Celebrity deaths

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Heartbreak for England legend as wife dies after ‘several months’ battling with illness

      by

      LADY Hilkka Brooking, the beloved wife of Club legend Sir Trevor, has died after battling with illness for “several months”.The couple were married for 55 years with Lady Hilkka becoming a regular visitor to West Ham United fixtures home and away.Hilkka Brooking, the beloved wife of Club legend Sir Trevor, has died after battling with illness for ‘several months’Credit: AlamySir Trevor Brooking and his wife Hilkka Brooking watching West Ham United at Molineux StadiumCredit: AlamyThe pair were married for 55 yearsCredit: AFPRemembering his much-loved wife Sir Trevor thanked fans for their “kind” messages and thoughts. She “stood by his side” when Sir Trevor was a player during his illustrious career and then in his role as an ambassador of English football.In an emotional tribute he said: “I want to thank people for their kind messages and thoughts.“Hilkka loved coming to West Ham United matches and always wanted the Club to do well.”Read more on SportIn a heartfelt message shared on the club’s site, joint-Chairman David Sullivan remembered Hilkka as a “popular figure” in the Boardroom.Joint-Chairman David Sullivan added: “We are all extremely sad to hear the news of Lady Hilkka’s passing. “Hilkka was a hugely popular figure in the Boardroom and throughout the Club, always by Sir Trevor’s side and a passionate supporter of West Ham United. “She will be greatly missed by everyone here.”Most read in FootballSir Trevor joined West Ham as a youth player in 1965 before making his senior debut a couple of years later.His illustrious career playing for the Upton Park team saw him make over 600 appearances and score more than 100 goals before retiring in 1984.Post-retirement he picked up a role at the BBC as a broadcaster and was later appointed to the Sports Council.Brooking’s name however, will be forever remembered for West Ham’s historic FA Cup 1-0 win against Arsenal in 1980.His contributions to the game have seen him receive a knighthood, OBE and MBE. On being knighted he told the BBC: “This is a wonderful honour and a huge privilege. My family and I are very excited by the news,”My whole life has been about sport, as a footballer, as a broadcaster and as an administrator.”When you look at some of the other people from football who have been knighted I feel privileged to be in the same company.Read More on The Sun”This is not something me or my family could have envisaged when I was growing up in the East End.”There are some great names there, but I am also conscious that the honour is really for my Sport England work.”Hilkka often attended matches with her husbandCredit: AlamyHilkka stood by her husband throughout his illustrious career as a player and football ambassadorCredit: Alamy More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Footballer, 35, dies after suffering cardiac arrest on pitch just hours after sharing deep message about ‘soul and life’

      by

      A FOOTBALLER has died after collapsing on the pitch following a reported cardiac arrest – having shared a poignant message just hours earlier.Enzo Pittau, 35, the dad of a new baby girl, lost his footing several times before his collapse 41 minutes into a cup game.Argentinian football is in shock over Enzo Pittau’s deathCredit: Jam PressPittau had shared what now reads as a poignant messageCredit: TwitterHis passion for football was clear to seeCredit: Jam PressPittau was playing for Don Orione away to Club Union in Argentina’s Chaco Federation tournament.Witnesses say there was “chaos…screaming… and crying” as people in the venue saw his fall and realised how serious the situation was.Media outlet Hechos y Derecho say Pittau was taken in a private vehicle to a hospital, where he died.The Chaco League star had played for numerous teams in the area, also enjoying spells in Italy, Switzerland and Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball in the area, north of Argentina capital Buenos Aires, is in mourning and shock following his death.A few hours before the match Pittau posted a touching message and photo on social media.He wrote: “The faith and God in between. Today we play with soul and life.”Alongside those words was a picture of his football top and shin guards – which  had photos of his new daughter.Most read in SportHis club said: “With deep pain, we communicate the death of Enzo Pittau. We are shocked and affected by this loss. “We appreciate your solidarity and understanding in this difficult time for our club and Enzo Pittau’s family.”We were all in shock, the players and us in the stands. The match was stopped for a while and then suspended.WitnessA witness told Diario Chaco via Contexto Tucuman: “I was in the middle of the match and Pittau fell to the ground. It was as if he had fainted.”I can still see it, and it’s very painful. “Everything turned into chaos. People were running, screaming, crying, and yelling for help.”From the stands, we didn’t really know what had happened, but it was awful.”Another witness said: “I have this image of Pittau falling alone. I can’t get it out of my head. “We’re dismayed by what happened.  “It hurts quite a bit. We were all in shock, the players and us in the stands. The match was stopped for a while and then suspended.”Read More on The SunLocal media say Pittau had returned to Chaco to be near his family after his grandfather had health problems.Sunday’s tragic match was the return leg in the second phase of the Argentinian Federativo tournament.Family man Pittau has passed away tragicallyCredit: Jam Press More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike McCallum dead at 68: Boxing legend dubbed ‘The Bodysnatcher’ dies after falling ill and pulling car off the road

      by

      BOXING icon Mike McCallum has died at the age of 68.Known as “The Bodysnatcher,” McCallum won world title belts across three different weight categories.Legendary boxer Mike McCallum has died at the age of 68Credit: GettyMcCallum fell ill while travelling to the gymCredit: GettyThe Jamaican fighting legend passed away suddenly in Las Vegas, United States, on Saturday.According to the Jamaica Observer, McCallum fell ill while travelling to the gym and was forced to pull off the road.He was then found to be unresponsive and later pronounced dead.Jamaica’s sports minister, Olivia Grange, confirmed the sad news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrange said: “It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica’s three-time world boxing champion Michael McKenzie McCallum.”I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. “On behalf of the Ministry of Sports, I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican.”McCallum ended his professional boxing career with an impressive record of 55 fights, 49 wins, 36 by KO, five losses and one draw.Most read in BoxingHe held the WBA light middleweight, the WBA middleweight and the WBC light heavyweight belts across his career.On top of this he was also a gold medal winner at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and 1978 Central American and Caribbean Games – both at welterweight.McCallum was the 18th fighter in men’s boxing history to become a triple champion and the first-ever Jamaican to become a world champion in boxing.He was most known in the ring for his devastating body punches, which earned him his “Bodysnatcher” nickname. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ernesto Pellegrini dead aged 84: Inter Milan’s former president dies just hours before Champions League final

      by

      FORMER Inter Milan president Ernesto Pellegrini has passed away aged 84 – just hours before the Champions League final. The Milan native owned the Serie A giants from 1984 to 1995.Former Inter president Ernesto Pellegrini has died aged 84Credit: GettyPellegrini was president at Inter for 11 yearsCredit: GettyThe Milan native was a boyhood fan of the NerazzurriCredit: X / InterPellegrini grew up as a boyhood Inter fan and was the Nerazzurri’s 17th president.He made his fortune in the catering business and was first admitted onto the board at the San Siro in 1979. Pellegrini purchased Inter from Ivanoe Fraizzoli in 1984. Under his leadership, Inter won a record-breaking Scudetto just four years later. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey also secured the Supercoppa Italiana and two Uefa Cup titles, with the team including greats such as Jurgen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthaus. Pellegrini was inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame in 2020. He reportedly passed away at 8am on Saturday morning, per La Gazzetta dello Sport.Inter face PSG in tonight’s Champions League final in Munich. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe team will wear black armbands in his honour. Paying tribute on X, the team wrote: “President Ernesto Pellegrini has left us. “For eleven years he led Inter with wisdom, honour and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our Club. “FC Internazionale Milano and all the Nerazzurri fans gather around his family.”Inter are targeting a first Champions League triumph since 2010 on Saturday night. The Nerazzurri last competed in a CL final in 2023, when they went down 1-0 to Manchester City. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Maradona homicide trial COLLAPSES after glam judge appeared in glitzy doc about case over football icon’s death

      by

      THE homicide trial of footballing icon Diego Maradona’s medical team has officially been cancelled.The trial was said to be on the brink of collapse just 24 hours ago after a glam judge appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing case.Argentine former football star Diego Maradona died in 2020Julieta Makintach – dubbed the ‘judge of God’ – appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing caseCredit: ClarinJudge Makintach – one of the three presiding judges – has since resigned in the face of allegations of an ethical breachCredit: ReutersJulieta Makintach – dubbed the “judge of God” – featured in a trailer for the six-part mini-series which was embarrassingly played to the court.News broadcasts of footy legend Maradona’s death were also featured in the trailer, as well as an excerpt of an emergency call asking for an ambulance.It ended with Makintach preparing documents at a desk prior to the trial.The bizarre footage suggests unauthorised recordings were shot inside the courtroom, which constitutes a breach of judicial rules.read more in MaradonaIt is unclear how the footage was captured. The trailer preview was one of several pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week which left the trial suspended.It has now reportedly been designated as “null and void” by the Third Criminal Court of San Isidro, reports Clarin.Judge Makintach has also since resigned in the face of the allegations.Most read in SoccerThis has left the case with just two remaining judges in Maximiliano Savarino and Verónica Di Tommaso.Mr Savarino announced the cancelled trial today as he blasted Makintach’s actions.Maradona homicide trial BEGINS as his medical team accused of fatal negligenceHe said: “The trial was well conducted by all of us except for one person who was sidelined.”Before adding: We believe the case should be heard in another court.”When the decision to cancel the trial was read out, the daughters of Maradona, Dalma and Gianinna, broke down in tears.The trailer caused such a national outcry that Makintach said on Tuesday that she had “no choice” but to resign from the proceedings.Diego Maradona’s daughters Gianina Maradona (L) and Dalma Maradona attend the trial for their father’s deathCredit: EPADoctor Leopoldo Luque attends the trialThe judges stated that there would be a new trial, but did not indicate when that would occur. In addition, new judges will selected via a lottery.The trial began on March 11 and dozens of witnesses had already testified. It was expected to conclude in the summer, but now that could be a new starting point.”I trust we could have a sentence by the end of the year,” said Fernando Burlando, an attorney for Maradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna Maradona.The family accused the medical team of failing to provide appropriate care for Maradona, 60, after his surgery for a hematoma that formed between his skull and brain. The surgery was performed in early November and he died weeks later during his recovery at a private home.The seven defendants all deny the charges and claim that Maradona fought against them during the recovery period.The former doctor of Maradona, Nancy ForliniCredit: AFPJulio Rivas, lawyer of Leopoldo Luque, the personal doctor of MaradonaCredit: ReutersThe Argentinian legend- considered one of the world’s greatest ever football players – had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot when he tragically died.He suffered a heart attack aged 60.Seven members of the legend’s medical team were then placed under investigation over his death and are now being prosecuted for negligent homicide.Those responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.They deny the charges.The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse.Read More on The SunThe defendants have claimed Maradona refused any further treatment and should have stayed home for longer following his operation.Gianinna claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.Portrait of Argentina’s star midfielder Diego Maradona in 1986Credit: AFP More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Maradona trial on brink of COLLAPSE after glam judge appears in glitzy doc about ongoing case over football icon’s death

      by

      THE trial of late Argentine football superstar Diego Maradona’s medical team is on the brink of collapse after a glam judge appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing case.Julieta Makintach – dubbed the “judge of God” – recused herself after a trailer for the six-part mini-series was embarrassingly played to the court. Julieta Makintach – dubbed the ‘judge of God’ – recused herselfCredit: ClarinOne clip shows her going up in a lift in what appears to be a courthouseCredit: P14Makintach arrives at court for a hearing in the trial of health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer star Diego MaradonaCredit: APArgentine former football star Diego Maradona died in 2020Credit: AFPIt emerged that Makintach, 47, had been shooting the series called Divine Justice about the case, potentially breaking a string of ethics rules.The shocking preview begins with Makintach strutting through the entrance of what seems to be a court house in high heels as she takes the lift to the upper floors.News broadcasts of footy legend Maradona’s death are also featured in the trailer, as well as an excerpt of an emergency call asking for an ambulance.It concludes with Makintach preparing documents at a desk.The bizarre footage suggests unauthorised recordings were shot inside the courtroom, which constitutes a breach of judicial rules.According to a script, the mini-series would follow Makintach as she “reconstructs the death of Maradona and certain painful milestones of his life related to abandonment.”The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspended.Tuesday’s hearing was marked by insults, recriminations, shouting and tears.Most read in SoccerIn a bitter exchange, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of behaving “like an actress and not a judge.”He said: “[Makintach] spoke about Maradona, the trial, how it was unfolding.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death “She has been completely influenced by her leading role, by the centrality of her figure.”She lied to our faces for three months. I demand that the court recuse judge Makintach.”As the trailer was played, defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque jumped out of his chair to shout “trash” at the judge.The late footballer’s daughter Gianinna Maradona tried to calm him before she and Maradona’s former partner, Veronica Ojeda, both began to sob.Makintach sat with her head bowed, biting her lip and eventually said she had “no choice” but to recuse herself as one of the case’s three justices.Her removal is an embarrassment for Argentina’s judicial system and could yet derail a trial being watched by football fans worldwide.Maradona – considered one of the world’s greatest ever football players – had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot when he tragically died of a heart attack aged 60.Seven members of the legend’s medical team are being prosecuted for negligent homicide over his death in November 2020.She also struts in her high heels in the trailerCredit: P14The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspendedCredit: Clarin Judges Veronica Di Tommaso, Maximiliano Savarino and Julieta Makintach attend the first day of soccer legend Diego Maradona’s death trialCredit: ReutersPortrait of Argentina’s midfielder Diego Maradona in 1986Credit: AFPThose responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.They deny the charges.The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse.The defendants have claimed Maradona refused any further treatment and should have stayed home for longer following his operation.Gianinna Maradona has claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.The court will decide on Thursday whether the trial will go ahead or be scrapped and then restarted.Some of the plaintiffs have called for a new trial, saying they felt proceedings have been tainted by scandal.The lawyer for Maradona’s ex-partner Ojeda said that “everyone now feels that this is compromised,” adding that it’s “healthiest to start over from scratch”.Glam Makintach denied being paid for the documentary and said that she had given “an interview to a childhood friend about the justice system”.Makintach added: “That material was raw, it was intimate. It was on a Sunday at 5pm. Does that give it the label of forbidden, hidden, illicit?”According to Argentinian media, prosecutor Ferrari said: “On Sunday March 9, before the trial began, Makintach entered the building with six people.”And if there is a script and a trailer, it wasn’t just an interview.Read More on The Sun”There were photos, footage. There was no authorisation for this irregular entry.”All the aggravating circumstances clearly exist that demonstrate the loss of independence and impartiality of the member summoned to this trial.”In 2019, Gimnasia y Esgrima team coach Diego Armando Maradona gestures to supporters as he leaves the field after an Argentina First Division Superliga football matchCredit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Willie Stevenson dead aged 85: Tributes pour in for title-winning Liverpool icon who also won league with Rangers

      by

      LIVERPOOL legend Willie Stevenson has sadly died.The title-winning icon, who played under Bill Shankly, passed away at the age of 85.Willie Stevenson has sadly passed awayCredit: GettyStevenson made 241 appearances for Liverpool after being signed from Rangers for £20,000.He won the league and cup north of the border before his move to Anfield.Stevenson went onto become a vital part of the Liverpool side that won the First Division in 1964 and 1966.And the left-sided player tasted FA Cup success in 1965 after scoring a penalty in the semi-final against Chelsea. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStevenson also claimed a runners-up medal in the following year’s Cup Winners’ Cup.He left Liverpool in 1967 and he went on to play for the likes of Stoke, Tranmere, Macclesfield Town and the Vancouver Whitecaps.Stevenson is said to have owned a pub and a cleaning company after hanging up his boots.Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler led the tributes, saying: “Such sad news… an absolute gentleman. Rest in peace Willie.”Most read in FootballOther fans commented: “Rest in peace.”Another added: “A true Red. Condolences to his family and all who knew him.” More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      Georgia O’Connor’s heartbreaking final post just days before boxer’s death aged 25

      by

      GEORGIA O’CONNOR posted a heartbreaking final Instagram message just over a week before her tragic passing. The inspirational boxer  – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January.Georgia O’Connor with her husband before her sad passingCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She got married before her deathCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the boxing community in her corner all the way until she sadly passed away aged 25 from a rare and aggressive cancer.In her final Instagram post – ten days before her death – the brave boxer revealed she had married her boyfriend Adriano.She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”READ MORE IN BOXINGInspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.Most read in Boxing”Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me…”Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.”A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.”Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.”I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.”You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.”We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter – who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021 – following her sad passing. Her promoters Boxxer posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”England Boxing added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”Read More on The SunO’Connor was not only a talented boxer but also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing and became an inspiration to many after documenting her horror cancer fight.O’Connor had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1 More