p>"There are people who came home a while back who were looking for Kiptum, but they refused to identify themselves," Cheruiyot recalled. </p> <p>"I asked them to provide identification, but they opted to leave. It was a group of four people."</p> <p>He also recalled the moment he found out about his son's death. </p> <p>"I got the news of my son's death while I was watching the news," Kiptum's father said.</p> <p>"I went to the scene of the accident but the police had taken the body to Eldoret."</p> <p>Kiptum broke the marathon world record that was previously held by Eliud Kipchoge, after storming through the race in Chicago in just two hours and 35 seconds.</p> <p>Cheruiyot said that he last spoke to his son a day before his death. </p> <p>"He told me someone will come and help us build a house," he said.</p> <p>"He said that his body is now fit and he can now run for 1:59.</p> <p>"Kiptum was my only child. He has left me, his mum and his kids. I have no other child. His mum was sick for a while. Right now I'm deeply saddened."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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World record holder dies tragically at age 24

<p>Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has tragically died at the age of 24. </p> <p>The Kenyan athlete and his his coach, Rwanda's Gervais Hakizimana, both passed away after a horrific traffic collision on Monday, that occurred in western Kenya. </p> <p>The crash happened on a road between the towns of Eldoret and Kaptagat, where a noted high-altitude training centre for long-distance athletes is located. </p> <p>In October 2023, Kiptum set the world record of 2 hours and 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon.</p> <p>The record was only made official by World Athletics on February 7th, just five days before his untimely death.</p> <p>Kenya's Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba spoke out on Kiptum's death, writing on X, "Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words."</p> <p>Former prime minister Raila Odinga described Kiptum as a "Kenyan athletics icon" in a statement on social media, writing, "Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual."</p> <p>"My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity."</p> <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> <p>"Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero."</p> <p>After making his marathon debut just over a year ago, Kiptum <span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">ran three of the fastest seven marathons in history during his brief </span><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">career. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">The Kenyan athlete had declared his goals to take home a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the weeks before his death. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">Image credits: Getty Images </span></em></p> </div>

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Foul play suspected in tragic death of TV star's 15-year-old niece

<p dir="ltr">Police are investigating the death of TV star Audrina Patridge’s 15-year-old niece, after her cause of death was revealed to be a drug overdose. </p> <p dir="ltr">Young Sadie passed away in February just nine days after her 15th birthday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police are still looking into the exact manner of how the teenager died, as they are investigating different avenues of how the drugs entered her system.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sources have been trying to figure out how the teenager got her hands on narcotics, adding that police have learned that she allegedly used Snapchat to procure Percocet that was laced with fentanyl.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug, which can be up to 100x stronger than typical opioid drugs like morphine. </p> <p dir="ltr">Fentanyl, a very fast acting medication, is a prescription drug used during surgeries and prescribed for very severe pain, often in late-stage cancers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite being an effective pain reliever, Fentanyl is also manufactured illegally and may be sold as powder, fake pills or mixed in with other illicit drugs, like heroin, with this combination being especially deadly.</p> <p dir="ltr">Audrina, known for her role on <em>The Hills</em>, shared the heartbreaking news in February that her niece had passed away in a 10-slide Instagram tribute.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My heart hurts to even write this. My beautiful niece is now in heaven,” she captioned the slide show that looked back on cherished memories.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know it’s not goodbye forever, but it is the hardest to say goodbye for now. We will miss you and cherish every single moment we had with you. Rest in peace Say Say!! We love you forever &amp; ever!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

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"Now he's free": Aussie Marvel actor's son tragically dies

<p>Marvel actor Eka Darville has announced the heartbreaking news that his 10-year-old son has died. </p> <p>Earlier this year, Darville shared that his son, Mara, had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. </p> <p>Despite undergoing numerous surgeries and aggressive treatments, Mara passed away.</p> <p>The Australian actor's mother, Malaika, shared the devastating news about her grandson on the GoFundMe page she set up to help the family cope with the financial stress of having a sick child. </p> <p>She wrote, “I still wanted to come together in this prayer because he’s still always gonna be with us and he’s still with us.”</p> <p>“You can imagine the amount of sadness and grief of Eka, Lila and Lila’s parents, his grandparents, myself, his little brothers."</p> <p>“But at the same time, there’s a lot of joy. There’s a lot of peace. There’s a lot of stillness in the house after such a long struggle for 463 days since the whole ordeal began. And now he’s free. Now he’s dancing in the light."</p> <p>“We all see it, we feel it and I know that many of you, like myself, loved Mana eternally,” added the grandmother.</p> <p>The family's life turned upside down when Mara collapsed on a beach in July 2022, as he suffered seizures for six months before receiving his brain cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>The Australian actor is best known for his role in the smash hit Marvel series <em>Jessica Jones</em> alongside David Tennant.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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"You were loved": Tributes flow over tragic passing of Matthew Perry

<p>The world was left in shock and mourning as news broke of the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom <em>Friends</em>.</p> <p>The 54-year-old actor passed away in an apparent drowning accident at his Los Angeles home, leaving a void in the hearts of countless fans and colleagues.</p> <p>Emergency services were summoned to Perry's residence in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood after an assistant found him unresponsive. Initial reports indicated that it was a "water rescue or water emergency". Disturbingly, a 911 call made from Perry's home shortly before first responders arrived mentioned the word "drowning." The actor was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi, where his life was tragically cut short.</p> <p>In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the death investigation at Perry's residence, marking the untimely end of a talented and cherished actor.</p> <p>The circumstances surrounding Perry's death remain the subject of public speculation. While law enforcement sources reported that no drugs were discovered at the scene and foul play is not suspected, the investigation continues.</p> <p>The family, including his mother Suzanne Morrison, father John Bennett Perry, and stepfather Dateline NBC's Keith Morrison, issued a statement expressing their profound grief and gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans.</p> <p>"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother," the family said. "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."</p> <p>In the dispatch audio obtained by TMZ, emergency responders referenced a "drowning" incident. While it is reported that Perry was found in a hot tub, a source later claimed that he had just returned home from a game of pickleball.</p> <p>Perry's passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. Former colleagues and fellow stars have paid their heartfelt tributes to the actor who brought laughter to millions with his portrayal of Chandler Bing.</p> <p>Maggie Wheeler, who portrayed Chandler's unforgettable on-again, off-again girlfriend, Janice, in <em>Friends</em>, expressed her gratitude for the joy Perry brought into people's lives. She shared on Instagram, "The joy Matthew brought to so many in his too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."</p> <p>Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler's mother, Nora Bing, described herself as "heartbroken" by the untimely loss of her "son". She acknowledged the brilliance of the young actor and the shock that this tragedy has brought to the entertainment world.</p> <p>Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who knew Perry from their shared history when Perry's mother worked as an aide to Trudeau's father, former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, expressed his grief. Trudeau remembered the schoolyard games they played and the worldwide joy that Perry brought to fans. He said, "Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed."</p> <p>Piers Morgan, the renowned broadcaster and journalist, acknowledged Perry's talent as an actor but also recognised the struggles he faced. Perry's candid autobiography about his battle with addiction left a profound impact, and his passing is a stark reminder of the difficulties he endured.</p> <p>Warner Bros Television Group, which produced <em>Friends</em> for its entire run, released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss of their dear friend. “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”</p> <p>NBC, the network that aired <em>Friends</em>, also paid tribute to the late actor, highlighting the immense joy he brought to millions through his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. They emphasised that his legacy will continue to live on through countless generations.</p> <p>The passing of Matthew Perry is a loss not only for his family and friends but also for the countless individuals whose lives were brightened by his humour and talent. His portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends remains etched in the hearts of fans around the world, and his memory will live on as an enduring source of laughter and joy.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / NBC / Instagram</em></p>

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"Devastating blow": Back to the Future star's tragic family news

<p><em>Back to the Future </em>star Lea Thompson, renowned for her role as Lorraine, the endearing mother of Michael J. Fox's iconic character, Marty McFly, has recently shared some deeply saddening family news.</p> <p>The 62-year-old actress opened up about her personal struggle, revealing that both of her older brothers have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease within a few months of each other.</p> <p>This announcement resonated profoundly with her fans and followers, especially given Michael J. Fox's well-known battle with the condition since his diagnosis in 1991 at the tender age of 29.</p> <p>In an emotionally charged Instagram post, Thompson shared her family's ordeal, writing, "Both of my beloved exceptional big brothers have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s within a few months of each other. It was such a devastating blow."</p> <p>She went on to describe how the disease had stealthily crept into their lives, noting that her brothers had been displaying signs of slowing down, but the true nature of their condition hadn't been immediately apparent.</p> <p>Fortunately, their early diagnosis, made possible by the diligent efforts of researchers supported by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, has offered them access to medications and tools that have significantly improved their quality of life.</p> <p>Accompanying her heartfelt message, Thompson posted pictures of herself with her two brothers during a day of golf, capturing a precious family moment. Another poignant photo showed her brothers with their arms wrapped around each other.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyz8bCxO9GF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyz8bCxO9GF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lea Thompson (@lea_thompson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Thompson's dedication to raising awareness and support for Parkinson's research was evident when she expressed feeling "honoured" to be part of a "public service announcement" for the Michael J. Fox Foundation's gala, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo from the campaign. She also expressed gratitude for the support of scientists, philanthropists, and her "movie son", Michael J. Fox, who has been an unwavering advocate for Parkinson's research.</p> <p>The response from Thompson's fans and followers was heartwarming, as they flocked to the comments section to express their solidarity. Messages of love, hope and empathy poured in from all corners, with many sharing personal connections to Parkinson's disease and the advances in treatment and therapies they have witnessed.</p> <p>Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition, and it is the second most common neurological disorder in Australia, with over 100,000 Australians grappling with its impact. Common symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement, and rigidity.</p> <p>Michael J. Fox's diagnosis at the astonishingly young age of 29 stands as a stark reminder of the disease's unpredictable reach, as the average age of diagnosis hovers around 65.</p> <p>Parkinson's disease results from the brain's inability to produce sufficient dopamine, a neurotransmitter vital for controlling movement. Diagnosing Parkinson's is not straightforward; it often relies on clinical evaluation by specialists such as neurologists, who meticulously assess clinical signs and symptoms, as there are no definitive laboratory tests like blood work or brain scans available for diagnosis.</p> <p>Lea Thompson's open acknowledgment of her family's struggle with Parkinson's disease not only shines a light on the challenges faced by those living with the condition but also underscores the importance of continued research and support for those affected. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Football star's tragic loss just three months after wedding

<p>English football star Josh Vickers has shared the heartbreaking news that his wife Laura has passed away, just three months after their wedding. </p> <p>The Derby County goalkeeper, 27, took to Instagram on Sunday to share an emotional tribute to his late wife, with a bittersweet photo of the couple on their wedding day on June 1. </p> <p>"I have written and unwritten this so many times and still can't find the right words to say and don't know if I ever will," Vickers began his tribute. </p> <p>"On Tuesday evening my wife lost her long battle against cancer."</p> <p>"Laura is the strongest, bravest and most loving person I have ever met. </p> <p>"Even though everything she was going through, she continued to smile, never letting anything get in the way of having a good time and making a lifetime of memories," he continued. </p> <p>"I will cherish every moment we spent together from the first time we met to the moment you peacefully passed. </p> <p>"I know that you will be looking down on me and continuing to inspire me every day."</p> <p>He then thanked everyone who has supported him through the "incredibly difficult" time and praised his friends and family for being by his side. </p> <p>"I Love You Always &amp; Forever 🤍" he concluded the heart-wrenching tribute to his wife. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxkZoz6ICvo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxkZoz6ICvo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Josh Vickers (@joshuavickers)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Friends and fans took to the comments to share their support for the grieving goalkeeper. </p> <p>Teammate and Derby forward Martyn Waghorn wrote: "We're all with you mate." </p> <p>"We’re all thinking of you, Josh," Arsenal's official Instagram page added. </p> <p>A few other team members and football players sent their love with a bunch of red heart emojis. </p> <p>"So very sorry to the loss of such a bright star - what a true inspiration she was , thinking of you, family and her friends ❤️" wrote one fan.</p> <p>"Thoughts are with you and with the family," wrote another. </p> <p>Although details of Laura's death and battle with cancer are not fully known, Vickers has previously shared how proud he was of his partner for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BztT57OHRus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">undergoing chemo</a> in 2019. </p> <p>"I'm so proud of you!!!! 8 chemo sessions done and stage 1 completed," he captioned the collage of photos including one of Laura graduating, and another of her undergoing treatment. </p> <p>"These last 6/7 months have been far from ideal, but with everything you have been through, you have continued to smile and inspire me every single day," he added. </p> <p>The Derby team have shared their support for their fellow teammate by holding his "Vickers 31" shirt during a match against Carlisle yesterday, after the goalkeeper was absent from the game for personal reasons. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Outpouring of love after tragic loss of twin daughters

<p><strong>WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT</strong></p> <p>A devastated couple from Jacksonville, Florida, has issued a haunting warning following the tragic demise of their twin four-year-old girls, who tragically lost their lives after an unfortunate incident involving their toy chest.</p> <p>On the night of September 1, Don Starr, a loving father, bid his son Kellan and daughter Aurora goodnight, blissfully unaware that it would be the last time he would do so.</p> <p>The following morning, the twins were discovered lifeless inside their wooden toy box by their older brother. The heartbroken sibling had stumbled upon a chilling scene as he found the pair tightly huddled within the confines of the chest, locked in each other's arms.</p> <p>The older brother, baffled and distressed, recounted that they appeared to be merely "being silly" or "sleeping" within the toy chest.</p> <p>It was later revealed that Kellan and Aurora had awakened during the night and decided to seek refuge in their toy box, snuggling up for warmth and comfort before drifting back into slumber.</p> <p>Tragically, the lid of the toy box had inadvertently closed, creating a "soundproof" and "airtight" environment. The twins eventually ran out of oxygen, suffocating in their sleep.</p> <p>Overwhelmed with grief, their mother, Sadie Myers, took to social media to share her agony and raise awareness about the potential dangers posed by toy boxes.</p> <p>In a poignant Facebook post, she wrote:</p> <p>“Not many will know the pain of losing two children at the same time and losing them in a way that makes no sense. But I have to believe that something in this universe chose them specifically, maybe to protect them from some future tragedy, or maybe because their souls were too perfect for this world.</p> <p>“Last Friday night while I was at work, Don put the boys and the twins to bed, then soon after went to bed himself. When I got home from work a couple hours later I looked in at all the kids like usual to make sure they were sleeping, then ate my dinner and went to sleep.</p> <p>“At some point early that morning the twins woke each other up and decided they wanted to play in their room rather than sleep. They do this a lot, it’s just a twin thing I guess. They usually fall asleep in some weird place in their room … Friday night the weird place they decided to snuggle up and go back to sleep was in their cedar toy chest, that we use to store all their stuffed animals.”</p> <p>Unbeknownst to Sadie, the chest's lid had shut, rendering it airtight and soundproof. The twins lay inside, head to toe, with their arms draped over each other. “So as they slept, all snuggled up together, they slowly ran out of oxygen within a couple of hours and passed away. They never even knew it was happening. There was no sudden gasp for air, it was a very slow transition from sleep to passing on.”</p> <p>The following morning, the family assumed that the twins were still asleep, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded. It was their older son Axton who made the grim discovery, finding them innocently "sleeping" in the toy box.</p> <p>As Sadie pleaded with other parents to eliminate any such toy chests from their homes to prevent similar tragedies, she acknowledged the senselessness of the loss, a pain that would never truly subside.</p> <p>“I hope knowing this helps in some way, and I hope if you have a toy box like this that you destroy it immediately!" she urged. “Please keep me and my family in your hearts and prayers, because this will never get easier for us.”</p> <p>In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, Sadie vowed that her family would seek therapy to help them navigate their profound loss. She pledged to "continue to live" for her two older sons, emphasising the importance of cherishing the memories of her departed twins.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/aurora-and-kellan-starr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been set up to assist them during this trying period, with the initial $10,000 target already being tripled. A recent update by Deanna Myers - on behalf of Sadie and Donn - reads:</p> <p>"I don’t really know how to say thank you in a way that reflects how grateful we are to all of you. Those words aren’t good enough to express the gratitude we all feel. We’ve talked about this page and how it means so much just knowing that so many people are thinking about us and the beautiful babies we lost. Thank you to everyone helping here and at home. The support we’ve gotten from family and friends and everyone who’s donated is overwhelming. It won’t be taken for granted."</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe</em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span></p>

Caring

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Olympian tragically killed at just 31

<p>A tragic incident has claimed the life of Alexandra Paul, a former Olympic figure skater, at the age of 31 following a collision involving seven vehicles.</p> <p>Alexandra Paul was in a car with her infant child when the accident took place in Melancthon Township, Ontario, Canada. The unfortunate incident occurred when a lorry collided with the car she was in, along with her baby, and five other vehicles that were stationary in a line, according to Canadian law enforcement.</p> <p>While Alexandra Paul was tragically pronounced deceased as a result of the collision, her baby was taken to a nearby children's hospital for treatment of injuries that were determined to be non-life-threatening.</p> <p>Skate Canada, through its Instagram platform, paid homage to Alexandra Paul's memory. The organisation conveyed their sorrow and announced the untimely passing of Alexandra Paul, a highly valued member of the skating community. Recognised as a radiant presence both on and off the ice, Alexandra's commitment, fervour and exceptional skills have left an enduring impression on the realm of figure skating.</p> <p>In remembering Alexandra's contributions to the sport, Skate Canada emphasised the camaraderie and sportsmanship that she consistently embodied. They praised her not just as an accomplished athlete, but also as a paragon of inspiration for budding skaters. Alexandra exemplified the principles of tenacity, persistence, and honourable conduct in sports.</p> <p>Skate Canada further extended their condolences, expressing their sympathy for Alexandra's family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her during this challenging period.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwY8LfjM58y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwY8LfjM58y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Skate Canada / Patinage Canada (@skate_canada)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Alexandra Paul, alongside her husband and skating partner Mitchell Islam, achieved numerous international medals during their career. Their accomplishments include securing three Canadian championship medals and participating in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Alexandra retired from competitive skating in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of excellence on the ice.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

News

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Location, Location, Location host loses both parents in tragic accident

<p>In heart-wrenching news has shaken the world of television, beloved <em>Location, Location, Location </em>host Phil Spencer has spoken out about the devastating loss of his parents in a tragic accident on their family farm.</p> <p>Spencer paid a somber tribute to his father Richard, known affectionately as David, aged 89, and his mother Anne, 82, who were both tragically lost.</p> <p>In a poignant display of love, Phil, now 53, shared an image of the couple and wrote: "Very sadly both of my amazing parents died on Friday.</p> <p>"As a family we are all trying to hold onto the fact Mum and Dad went together and that neither will ever have to mourn the loss of the other one. Which is a blessing in itself."</p> <p>Spencer went on to disclose the harrowing details surrounding the accident, giving a glimpse into the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day: "The car, going very slowly, toppled over a bridge on the farm drive, upside down into the river. There were no physical injuries and I very much doubt they would have even fought it - they would have held hands under the water and quietly slipped away.</p> <p>Spencer acknowledged the heroic efforts of his brother, who valiantly attempted to save their parents in the aftermath of the crash.</p> <p>"As many farmers do - my brother had a penknife and so was able to cut the seat belts - he pulled them out of the river but they never regained consciousness.</p> <p>"Although desperately sad and shocked beyond all belief - all family are clear that if there can ever be such a thing as having a 'good end' - this was it."</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Spencer also recalled a poignant conversation he had with his mother, a conversation now weighed down by the melancholy of hindsight: "Although they were both on extremely good form in the days before (hence the sudden idea to go out to lunch), Mums Parkinson's and Dads Dementia had been worsening and the long term future was set to be a challenge.</span></p> <p>"So much so that Mum said to me only a week ago that she had resigned to thinking 'now it looks like we will probably go together'. And so they did."</p> <p>As he concluded his heartfelt statement, Spencer mused on the overwhelming nature of their passing, acknowledging the future comfort that might come from the knowledge that they departed from a place they held dear.</p> <p>"It feels horrendous right now, but after almost 60 years of marriage - to die together on the farm they so loved will, I know, be a comfort in the future.</p> <p>"Mum Dad are together which is precisely where they would have wanted to be. ❤️"</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwKpOWJr4Wj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwKpOWJr4Wj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Phil Spencer (@philspencertv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Kirstie Allsopp, Phil's co-host on <em>Location, Location, Location</em>, a dear friend, was among the first to respond, her words echoing the collective grief felt by many: "Such a brave and loving statement and so typical of you &amp; your lovely family. So many people have you all in their thoughts and prayers. xxx"</p> <p>Tragically, David and Anne were en route to a local pub for lunch when their car veered off the access road, plunging into a shallow river on their estate.</p> <p>Emergency services, fire brigade and police attended the scene, and an air ambulance landing nearby at the Littlebourne farm in Kent.</p> <p>Despite efforts to save them, Richard succumbed at the hospital, with Anne following suit shortly thereafter.</p> <p>Kirstie reflected: “I’ve spoken to Phil and it’s tragic for the Spencer family, but his parents were together and that’s something that is a great source of solace to them all.</p> <p>“The family is very loving and close. There are four children, Phil, Robert, Caryn and Helen, and they had eight grandchildren.</p> <p>“This is awful for all of the family, but they were together at the end and they were lovely people."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Sinéad O'Connor's tragic final post just days before passing

<p>The world is mourning the loss of Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, whose life <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/sin-ad-o-connor-passes-away-at-just-56" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ended in tragedy</a> at the tender age of 56.</p> <p>In her final tweet, just days before her passing, O'Connor bared the unbearable pain of losing her beloved son Shane to suicide.</p> <p>Responding to a simple prompt on Twitter, she conveyed her inner turmoil through tearful emojis and the heart-wrenching hashtag "Lostmy17yrOldSonToSuicidein2022".</p> <p>Since that heart-rending loss, she declared that she felt like an undead night creature, haunted by the emptiness left by her dear son's departure.</p> <p>“Been living as undead night creature since,” O'Connor added to the emotional tweet on July 17. “He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally I am lost in the bardo without him.”</p> <p>Alongside her poignant words, she shared a photo of happier times, where she and Shane were captured smiling, arms wrapped around each other, seemingly unbreakable. But fate had a cruel twist, as the troubled 17-year-old tragically left this world in Dublin last January, slipping away from suicide watch in the hospital in which he was being cared for. It marked the culmination of multiple attempts to escape his inner demons.</p> <p>In the wake of the loss of Shane, O'Connor poured out her heart in an Instagram post, speaking of her precious boy's decision to end his earthly struggles and find solace with God.</p> <p>“The very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God,” she wrote. “May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby, I love you so much. Please be at peace.” </p> <p>As the news of O'Connor's passing spread, her family released a statement expressing profound sadness and requesting privacy during this challenging time. The loss of their beloved Sinéad left a void that could never be filled, and the world felt a little dimmer without her radiant presence.</p> <p>Throughout her life, O'Connor had wrestled with her mental health, and her struggles were no secret to her devoted fans. On numerous occasions, she had shared public messages on social media that hinted at her inner battles, and concern for her well-being had grown. Yet, in 2016, she had defiantly declared her happiness, dismissing any notion of attempting suicide.</p> <p>Despite the pain and hardships, she left behind three remaining children, Jake, Roisin, and Yeshua.</p> <p><strong><em>If you or anyone you know needs help, you don't have to go it alone:</em></strong></p> <p><em>Lifeline: 13 11 14 or <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeline.org.au</a></em></p> <p><em>Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beyondblue.org.au</a></em></p> <p><em>Headspace: 1800 650 890 or <a href="https://headspace.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headspace.org.au</a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

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Tragic confirmation of Julian Sands' death

<p>Missing British actor Julia Sands has been confirmed dead at age 65.</p> <p>Californian hikers <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/human-remains-found-in-search-for-missing-actor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discovered human remains</a> in the surrounding area where the actor was said to have vanished, and the remains have now been identified as Sands, according to authorities.</p> <p>"The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood," the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department said in a statement.</p> <p>"The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results," it continued.</p> <p>"We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands.”</p> <p>Sands’ tragic death comes days after a search and rescue was resumed by the San Bernardino Sherrif’s Office, which had been leading the searches for the missing actor over the past six months.</p> <p>The local region experienced wild and uncharacteristic weather which led to a more difficult search.</p> <p>Sands was first reported missing in January after setting out to hike the notoriously dangerous Mount Baldy, which rises more than 10,000 feet (approx. 3048 metres) east of Los Angeles and has been hit with severe storms during their winter season.</p> <p>"We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer," the statement said.</p> <p>Sands’ family released a statement at the time of his disappearance, saying, "Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home,”</p> <p>Sands’ son Henry also released a statement in April to praise the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department for their continued efforts in rescuing his father.</p> <p>"I am hugely appreciative for all the efforts made so far from the volunteer search and rescue climbers and the San Bernardino county sheriff team to bring my father home," Henry Sands told <em>The Times</em>.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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Tragic accident claims pregnant Hollyoaks actress at just 38

<p dir="ltr">Former <em>Hollyoaks</em> actress, best known for her role at Jess Holt on the Channel 4 series, has died at 38. </p> <p dir="ltr">The actress was reportedly travelling with her two sons and nephew when she stopped to answer a phone call on the M66 hard shoulder near Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 38 year old - who is believed to have been 18 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident - was then struck by a speeding vehicle. Frankie, her nine-year-old son Tommy and two-year-old Rocky, as well as her four-year-old nephew Tobias, were all airlifted to hospital. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Mirror </em>have reported that Tommy and Tobias were put into medically included comas, while Frankie sadly passed away with her partner, Calvin, “frantically by her side”. </p> <p dir="ltr">The devastating crash occurred on May 14, but the news has only come to the public’s attention since Frankie’s former co-star, Paul Danan, paid a series of emotional tributes on social media. </p> <p dir="ltr">Frankie had been on <em>Hollyoaks </em>between 2000 and 2001, where Paul had had the honour of playing her character’s boyfriend, Sol Patrick. </p> <p dir="ltr">Paul shared pictures of their time together working on <em>Hollyoaks</em>, as well as some more recent pictures of his late friend, along with the caption “I just heard the most shocking upsetting news I've heard in such a long time. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Another good good friend who was such a special person has sadly passed away while carrying her unborn baby and her 2 little boys and nephew who were in the car too. They had a terrible car accident.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to share that the driver responsible for the crash had been charged, before linking the <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/pregnant-mum-frankie-3-children-fight-for-life">GoFundMe</a> that had been set up to support Frankie’s loved ones and “to help them get through the most traumatic incident they have been through.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctw7j6TLcg4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctw7j6TLcg4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Paul L Danan (@pauldanan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">He later shared another series of images and a new caption, writing of his heartbreak over how “Frankie will never get to see her family again” and how “her unborn child … never even got a chance in life, let alone her two little Gorgeous boys and nephew [who] won't see their mum or aunty again.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Paul wrote that his “heart and prayers” went out to Frankie’s boys and her husband, and added that the horrific news “just solidifies things for me about driving dangerously or fast especially when not in a good head space. Look at what can happen, it's actually just too painful to even think about right now.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p>

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Pop star discovered tragically dead at 33 in the wake of scandal

<p>South Korean pop star Choi Sung-bong, who was caught running a notorious cancer scam has passed away at age 33.</p> <p><em>The Korean Times</em> reported that Choi was found by police at his Seoul home on the morning of June 20. He was pronounced dead soon after.</p> <p>Authorities have reportedly ruled the singer’s cause of death as a suicide.</p> <p>According to the Hollywood Reporter, after years of online fame stemming from a 2011 performance on Korea’s Got Talent, Choi confessed he had tricked his fans into donating money to him after claiming he needed funds for cancer treatment.</p> <p>Choi had claimed he had been battling multiple forms of cancer to obtain the donations, however, his claims were later exposed as a hoax.</p> <p>He also claimed he had returned all donated funds from a false fundraiser.</p> <p>Choi later issued a grovelling apology and vowed to return all of the donations sent by his fans.</p> <p>One day before his alleged suicide, Choi posted a note on his YouTube channel apologising for “foolish mistakes” in the past, according to The Mirror.</p> <p>The chilling letter said he needed to "repay for his sins with his life” and showed the address of where his body would be after taking his life.</p> <p>“My body can be found at [his home location]. I don’t know how to write a final message, so I will just write it in my own style. Even though my breath may have stopped now, I have no regrets about the brilliant journey of my life. I have lived my life to the fullest and made efforts to find happiness every day. Age thirty-four," (as per Korean age system), he said.</p> <p>Choi was best known for competing in Korea’s Got Talent in 2011, coming in at second place.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIy99OT2BAQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vIy99OT2BAQ"></iframe></a></p> <p>A clip of him singing a cover of Nella Fantasia by Ennio Morricone quickly went viral online, thrusting him into the spotlight  – <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">with singing sensation Justin Bieber even acknowledging his talent.</span></p> <p><em>Image credit: YouTube</em></p>

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Olympian tragically killed at just 24

<p>Olympic ski jumper Patrick Gasienica, who only just competed for the United States in the 2022 Beijing Games has tragically passed away at the age of 24.</p> <p>Gasienica died as a result of a motorcycle accident in the village of Bull Valley, located in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, according to the Bull Valley Police Department.</p> <p>USA Nordic took to Twitter to share tribute for the late ski champ.</p> <p>“USA Nordic and the Ski Jumping community are saddened to hear about the passing of Patrick Gasienica,” they began their post.</p> <p>“A 2022 Beijing Winter Olympian, Patrick was an incredible competitor, teammate and friend. He will be dearly missed.</p> <p>“Rest in peace, Patrick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SkiJumpingFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668759332882874369%7Ctwgr%5E2dbdd92adb6e1717c97229e8bdab0462ef277ab4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Folympics%2Famerican-ski-jumper-patrick-gasienica-dies-in-motorcycle-accident-at-24%2F754748db-be62-498b-8866-c499a8753072&amp;src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#SkiJumpingFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668759332882874369%7Ctwgr%5E2dbdd92adb6e1717c97229e8bdab0462ef277ab4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Folympics%2Famerican-ski-jumper-patrick-gasienica-dies-in-motorcycle-accident-at-24%2F754748db-be62-498b-8866-c499a8753072&amp;src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#TeamUSA</a>."</p> <p>The U.S Ski &amp; Snowboard Team also posted on Twitter about his tragic death.</p> <p>“We are deeply saddened by the passing [of] Patrick Gasienica, an incredible athlete, teammate and person.</p> <p>"Sending love to his family, friends and the entire ski jumping community."</p> <p>Gasienica finished 49th and 53rd in individual events at the Beijing Olympics and secured 10th place in a team competition with Casey Larson, Kevin Bickner and Decker Dean.</p> <p>“We don’t really have a lot of jumpers, but it’s getting better,” Gasienica said in 2022 in China.</p> <p>“Especially since the pandemic, a lot of different kids are joining the different clubs around America. Hopefully in a couple of years — five, 10, maybe — we’ll have a really, really great team.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

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Russell Crowe opens up about tragic loss of puppy

<p>Russell Crowe has opened up about the grief he’s endured from the <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/russell-crowe-loses-best-friend-in-tragic-accident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death of his beloved puppy</a> Louis the Papillion.</p> <p>In an appearance on the <em>Kyle &amp; Jackie O Show</em>, the actor introduced his new furry friend Ezekiel to the hosts, which was quickly met with the radio titans asking how he dealt with the loss of his other dog.</p> <p>"At first we were both like well he's irreplaceable, we can't get another puppy," Crowe said. "That was just a really difficult hole to fill.”</p> <p>"We put so much emotion into that little dog and then he died as tragically as he did," he continued.</p> <p>"The only way we could really stop that from being so harsh was to get another puppy.”</p> <p>Later in the interview, the star revealed that he had the dog flown over from South Australia to Sydney in a private jet.</p> <p>"I'm dealing with Britney whose level of grief was so deep that yeah I put her on a little jet and sent her to go see the dog, then she picked up the dog and came home," Crowe admitted of his girlfriend's pain.</p> <p>"I know it makes me look like a bit of a tosser but you know it's about 'what do I need to do right now to help Britney’."</p> <p>His tragic confession comes just two months after Louis the Papillion’s death.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / TikTok</em></p>

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Tragic end for pensioner struck by royal motorcade

<p dir="ltr">Helen Holland, the 81-year-old woman who was struck by a police motorcade escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh, has died. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/elderly-woman-hospitalised-by-royal-motorcycle-escort">Helen was hit on May 10 at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in west London’s Earl’s Court</a>, and was taken to hospital after receiving treatment from paramedics at the scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her family confirmed the news of her passing, telling the<em> BBC </em>that while she had fought "for her life for nearly two weeks”, tragically “irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Helen had suffered “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries” in the crash, despite using the “safe route of [a] pedestrian crossing”, according to her son, Martin Holland. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the wake of the devastating incident, her family had announced that Helen was in a coma, with the police later revealing that she remained in a critical condition. </p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement reportedly shared with <em>Sky News</em>, the family had described Helen as a "beautiful, loving, kind, and caring lady who would always put anyone before herself.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The family are deeply saddened and shocked at the news Helen was involved in such a tragic accident.”</p> <p dir="ltr">They went on to share that while she had been 81 years old, she was “sprightly for her age and nothing stopped her living life to the full, spending precious time with her family, muddy walks with the dogs and lunches with friends is what she enjoyed most”, before asking that everyone keep her in their thoughts and prayers. </p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace had announced that Sophie - the Duchess of Edinburgh - had offered her “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to “the injured lady and her family”, and that she was “grateful for the swift response of emergency services and will keep abreast of developments".</p> <p dir="ltr">An investigation was launched by The Independent Office for Police Conduct soon after the event, and it remains ongoing, with the police watchdog assuring Helen’s family that they would keep them “regularly updated as the investigation progresses".</p> <p dir="ltr">That investigation involved examining footage from neary CCTV as well as footage from police body cameras. Additionally, officers who were present at the scene were to be interviewed, while the organisation sought other witnesses to come forward with any more information they might have.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the family waits for answers, they are also coming to terms with their difficult loss, with Helen’s grandson - Joe Strutter Holland - sharing on Facebook, “rest in peace Nanny (Helen) Holland. One of the kindest and most joyful souls you'll ever of had the pleasure of meeting. Taken before her time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to note that he was glad his grandmother and his son had gotten the chance to meet, writing 'I'll ensure he knows who you are, till we meet again”. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook, Getty</em></p>

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Groom’s tragic update after bride killed on wedding day

<p>A US man whose bride died on their wedding day after an alleged drunk driver rear-ended their golf cart is recovering at home and planning his wife’s funeral, his family revealed.</p> <p>Aric Hutchinson, from South Carolina, suffered severe injuries, leaving him with bleeding in his brain, two broken legs, facial fractures and a broken vertebrae in his back, according to a post on GoFundMe, written by his mother, Annette Hutchinson.</p> <p>The 36-year-old and his new wife, Samantha Miller, 34, had just left their wedding reception when the accused drunk driver Jamie Komoroski crashed her car into the golf cart the newlyweds were riding on. Ms Miller sadly died instantly. Two family members on the same golf cart suffered injuries.</p> <p>Ms Hutchinson shared that her son is now “physically recovering at home while trying to come to terms with the loss of his beautiful wife. Now he is doing the unimaginable of planning Sam’s funeral along with her family”.</p> <p>“We are missing Sam more than anything. She instantly fit into our family from the first day Aric and Sam met. She was everything to my son and changed him for the better,” she continued.</p> <p>“She could light up a room with her presence and had an ease about her. They shared many hopes and dreams for their future, including children and building a house.</p> <p>“What started as the happiest day for Aric and Sam ended with a tragedy … our hearts are broken along with the Millers’.”</p> <p>Ms Komoroski has been jailed without bond, and charged with three counts of driving under the influence causing death and reckless vehicular homicide. Authorities claimed the 25-year-old was driving at 104km/h in a 40km/h zone and reportedly only hit the breaks of her Toyota Camry right before the crash.</p> <p>Ms Komoroski told police she had consumed a tequila shot and one beer an hour prior, but refused to take a field sobriety test following the collision. A blood test was later conducted at a hospital, the results of which have not been released.</p> <p>In a statement to <em>Fox News</em>, Ms Komoroski's lawyers urged the public not to “rush to judgement”.</p> <p>Ms Miller’s mother Lisa revealed her heartbreaking final exchange with her beloved daughter.</p> <p>Speaking to <em>WCIV</em>, Lisa Miller said that “on the beginning of the golf car ride, [Samantha] said, ‘I wish this night could go on forever.’”</p> <p>“[It was] the best night of her life,” she added.</p> <p>Ms Miller said she was unaware of “what the distraction was” that caused the accident, but Ms Komoroski “literally ran into my daughter going 65 miles an hour”.</p> <p>“Sammie and Aric were on the back of the golf cart and so she basically just whammed into my child.”</p> <p>The bride’s sister, Mandi Jenkins, told <em>WCIV</em>, “That person made a careless mistake. And it’s not a mistake. It is a life-changing event,”</p> <p>“I never thought it would happen to us and to my beautiful sister, your beautiful daughter and all the 150 people that were there.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram/GoFundMe</em></p>

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"Indescribable loss": Sir Michael Palin shares tragic news

<p>Sir Michael Palin has revealed that his beloved wife, Helen Gibbins, has died.</p> <p>Palin made the devastating announcement on his own website, with an update titled ‘Helen’. </p> <p>“My dearest wife Helen died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning,” he wrote. “She had been suffering with chronic pain for several years, which was compounded a few years ago by a diagnosis of kidney failure.</p> <p>“We first met on a summer holiday on the Suffolk coast when we were both sixteen and we married in our early twenties. Two and a half weeks ago we celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary.</p> <p>“Her death is an indescribable loss for myself, our three children and four grandchildren.</p> <p>“Helen was the bedrock of my life. Her quietly wise judgement informed all my decisions and her humour and practical good sense was at the heart of our life together.</p> <p>“The family ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”</p> <p>Just one year prior, Palin had also revealed that the then-79-year-old Helen had moved into respite care, with <em>The Guardian</em> reporting it was due to her body not responding to pain medications.</p> <p>As he told <em>The Telegraph</em> at the time, “I don’t think you can cure it, but they will help her manage it.</p> <p>“It’s such a bore. She was so active and still is, mentally. But we’re both getting on a bit. The body is declining. She’s going to be 80 in October, I’m going to be 80 at the beginning of next year. </p> <p>“We live life with our fingers crossed.”</p> <p>The 79-year-old comedian had enjoyed over a half-century of marriage with his “dearest wife”, after the two first crossed paths at the tender age of 16, with the pair even celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary mere weeks before her passing.</p> <p>Gibbins - who spent her days working as both a teacher and a bereavement counsellor - shared three children with Palin - 54-year-old Thomas, 52-year-old William, and 48-year-old Rachel. </p> <p>In his 2015 interview with <em>The Telegraph</em>, the actor opened up about his experience meeting Gibbins on a holiday in Southwold, naming her “a vision of rebellion”, and how they kept in touch after going home.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the pair lost touch again for the next two years, until they ran into each other once again through mutual friends at Oxford University. </p> <p>As Palin himself said of the less-than-ideal start to their lengthy relationship, “you can see fate was actually tightening the screws on us very hard at that time.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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