Celebrity deaths

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Lenny Piper dead at 46: Former England schoolboys and Gillingham star passes away as League Two side lead tributes

      by

      GILLINGHAM have led the tributes to their ex-player, Lenny Piper, who has passed away at the age of 46.Piper began his career at Wimbledon having come through the team’s academy.
      Lenny Piper during his time at Farnborough TownCredit: Alamy
      Very sad news about Lenny Piper. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. Born in London, he began his career with Wimbledon but in 1996 moved to Gillingham for a transfer fee of £40,000. He made 24 appearances for the Gills. RIP Lenny. https://t.co/fSYN8qu7lT pic.twitter.com/ue8Lzfjfgc— Gillingham FC Supporters’ Club (@GillinghamFCSC) January 28, 2024

      He then joined Gillingham in 1996 after joining for a £40,000 fee, before playing 24 times for the club.
      After a leg break affected Piper’s career, he moved to non-league St Albans, where he became a fans’ favourite.
      He made 98 appearances for the Hertfordshire side, scoring 28 times during his two year spell there.
      He then signed for Conference side Farnborough before spells at Dagenham & Redbridge and Margate.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Piper ended his career with Surrey side Whyteleaf.
      Gillingham broke the news on X (formerly known as Twitter) of the former England Schoolboys player’s passing.
      The Gills posted: “Everyone at the club is saddened to learn that former player, Lenny Piper, has sadly passed away.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with Lenny’s friends, family and loved ones at this very difficult time. RIP.”
      Most read in Football
      They were joined in their condolences by Gillingham’s Supporters Club who posted: “Very sad news about Lenny Piper. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
      “Born in London, he began his career with Wimbledon but in 1996 moved to Gillingham for a transfer fee of £40,000. He made 24 appearances for the Gills. RIP Lenny.”
      His former club Margate also added their sympathies by saying: “We are saddened to learn that former player, Lenny Piper, has passed this morning, just aged 46.
      “Piper came in on loan in the 2003/04 season from Dagenham and Redbridge. He played for us until March, before he left for Fisher Athletic. We send out thoughts to the friends and family of Lenny.”
      Fans paid tributes in the comments with one saying: “46, far too young. RIP.”
      Another wrote: “That’s really sad. RIP Lenny.”
      A third wrote: “That winner against Bristol City. Absolute rocket. RIP Lenny.” More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Celtic star Stuart Gray dies aged 50 after agonising cancer fight as Hoops stars to pay tribute vs Ross County

      by

      FORMER Celtic star Stuart Gray has passed away at the age of 50 following a cancer battle, the club has confirmed. The son of Scotland and Leeds hero Eddie, Gray came through the ranks at Parkhead, spending six years at the Hoops in which he made 28 appearances.
      Stuart Gray made 28 appearances for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Stuart Gray in action for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The club paid tribute to their former midfielder – who was recently diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma – a cancer that forms in the bile ducts.
      The Hoops wrote: “Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray has passed away after illness at the age of 50.
      “The Celtic players will wear black armbands in tribute to Stuart at today’s game against Ross County. Rest in Peace Stuart, YNWA”
      After loan spells at Bournemouth and Morton, the Scotland Under-21 cap then joined Tommy Burns at Reading.

      A talented left sided player, Gray’s career continued south of the border with spells at Rushden and Diamonds, Oxford Utd, Fleetwood Town and Guiseley.
      Former teammate Craig Burley wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Thoughts & condolences to Eddie Gray & family after the loss of his son and my former teammate Stuart Gray. RIP Stuart.”
      So too did Simon Donnelly, an old contemporary and pal from the Parkhead youth ranks, telling Celtic TV: “A really sad day. Terribly sad, Stuart was one of my first mates at the club, when I came here in 1992.
      “Fantastic player. It’s fantastic to see the fans to a man there standing to pay tribute to him.”
      Most read in Football
      Gray was told that by the time this cancer begins to show symptoms, it is usually too advanced for surgery, which is currently the only known cure – with the situation complicated by the fact he was also suffering from a chronic liver disease.
      Fans and well wishers had raised £50,000 to help with his treatment via a GoFundMe page set up by his brother Nick.
      While some of the treatments for Stuart’s illness are widely available on the NHS, some of the newer and more experimental treatments are less readily available and very costly. 
      How Celtic broke the news
      Gray in action for the Scotland Under-21s
      Stuart Gray had raised almost £50k for his own treatment
      Stuart Gray plays for Morton
      He said recently how thankful he was for all the support, writing: “To all the people who have donated and sent messages and good wishes, I want to say how deeply thankful I am to each and every one of you. It means the world to me and my family to see the support we have. Love Stuart x”
      “Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and to wait for approval of these various experimental treatments, and then for the treatments to be administered by the NHS, will likely take years.
      “Accessing these drugs and treatments privately is costly and can be difficult. 
      “My family and I will be posting regular updates along the way and will be partaking in various fundraising efforts to help pay for any treatment that may be needed in the coming months and, God willing, years. 
      “Any help or support you can offer during this process would be appreciated more than you will ever know.” 
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Cameron Bartholomew dead at 28: Motorsport champion suddenly dies leaving behind heartbroken fiancee and three children

      by

      MOTORSPORT champion Cameron Bartholomew has suddenly passed away at the age of just 28.The Australian’s fiancee Chloe O’Carroll, who has three children with Bartholomew, confirmed the news on Thursday.
      Cameron Bartholomew has tragically died at the age of 28Credit: Facebook / ChloeeAnn
      His fiancee Chloe O’Carroll confirmed the horrific newsCredit: Facebook / ChloeeAnn
      She said: “With the heaviest of hearts we announce that heaven gained another angel this morning.
      “Our beloved Cameron Bartholomew has passed away and we are in complete shock.
      “Understandably we are heart broken and are spending this time as a family to support one another during this difficult time.
      “We respectfully ask for privacy whilst we grieve and reminisce the life that we were so lucky to share with Cam.
      READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT
      “For those that had the pleasure of knowing and being touched by Cameron’s presence there will be memorial details shared in time.”
      Alongside the touching words, Chloe shared a host of photos of the Hyundai Excel state champion.
      They included him on top of a racing car following a win and pictures of him with his children.
      Bartholomew’s former co-driver Jayden James Peacock said: “Glad I got the opportunity years ago to go Porsche racing with KPH racing crewing with Cameron.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “We were both only babies but made some damn good memories. From there we become good mates.
      “Love ya, mate, rest easy. Our thoughts are with Chloe the kids and family.”
      And another driver, Brock Giblin, said: “Cameron Bartholomew was one of the first I messaged 11 years ago when I first started racing cars, to lose him today is just nothing short of shattering,’ he wrote.
      “My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his family. I’m going to miss you heaps mate. #95Forever.”
      Responding to Chloe’s heartbreaking post, one person said: “He was a true talent behind the wheel and gave me such a pleasure to call his racing.
      “He was also a young mate to many of us in motorsport and we took pleasure in assisting his challenges and helped him make a name for himself.
      “There are so many people today who I’ve spoken with who are devastated beyond belief. He was a son, a husband and a dad who had such an incredible future.”
      And Track Attack Australia shared a tribute to Brisbane driver Bartholomew – who was also known as “Chicken Hawk”.
      They said: “So very sad to hear today that one of the very earliest TAA Excel family passed away suddenly last night.
      “RIP Cameron ‘chicken hawk’ Bartholomew. Taken too early and all of our thoughts are with Chloe, their children, the extended Bartholomew family and close friends.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Cam was a brilliant steerer and fierce competitor but lit up any conversation and always had a smile on his face. 
      “The TAA family would like to pass on its sincere condolences.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Woman claiming to be Pele’s daughter demands Brazil football legend be dug up 13 months after death for paternity test

      by

      A WOMAN claiming to be football legend Pele’s secret daughter has demanded his body be dug up for a paternity test.Maria do Socorro Azevedo, 60, instructed a lawyer to make the move nearly five years ago after launching her paternity lawsuit.
      Ex-Brazil forward Pele officially had seven childrenCredit: Instagram @pele
      Pele left 30% of his estate to his widow Marica Aoki, with another 60% to be split between his children and 10% to two grandchildrenCredit: AFP
      Pele’s family were by his bedside as his condition worsened before his deathCredit: Instagram
      Pele, who died aged 82 on December 29, 2022 in a Sao Paulo hospital after having a tumour removed from his colon, recognised the possibility he could have had another child in his will.
      The Brazil icon married three times and officially has seven children, although one is a stepdaughter.
      Two of his children, Edinho Nascimento and Flavia Christina, agreed to DNA tests after the reading of their father’s will.
      Reports in Brazil, quoting Maria Do Socorro Azevedo’s lawyer Marcos Fernando dos Santos Sousa, said initial results came back negative but his client’s DNA test had come back with “high possibilities” of a blood link.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      Mr dos Santos Sousa said they now had “no option” but to request the exhumation of Pele’s body to “resolve the situation.”
      The ex-Santos striker is said to have agreed to a DNA test but died before it could take place.
      Maria do Socorro Azevedo spoke publicly about her claims she is Pele’s daughter on a Brazilian TV programme on Sunday and insisted she was not interested in his money.
      She said her late mother had never told Pele she was pregnant with their child after a fling in Sao Luis in the Brazilian state of Maranhao.
      Most read in Football
      Maria, who hails from the state of Piaui in north-east Brazil, said she had first decided to do a DNA test in 2019 when she was working as a maid in Sao Paulo.
      Pele left 30 per cent of his estate to his widow, third wife Marica Aoki, with another 60 per cent to be split between his children and 10 per cent to two grandchildren.
      His net worth at the time of his death has been put at around £78million.
      If Maria do Socorro Azevedo ends up being recognised as his eighth child, she would be able to claim her share of the estate her siblings are getting.
      A lawyer acting for Pele’s family, Augusto Miglioli, said his family would contest any exhumation demand on the basis that the DNA tests already carried out had shown Maria was not the footballer’s daughter.
      Pele, the only player to win the World Cup three times, was laid to rest in January last year in a mausoleum he bought 19 years earlier inside the Memorial Ecumenical Cemetery.
      It is a high-rise building in Santos, the Brazilian port city where ‘The King’ played most of his career, that holds the Guinness world record as the tallest cemetery in the world.
      Pele won the World Cup three times, including in 1970Credit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Football stars who broke Hollywood – from snogging A-list sex icon to Arsenal legend who refused to utter Spurs line

      by

      FOOTBALL is a notoriously short career, with most players forced to retire before they are 35.It’s not surprising, then, that some turn to the big screen to launch a second career – with many Premiership legends heading to Hollywood to make their fortune.
      Ian Wright with director Daniel Kaluuya and co-star Kane ‘Kano’ Robinson at the launch for The KitchenCredit: Getty
      Vinnie Jones cracked the movie world in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsCredit: Alamy
      But the movie world is a tough nut to crack – and only a handful of footballers have made it.
      Ian Wright is the latest to make movie news starring in the Netflix film The Kitchen, released this weekend.
      He follows in the footsteps of fellow player Vinnie Jones whose hard man roles, in the likes of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, are now more memorable than his football.
      Here we look at the football stars who have made it to Hollywood – and one who has a THIRD career as a singer.
      Read More in Features
      Vinnie Jones
      Vinnie Jones famously broke into America by appearing in Guy Richie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
      The 59-year-old, from Watford, was still playing football when he was cast in the 1998 British gangster film.
      Vinnie, who is worth at least £7million, used his reputation for aggression on the pitch to help him land hardman roles on the silver screen.
      He was infamously pictured grabbing Gazza’s testicles during a 1988 game between Wimbledon and Newcastle.
      Most read in Football
      Eric Cantona starred with Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Richard AttenboroughCredit: Rex
      He was infamously pictured grabbing Gazza’s testicles during a 1988 gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But Vinnie is now best known for his acting after appearing in Hollywood hits such as Mean Machine, Gone in 60 Seconds and X-Men: The Last Stand.
      David Beckham
      David Beckham made America his home in the final years of his footballing career after signing a £128million five-year contract with MLS team LA Galaxy in 2007. 
      And rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-Listers obviously inspired Golden Balls to try out a bit of acting himself.
      Just like Vinnie, Becks, 48, worked with Guy Ritchie on the 2017 blockbuster King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
      Becks worked with Guy Ritchie on King ArthurCredit: Alamy
      He had a cameo role as a grumpy knight in the film, which grossed £116million at the box office. 
      And he also made an appearance as a projectionist in Ritchie’s 2015 film The Man From U.N.C.L.E. 
      Eric Cantona
      Eric Cantona was never short of confidence during his footballing career.
      And he was no different when he turned his hand to acting as he had no qualms about playing himself in the 2009 Ken Loach film Looking for Eric.
      In 2003, King Eric was voted Manchester United’s best ever player for his time at the club between 1992 and 1997. 
      Eric played a courtier in the movie ElizabethCredit: Alamy
      The star played himself in Looking For EricCredit: Alamy
      The Frenchman’s reputation took a hit when he kung fu kicked a fan at a Crystal Palace game in 1995.
      However his popularity endured thanks to the 57-year-old’s charismatic personality. 
      That same charisma translated on screen when he played the role of a French diplomat alongside Cate Blanchett in the 1998 smash hit Elizabeth. 
      The move led to a slew of acting roles in his native France, most recently in the miniseries Inhuman Resources and the action thriller AKA. 
      He recently launched a singing career, releasing a single, The Friends We Lost, in May 2023. 
      Ian Wright
      Wrighty’s first role was the 2011 movie Gun of the Black Sun
      Ian Wright stars in The KitchenCredit: Netflix
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright has become the latest footballer to bag a Hollywood role with his upcoming part in the Netflix film The Kitchen.
      Wrighty, 60, is already a familiar sight on our TV screens thanks to his weekly appearances on Match of the Day.
      And his latest appearance in The Kitchen, which is being directed by Hollywood A-Lister Daniel Kaluuya, is not the first time he has acted. 
      He also starred in the 2011 film Gun of the Black Sun and appeared as himself in the popular Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. 
      But Hollywood has clearly not changed the former England striker after he reportedly refused to praise Tottenham on the show. 
      He apparently demanded the line “Tottenham are a great side” be changed as he knew if he said it he would never be able to return to north London.
      Stan Collymore
      The former Liverpool player wanted to be 007Credit: AP:Associated Press
      He romped with Sharon StoneCredit: Planet Photos
      Striker Stan Collymore once admitted in an interview that he wanted to be “the first black James Bond”.
      And although the 52-year-old didn’t bag the 007 gig, he did land a top role alongside Sharon Stone.
      In 2006 he appeared alongside the A-Lister in Basic Instinct 2, which grossed more than £30million. 
      In the film, Collymore, who played for Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the 90s, shared a hot and steamy scene with Stone.
      In it, the pair become frisky in a car before Collymore crashed into the River Thames.
      Stone tipped Collymore for Hollywood greatness after his appearance in the film – but he never bagged another big role again.
      Zinédine Zidane
      Zidane was a Real Madrid legendCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He looked very different in his Asterix role
      Zinédine Zidane is widely known for his skills on the pitch – and the headbutt that marked the end of his career as a player.
      However, he also starred in a couple of films, proving he has more about him than football alone. 
      The Real Madrid legend enjoyed a cameo role in the 2008 film Asterix at the Olympic Games, which grossed more than £100million.
      The 51-year-old also played himself in the 2005 film Goal! The Dream Begins, starring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.
      But Zizou reportedly became peeved when he was left waiting for Becks to turn up to film their scene together for the flick.
      Paul Breitner
      The German player scored in two World Cup finalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Potato Fritz was not so legendaryCredit: Alamy
      German midfielder Paul Breitner is one of only four players to have scored in two different World Cup final matches.
      He also belongs to another tiny club of players who have starred in films during their careers.
      The 72-year-old landed parts in two German films.
      His first flick, a Spaghetti Western called Potato Fritz, was filmed in 1976 while he was still playing for Real Madrid. 
      Breitner took on the role of a bandit-hunting Sergeant in the film, which was panned by critics. 
      He appeared again on the silver screen with the 1983 German flick Der Zappler.
      And he returned one more time with the 1986 film called Kunyonga – Mord in Afrika.
      Sadly none of the movies enjoyed the kind of success he achieved on the pitch.
      Pelé
      Escape to Victory was among the first to feature playersCredit: Alamy
      The Brazilian legend also starred in a bizarre TV series about aliens
      Brazilian football icon Pelé was one of the first to make the jump from football to films. 
      He starred in the 1981 sports movie Escape to Victory, appearing alongside Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.
      The legend also landed a role in Os Estranhos – a 1969 Brazilian TV drama about humans making first contact with aliens. 
      His successful acting career continued with a cameo role in the 2001 film Mike Bassett: England Manager – a mockumentary about a small-time football manager who is put in charge of the national team. 
      Pele, who died in 2022, also became the face of many brands in television adverts throughout his life.
      He filmed commercials for American Express, Mastercard, Pepsi, Atari, Emirates, Louis Vuitton and others. 
      Zlatan Ibrahimović
      The Swedish ace played for Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      Zlatan cut his famous hair and donned Roman armour for his debutCredit: Pathe
      Footballing superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović made his big screen debut last year as a Roman warrior. 
      The Swede played a Roman called Caius Antivirus in the 2023 French-language film Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom.
      Ibrahimović also recently appeared in the Italian TV comedy series Vita da Carlo. 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The former Manchester United player has the potential to enjoy a glittering career in Hollywood thanks to his unbelievable confidence. 
      During his time as a player, the 42-year-old earned a reputation for being cocky and was often accused of arrogance.  More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Athletics

      Shawn Barber dead: Olympic pole vaulter dies aged just 29 after suffering ‘medical complications’ as tributes pour in

      by

      SHAWN Barber, the Canadian world champion pole vaulter has died at 29 from “medical complications”.The young athlete died Wednesday at home in Kingswood, Texas, his agent Paul Doyle confirmed to The Associated Press.
      Canadian champion Shawn Barber has died aged 29Credit: AP
      The Candian pole vaulter died in his Texas home, his agent saidCredit: AP
      A cause of death was not yet known but Shawn had been experiencing health issues.
      “More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself,” Doyle said Thursday.
      “It’s tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age.”
      He is survived by his mother, Ann; father, George; and brother, David.
      Read more on Canada
      Shawn was a successful pole vaulter at the University of Akron, where he won consecutive NCAA indoor titles in 2014 and 2015.
      The Canadian also won the NCAA outdoor championship in 2015, followed by gold in the Pan-American Games later that summer.
      Shawn rode a wave of momentuminto the world championships that season in Beijing, where he won gold over Germany’s Raphael Marcel Holzdeppe.
      A year later, he reached the final of the 2016 Rio Olympics’ pole vault event, which was won by Brazil’s Thiago Braz.
      Most read in Athletics
      Shawn’s best vault was six metres (19 feet, 8 ¼ inches) on January 15, 2016, in Reno, Nevada.
      His mark remains the Canadian record.
      Shawn’s cause of death remains unknownCredit: AP More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Antony Gobert dead aged 48: Eight-time World Superbike race winner passes away after long battle with addiction

      by

      ANTHONY GOBERT has passed away at the age of 48.The eight-time World Superbike race winner had struggled with addiction for a long time.
      Anthony Gobert has passed away aged 48Credit: Crash.net
      Gobert’s mother announced the Austalian’s passing in a statement on social media.
      She wrote: “My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed late this afternoon.
      “I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die.
      “At times he was challenging to say the least but he always had a kind heart and cared for everyone.
      READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWS
      “Sadly he was a victim of addiction which runs deeply in our families. He tried many times to get better but he couldn’t quite make it.
      ” I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who added to his life. You know who you are.”
      The heartbreaking news comes after Gobert’s brother Aaron had recently announced the star was in palliative care.
      Gobert was known as “The Go Show” during his career that saw him become the youngest ever race winner in World Superbike history in 1994.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Tributes have poured in for the superbike superstar with many taking to social media to pay tribute to Gobert.
      One wrote: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Anthony Gobert, an exceptionally talented motorcycle racer with a career full of accolades many could only dream of.”
      While another added: “Anthony Gobert was always entertaining, both on and off the bike. A real character and a prodigious talent who endured some difficult times in later life. RIP Go Show.”
      Gobert struggled with drug and alcohol abuse in his later life as well as during his career.
      The Aussie sensation lost his ride with the Suzuki factory 500cc Grand Prix team in 1997 after he failed a drugs test.
      The Go Show won eight races during his time on the track and made the World Superbike podium 16 times throughout his career. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Bohdan Shershun dead aged 42: Former Ukraine star and Uefa Cup winner passes away after long illness

      by

      FORMER Ukraine star and Uefa Cup winner Bohdan Shershun has died at the age of 42.The ex-CSKA Moscow and Dnipro star reportedly passed away after a long illness.
      Ex-Ukraine star and Uefa Cup winner Bohdan Shershun has died aged 42 after a long illness
      Shershun’s playing career spanned 20 years.
      And he had been working as a pundit on TV since retiring.
      Shershun was a big name in Ukrainian and Russian football.
      He started his pro career with Dnipro, playing 52 times and helping them to a third-place finish in 2001.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A year later he earned a big move to CSKA Moscow, where he played 76 times in three years.
      Shershun won a host of trophies in the capital, including two league titles, two Russian Cups, two Russian Super Cups and the 2005 Uefa Cup.
      He sealed a return to Dnipro that same year.
      Shershun’s second spell last five years and resulted in 79 appearances.
      Most read in Football
      He then spent three years at rivals Arsenal Kyiv, playing 42 times.
      And the next stage of his career took Shershun to Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih for two years.
      He played 18 times before moving to Volyn Lutsk for a year.
      And he then spent the final two years of his playing career with Sluch Starokostiantyniv before retiring in 2017.
      Shershun was also a regular on the international scene.
      He won 25 caps for Ukraine’s U21s before winning four caps for the senior side between 2003 and 2006. More