Alexander McQueen Commits Suicide

Designer Alexander McQueen, 40, was found dead Thursday morning at his London home, his office confirmed.

Britain’s Daily Mail reports that he hung himself in his apartment.

His family issued a statement saying:

“Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family. Lee’s family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.

According People,  “Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 10:20 a.m. [Thursday] regarding a man found dead …The deceased is believed to be 40 years old and from London. Next of kin have been informed but formal identification is awaited. A postmortem examination will be arranged in due course. The death is being treated as non-suspicious at this time.”

Our condolences go out to the McQueen family.

Edited: February 11th, 2010

Brittany Murphy Died from Pneumonia

Brittany Murphy died from multiple drug intoxication, pneumonia and “iron deficiency anemia,” the Los Angeles County Coroner reported today and ruled her death as accidental.

Murphy was found in her Hollywood Hills home on Dec. 20. Her husband, Simon Monjack and her mother were at the scene and were attempting to revive her, but were unsuccessful.

TMZ reports that the multiple drugs that were found in her system were for “cramps, and over-the-counter medications, including cough syrup.”

They also report that “the drugs pushed her over the line but the underlying problems were the pneumonia and anemia.”

Edited: February 4th, 2010

“Catcher in the Rye” Author J.D. Salinger Dies at 91

American novelist J.D. Salinger, who wrote the iconic novel, Catcher in the Rye has passed away on Wendesday (Jan. 28).

He was 91.

Salinger died of natural causes at his home in Cornish, N.H, his son said in a statement.

He lived there for decades in isolation.

Salinger is best known for Catcher in the Rye and declined any requests from Hollywood to turn it into a movie.

Edited: January 28th, 2010

Nancy Kerrigan’s Father Dies, Brother Arrested

Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan’s father has passed away, and her 45-year-old brother Mark, has been charged with assaulting him.

Kerrigan’s 75-year-old dad, Daniel died shortly after an incident yesterday in Boston. According to a police report, officers who responded to a 911 call found him unconscious in his home in Boston.

Mark allegedly had a fight with his dad. Mark told officers it was because Daniel wouldn’t allow him to use the phone. Mark Kerrigan struggled with officers and was arrested after being subdued with pepper spray. He is set to be arraigned on Monday (Jan. 25).

Brenda Kerrigan, Daniel’s wife, told the Boston Herald that her husband died of a heart attack and there was nothing suspicious about the death.

Edited: January 25th, 2010

Heiress Casey Johnson Dies at 30

Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson has died at the age of 30.

Johnson was found in dead in Los Angeles on Monday (Jan. 4) morning and the coroners office is conducting their own investigation, including a toxicology screening, but “there is no evidence at this time that there was any foul play.”

Johnson made headlines last year when she reportedly became engaged to reality star Tila Tequila.

When she learned the news of her death, Tequila tweeted:

“Everyone please pray 4 my wifey Casey Johnson . She has passed away. Thank u for all ur love and support but I will be offline to be w/ family… R.I.P my Angel. U will forever be in my heart! I love u so so much and we will marry when I see U in Heaven my Wifey.”

Edited: January 5th, 2010

Brittany Murphy Autopsy Complete

The autopsy of actress Brittany Murphy has been completed, however the cause of death has yet to be determined because they are still waiting for the results from the toxicology report, which will take 4-6 weeks.

According to the Coroner’s notes, several medications have been found, which were prescribed to Murphy, her mother and husband. The medications included Topamax (anti-seizure meds also to prevent migraines), Methylprednisolone (anti-inflammatory), Fluoxetine (depression med), Klonopin (anxiety med), Carbamazepine (treats Diabetic symptoms and is also a bipolar med), Ativan (anxiety med), Vicoprofen (pain reliever), Propranolol (hypertension, used to prevent heart attacks), Biaxin (antibiotic), Hydrocodone (pain med) and miscellaneous vitamins.

Her body appeared “normal” and not overly thin. There was no evidence of trauma to the body.

Edited: December 22nd, 2009

Alicia Silverstone Remembers Brittany Murphy

Alicia Silverstone, who was Brittany Murphy’s Clueless co-star opened up about the late star.

“I always felt connected to her as we shared a very special experience in our lives together. I feel love in my heart for her – and hope she is at peace. This is truly sad.”

Although the two didn’t stay close over the years, Silverstone said, “I loved working with Brittany. She was so talented, so warm, and so sweet.”

Edited: December 21st, 2009

Brittany Murphy’s Husband Objects to Autopsy

Brittany Murphy’s husband, Simon Monjack has reportedly told the hospital staff at Cedars-Sinai hospital – where Murphy was rushed to after going into cardiac arrest – that he does not want an autopsy performed on his wife.

Although he’s requesting that no autopsy be done, the L.A. County Coroner’s Office will still go ahead with the procedure.

Murphy was found this morning by her mother, who told paramedics that her daughter had a history of diabetes.

Edited: December 20th, 2009

Brittany Murphy Dies at 32

Brittany Murphy passed away earlier this morning in Los Angeles at the age of 32.

The actress went into full cardiac arrest and could not be revived. Her husband, Simon Monjack was by her side and called 911 to try and save her.

Murphy was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical center and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Stay tuned as this story develops.

Update: Reports are saying that Murphy’s mom discovered her unconscious in the shower.

“We’re told when paramedics arrived, they quickly determined Murphy was in full cardiac arrest and immediately administered CPR. They continued CPR in route to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — several miles away — and Murphy was unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.”

Update 2: LAPD has launched a death investigation.

Update 3: A rep for Murphy said: “In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy.”

Edited: December 20th, 2009

Atlanta ‘Housewive’s’ Fiancé Killed

Ashley Jewell – known as AJ – Kandi’s Burruss’ fiancé died “from an injury sustained during a brawl outside and Atlanta strip club,” People reports.

Burruss reacted to the news by writing several messages on her Twitter account:

im just in one of those moods where i dont wanna talk, i dont wanna b held & its gonna b ok. i just wanna cry myself 2 sleep, alone.

I could never n a million years imagine this happening. please pray for AJ’s children. that’s who im the most concerned 4.

im bout 2 giv my swollen eyes sum rest now. i just wanted to say thanks 2 every1 for their prayers. i gotta get up & go 2 my uncle’s funeral

According to People,

Police said they have not determined a motive for the brawl, but the investigation is still under way.

Real Housewives of Atlanta cast members also tweeted some messages about AJ’s death.

NeNe Leakes wrote: “RIP AJ from the real housewives of Atlanta! My thoughts & prayers r with Kandi, his children & family”

Kim Zolciak wrote: “please Pray for my dear friend Kandi and her loss.I adored AJ and he will be misssed dearly”

Edited: October 3rd, 2009