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Rock star's fiancée dies after falling overboard on cruise

The fiancée of famous rockstar Taime Downe has died after falling overboard on an 80s music-themed cruise. The family of Kimberly Burch announced her death in a emotional post on Facebook, writing, "It is with broken hearts that we share the sad news that Kimberly Burch has passed away." "She was a beloved Daughter, Sister, Sister-in-law and Aunt. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her." "We ask for prayers during this time for our family as we try to wrap our minds around this heartbreaking tragedy. We love and miss you Kimberly Burch!!" Burch, who worked as a realtor, joined the cruise on Sunday, as her partner's band Faster Pussycat was booked as one of the musical acts on board the seven-day cruise. By Monday, Burch had gone overboard roughly 30kms from the Bahamas and was presumed dead, with her family sharing their message confirming her death on social media on Tuesday. Her body remains missing. The couple shared a loved-up photo of them on the cruise less than 24 hours before her untimely death. Downe's band Faster Pussycat, an '80s hard rock and glam metal group known for their hits including House Of Pain, had two performances scheduled over the cruise – one on Sunday and another for Tuesday night. The cruise, billed as an ideal trip for lovers of '80s music, is set to return to port on Sunday March 9th. In a statement to <a title="Variety" href="https://variety.com/2025/music/news/kimberly-burch-dies-80s-cruise-faster-pussycat-1236327187/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Variety</a>, Royal Caribbean said: "Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort, is working with local authorities, and we are providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time." "To respect the privacy of our guest's family, we have no additional details to share." Image credits: Instagram

Cruising

Dolly Parton's husband dies at age 82

Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean, has died at the age of 82. Dean was notoriously private during their almost 60 years of marriage, after he tied the knot with the country music icon in 1966. Parton announced the sad news of her loss in a statement on her Instagram, saying "words can't do justice" to the "love [they] shared for over 60 years". "Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82," the statement read. "He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie." "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy," Parton said in the statement. The statement concluded sharing that, "the family has asked for privacy during this difficult time". Parton met Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat the day she moved to Nashville at 18. “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me)," Parton described the meeting. "He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.” They married two years later, on Memorial Day, May 30th 1966, in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. He later inspired Parton’s classic, “Jolene”, as Parton told NPR in 2008 that she wrote the song about a flirty a bank teller who seemed to take an interest in Dean. Parton and Dean kept strict privacy around their relationship for decades, Parton telling The Associated Press in 1984: “A lot of people say there’s no Carl Dean, that he’s just somebody I made up to keep other people off me.” She joked that she’d like to pose with him on the cover of a magazine, “So that people could at least know that I’m not married to a wart or something." Image credits: Instagram/Jason Moore/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Caring

Meghan Markle shares rare glimpse at Princess Lilibet

Meghan Markle has shared a rare glimpse at her daughter Princess Lilibet spending time with her sports star "Auntie", Serena Williams. The Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 16px;">to share a series of photos and videos of Lilibet playing a game with the tennis star at their home. "When the aunties comes to celebrate … and to play! Love you @serenawilliams," shared in her stories. The three-year-old was pictured playing a personalised 'Archie & Lili Candy Land' board game, wearing a long-sleeved top and floral pants, with Serena watching over her. With the upcoming release of the royal's newest Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, a series where she holds candid conversations with friends while also sharing "practical how-tos" in the kitchen, garden and more, the royal spent some time with family and friends to celebrate. "[Three] days until the party begins. All are invited ❤️ @netflix," Meghan shared a follow up Instagram story, with a picture of her embracing Serena. Williams and the royal first met at the Super Bowl in 2010 and have remained close friends since. They recently spent time together at the Paley Honours Fall Gala in December of last year. Image: Instagram

Family & Pets

Hollywood star dies aged 39

Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away aged 39. The former child star rose to fame in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, before going on to have memorable roles on popular TV shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl. Police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday just after 8am local time, where “officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive,” inside a Manhattan apartment, according to a NYPD statement. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene, with no foul play suspected. Her official cause of death will come from the New York Medical Examiner. A NYPD source old ABC News that Trachtenberg may have been experiencing complications from a recent liver transplant, and is believed to have died of natural causes. "The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time," a representative for Trachtenberg told CNN in a statement. Trachtenberg appeared in 66 episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. She also featured in 28 episodes of Gossip Girl as Georgina Sparks, between 2008 and 2012. Gossip Girl creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage have paid tribute to the actress, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented." “Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.” Image: SBM/Plux/ Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Princess Diana's former lover opens up in rare interview

Army Major James Hewitt, who had a five-year affair with the late Princess Diana from 1986, has spoken about the royal in a rare television interview with Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. When asked about whether he thinks Diana may have been able to reunite her sons, who have barely spoken in five years, he replied: "I think any mother would be worried and concerned about such a rift, as you put it." "And she'd do her best to try and get them together." Major Hewitt, who now spends his time doing aid work in Ukraine, revealed that the last time he had spoken to the late Princess was "just after" her BBC Panorama interview with Martin Bashir in November 1995, during which she admitted to their affair. He described the conversation as "distant" and admitted that the interview did "create problems" for him from which he was "trying to move on". After the affair was revealed, Major Hewitt was labelled as a "love rat" by the tabloid media and found his reputation in ruins. He also said that the interview was "very distressing" for the late Princess, as someone she had trusted had used their connection to make money. "It was a stitch-up job," he said of the Panorama interview. "It was appalling of Bashir to [have] inveigled, lied to her, criminal activity, absolutely appalling." "As I've said, I hate bullies and bullying and arrogant people and I think it's appalling." Major Hewitt, who was Diana's riding instructor at the time, has previously denied claiming to have been a "father figure" to the princes but has said that he "played with them, swam with them, taught them to ride". The Duke of Sussex had also addressed the rumours that Major Hewitt was his biological father in his memoir Spare, saying that he felt the rumours were designed to turn him into a "laughing stock". "One cause of the rumour was Major Hewitt's red hair, but another was sadism," he wrote in his memoir. Image: Ken McKay/ITV/ Shutterstock Editorial

Relationships

Meghan Markle shares rare glimpse of Princess Lilibet

Meghan Markle has shared a rare glimpse of her daughter, Princess Lilibet, as she reintroduces her lifestyle brand under a new name – As Ever. Following trademark issues with her original brand name, American Riviera Orchard, the Duchess of Sussex officially confirmed the rebranding in a social media post. Accompanying the announcement, a newly launched website prominently features an image of Meghan and Lilibet walking hand-in-hand through a park, seemingly captured by a drone. This marks the third new image of three-year-old Lilibet shared with the public in just a few months. In December, Prince Harry and Meghan’s private Christmas card included a touching moment of the couple embracing Lilibet and her older brother, Prince Archie, 5. Then, in a tribute video following the passing of Meghan’s beloved rescue Beagle, Guy, fans caught another glimpse of Lilibet in a photo from Meghan’s private album, showing her with Guy in a park. The latest image appears to have been taken on the same day, as Meghan and her daughter are seen wearing similar outfits. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/02/LilibetMarkle_Insta.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The heartwarming photo aligns with the essence of As Ever, which will offer a variety of products, including Meghan’s homemade jams. In a video accompanying the brand's launch, the Duchess excitedly shared her passion for the venture. “I think we're all clear at this point that jam is my jam, but there are so many more products that I just love and use in my home, and now it’s time to share them with you,” she said. “I can't wait for you to see it.” The name As Ever holds special meaning for Meghan’s followers, as it was originally her signature sign-off on her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig. The phrase later appeared on her podcast, Archetypes, and has now been embraced as the identity of her revived business, which coincides with her reactivated Instagram account. “And if you’ve followed me since 2014 with The Tig, you know I’ve always loved cooking, crafting and gardening,” she explained. “This is what I do, and I haven’t been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years, but now I can.” As Ever is expected to reflect Meghan’s personal style and passions, much like her previous work on The Tig, with a focus on home and lifestyle products. Images: As Ever / Instagram

Family & Pets

Beauty pageant queen dies after horrific car crash

American beauty pageant queen Kadance Fredericksen has died at the age of 18 after a horrific head-on car crash. According to multiple US outlets, Fredericksen, who was named Miss Okaloosa County Teen USA, tragically died on February 17 following a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer while driving on a Florida highway. The sudden death of the Miss Teen USA title holder was confirmed in a heartbreaking post on The Miss Florida USA Instagram account, saying "our pageant community has lost a beautiful soul" and noting she "was a true light in this world". The Miss Florida USA organisation wrote in their Instagram post underneath a black and white shot of the pageant queen: "It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the passing of one of our beloved delegates, Kadance Fredericksen, Miss Okaloosa County." "Our pageant community has lost a beautiful soul – one who was a true light in this world. She was ambitious, driven, kind, and a leader among her pageant sisters." They added in part of the post, "May we honour her memory by carrying forward the light she so effortlessly shared with the world and our Florida pageant community. Forever our Queen 🙏🕊️." Her pageant coach Michelle Watts told WKRG following her death, "Even though she passed away at 18 years old, literally, her life story and her life start song still sings." "She is going to have such a legacy behind her." Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Young woman dies suddenly after international holiday

Christine Visnjic, 24, from western Sydney was eagerly making plans for the year ahead, and had just returned from her dream trip to Japan. On January 10, a month after her overseas trip, the young woman woke up with a sharp pain in her leg and found it swollen and red. Christine was ushered into her father's car so he could driver her to nearby Westmead Hospital to get it checked out, but started vomiting and suffered seizures during the journey. “Westmead Hospital is only about 2km from us, but about 500 meters down the road she told my dad to stop the car to vomit. So he stopped the car, he opened the door, she shifted herself to lean over the side, and then she experienced a seizure," her brother, Jason, told Yahoo News. She fell unconscious not long after, and two nurses who happened to be following in another car came to her aid. An ambulance was called and she was rushed to hospital, but three days later, scans showed Christine was brain dead after she had suffered a bilateral stroke, disrupting blood flow to both sides of her brain. “There was a blood clot in her leg that broke off and travelled up to her lung, then to her heart and then to her brain,” Jason said. With no family history of blood clots, it is believed that the clot was a result of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that in rare cases can arise from long-haul plane travel. However, the exact cause is still unknown. “I was talking to a doctor and I asked him ‘how often do you see this?’ and he said to me ‘a case like this, we do know about it in literature…in my career of 44 years in the ICU, this is the second time’ and he started crying,” Jason said. "It's unbelievable, just unbelievable," he told Yahoo News. "Who would’ve thought - 24 years old and getting a blood clot that becomes so fatal." Christine's family had to make the heartbreaking decision of turning off her life support. “We embraced her and watched her pass. For about 20 minutes her heart was independent and we just slowly saw it all go away — and she doesn’t even know,” Jason said. He hopes that his sister's death will "at least echo a message to all the young women and men out there" to be on alert for health issues and cherish life. "Don’t just go chasing work. There are many lessons to take away. Luckily for her, Christine still managed to enjoy her life till her prime, both at career and social level." Christine's family and friends have since created a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/headstone-in-honor-of-christine-visnjic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> to raise funds for her headstone, where they have described her as a "young, beautiful, healthy girl, full of energy and love for others, whose life was tragically cut short." Image: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Little Prince Louis snaps special photo of Princess Kate

Kate Middleton has shared a sweet photo taken by her son, Prince Louis, to mark World Cancer Day. The Princess of Wales is seen with her arms outstretched standing in the middle of a woodland area in Windsor, in the middle of winter, as she stands atop a fallen tree. The caption, written by Catherine and signed 'C', reads: "Don't forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease". A second photo, taken by the princess, shows dark foliage lit-up by the sun with the same message, and was tagged #WorldCancerDay. <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFndiRbNSeB/?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/DFndiRbNSeB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a> </div> </blockquote> Kate was diagnosed with cancer after abdominal surgery in January 2024 and is making a gradual return to public duties following chemotherapy treatment, which ended in September. In January, the princess announced she was in remission as carried out her first <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/kate-middleton-shares-major-health-update" target="_blank" rel="noopener">solo engagement</a> of the year at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she was treated for cancer. The Princess of Wales spend over an hour at the dedicated cancer treatment facility, engaging in emotional conversations with patients who were facing cancer battles of their own. Catherine later posted a photo of her interacting with a patient and discussing the outing to the hospital, while thanking staff for their support during her treatment. "I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," the post read. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional." "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal." She concluded the post by sharing her wishes for 2025, adding, "I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support." Image credits: Instagram / Shutterstock <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 16px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #333333; color: #333333;">

Family & Pets

Vicious trolls attack Princess Beatrice's newborn baby

Princess Beatrice's newborn baby has been subject to vicious online attacks, just hours after the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/overflowing-with-love-fergie-celebrates-newest-grandchild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announcement</a> of the new royal baby's arrival. Just hours after Sarah Ferguson and Buckingham Palace announced the news of the birth of Princess Beatrice's new daughter, named Athena Elizabeth Rose, online trolls began their attack. While most of the comments on the joyous announcement were messages of love and support, there were many who chose to use the baby's birth as an opportunity to share their anti-monarchy sentiments. One person wrote under the announcement post, “God willing, they follow in her ancestor’s footsteps and have to smuggle her out of the country in an orange basket,” in a reference to the late Prince Philip and his family being forced to flee his homeland in Greece. Another took aim at how the tot was covering her face, writing, “Love that she is already paparazzi trained”, while another person said they were "pretty surprised" by the announcement and roping into the Sussexes to their comment. They wrote online, "Pretty surprised by the royal family releasing this photo. Why the games? If they don't want to show their child, why do it!? A simple message announcing the birth would have been enough instead of playing into Harkles games of Hide & Seek!" “Congratulations to Beatrice & her hubby. Isn’t it funny how nobody is calling for her to be hung, drawn & quartered for naming her baby Elizabeth?” another posted, a reference to the backlash Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced after naming their daughter Lilibet, the late Queen’s nickname, while another claimed they were “Teaching her white privilege early”. Image credits: Instagram/Mark Greenwood/IPS/Shutterstock Editorial

Family & Pets

Mum dies on daughter's birthday after common party trick turned deadly

A mother has tragically died after inhaling helium from a balloon while setting up for hr daughter's first birthday party. Faith Waterman Batistich, from Te Puke in New Zealand, died in a matter of seconds after inhaling helium while setting up for the party with her family in 2022. Professor Timothy Schmidt, Head of the School of Chemistry at UNSW, told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/warning-after-mum-dies-at-daughters-birthday-from-common-party-trick-gone-instantly-051159229.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News Australia</a> that any gas mixture that does not contain oxygen can be fatal if inhaled, and issued a strong warning about partaking in the party trick. "Helium is dangerous to inhale because it replaces the oxygen rich air in our lungs and rapidly leads to loss of oxygen from the body. This condition is known as hypoxia and can be fatal," he said. "Breathing pure nitrogen would be just as dangerous." Faith's family and friends were all laughing and taking turns inhaling the helium from the balloons, when one person suggested they breathe it in directly from the canister, Faith’s twin sister Eden Waterman told the New Zealand Herald. As the 20-year-old went to inhale, someone else turned up the flow on the canister. "It went too fast and kind of shot her in the back of the neck. Her last words were literally, 'Oh s***' and she dropped," Eden recalled. "I was just, like, in shock. I kind of just froze and it was like, 'what the f***, what am I seeing? Like, is this for real?' I thought she was putting it on at the start." She added that Faith "went blue" and was "gone instantly". Despite the efforts of the family and paramedics, Faith was unable to be revived. Professor Schmidt said helium is not considered a dangerous chemical, but it is likely most people are unaware of the risks when inhaling it. "It is used in diving tanks and in medicine. Helium is what we call a noble gas (or inert gas). It does not form chemical compounds or react chemically with the body," he said. "I had never heard of anyone dying from helium inhalation until now, so I would say that the dangers are definitely not well-known. I have done it… and never considered that I might replace all the O2 in my body with helium." Image credits: Facebook

Caring

"Overflowing with love": Fergie celebrates newest grandchild

Sarah Ferguson has welcomed her fourth grandchild with the arrival of Princess Beatrice's second daughter. The Duchess of York shared a sweet photo of the new baby to Instagram, introducing the tiny tot and sharing her name. "Overflowing with love and joy to be able to welcome Athena Elizabeth Rose into the world," Fergie wrote. "She is already so adored and I'm incredibly blessed to be a Granny once again. So proud of Edo, Beatrice and the rest of my little 5-a-side team!" Proud new dad Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who took to the sweet snap of the camera-shy bub covering her face in her oversized onesie, commented on the post. "The best Gigi," he wrote, referring to what Fergie's grandkids call her. Edoardo also shared a post of the new baby, saying their family is "already completely besotted with her." He added, "A massive thank you from my wife and I goes out to all the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and support during this incredibly special time." Beatrice and Edoardo welcomed their first child, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, on September 18th 2021, who is now three. Beatrice is also a loving stepmother to Mapelli Mozzi’s son, Christopher Wolf, affectionately known as Wolfie, from a previous relationship. Fergie is also a proud parent to her daughter Princess Eugenie's two children, August, three, and Ernest, one. Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

Legendary Hollywood director dies at age 78

Hollywood director David Lynch, who was known for directing iconic films such as Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks, has passed away at the age of 78. Lynch’s family confirmed his passing on social media early on Friday morning with an emotional statement that reads, “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch.” “We would appreciate some privacy at this time." “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole’,” Lynch’s family added. “It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.” Lynch's family did not confirm his cause of death. In 2020, the acclaimed writer and director was diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After being a heavy smoker all his life, Lynch revealed in November 2024 that he needed supplemental oxygen to go on a walk. “What you sow is what you reap,” Lynch told People magazine. “In the back of every smoker’s mind is the fact that it’s healthy, so you’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.” Lynch's filmmaking career began in the 1960s, although his first feature film was Eraserhead in 1977. His next film was 1980’s The Elephant Man, which was nominated for eight Oscars — including Best Director for Lynch. He followed up The Elephant Man with 1984’s Dune, 1986’s Blue Velvet, 1990’s Wild At Heart and 2001’s Mulholland Drive. Lynch also created the hit TV series Twin Peaks in 1990, as well as the 1992 movie prequel and 2017 reboot season. During his stellar career, Lynch was nominated for four Oscars and nine Emmy Awards. He won the César Award for Best Foreign Film twice and the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival once. Image credits: Zuma/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

"Utterly devastated": Iconic Irish singer dies at age 65

Iconic Irish singer Linda Nolan has died at the age of 65. The singer who, along with her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne, belonged to the Irish family group The Nolans, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and after years struggling with the illness, was told in 2011 that her cancer was in remission. In 2017, the cancer returned as secondary breast cancer, which continued to spread until it reached her brain in 2023. Linda's sister Coleen shared the news of her passing, describing her sister as a "beacon of love, kindness, and strength" in a post on Instagram. She wrote, "I am utterly devastated by the passing of my sister, Linda. Linda was a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. Her wit, humour, and laughter were infectious, and her presence could light up any room." "Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her. "Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched, and while we will miss her more than words can express, we take solace in the love and warmth she shared with all of us. Rest in peace, Linda." Coleen concluded, "You will forever be in our hearts." Linda was part of an Irish family girl group that became prominent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The family relocated to England in 1962 where they performed under the name The Singing Nolans before becoming The Nolan Sisters in 1974 and later just The Nolans in 1980. They gained fame with their hit songs I'm in the Mood for Dancing, Gotta Pull Myself Together, and Don't Make Waves. Linda was not the only Nolan to face a breast cancer diagnosis, as older sister Anne, 74, and younger sister Bernie, who died 2013 aged 52, also suffered the disease. Image credits: Steve Meddle/SplashNews.com/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

19-year-old dies after battle with rare genetic condition

TikTok star Beandri Booysen has died at the age of 19, her mother confirmed in a heartbreaking <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19b59a3bfL/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tribute</a>. Booysen died following a battle with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age prematurely. According to the Mayo Clinic, children battling the condition typically have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. In a tribute shared to Facebook, her mother said that Booysen was "one of South Africa's most beloved and inspiring young women" and said she "radiated hope and joy" despite her battle. "In Loving Memory of Beandri Booysen," the post began. "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa's most beloved and inspiring young women." The 19-year-old had more than 278,000 followers on her original TikTok account, becoming a symbol of awareness for the rare genetic condition and inspiring people worldwide. "Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh but also as the last surviving individual in South Africa living with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age prematurely. "Despite the challenges she faced, Beandri radiated hope and joy. She became a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs, using her unique spirit to inspire thousands of people worldwide." "The Booysen family kindly requests privacy during this profoundly difficult time as they mourn the loss of their beloved Beandri. Further details regarding the memorial service will be shared in due course," she added. Followers were quick to share their condolences to her heartbroken family, with one writing: "So sad. What an inspiration she was. Fly high with the angels sweet girl." "Rest in peace and without pain Beandri," another added. Images: Facebook

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Prince William and Kate share poignant Christmas card

Prince William and Kate have released their annual Christmas card. After a difficult year for the royal family, Prince William and Kate shared the poignant card to social media on Friday morning. The royal couple shared a clip of the card sitting open on a table in front of a lit-up Christmas tree and surrounded by fake snow, with the message inside the card reading: "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year." The image used in the Christmas card was taken earlier this year from a video that marked the end of Kate's chemotherapy treatment. It shows Prince Louis, Prince William, Kate, Princess Charlotte and Prince George all sitting arm-in-arm together in Norfolk last summer. The happy family are seen smiling broadly and the reason why they chose this photo was to highlight their family-first focus this year. <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/reel/DDwzZTct7Vw/?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/reel/DDwzZTct7Vw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a> </div> </blockquote> Prince and William and Kate have already posted out their Christmas card to family, friends and the couple's charities. The release of the card comes after A Kensington Palace source told UK news outlets that the royal couple have skipped the Buckingham Palace Christmas luncheon for the first time, as they had travel plans and it was not a last-minute change. The royal couple are reportedly already in their Norfolk home with their three kids and are said to be looking forward to celebrating Christmas Day with their family in Sandringham. Image: Instagram/ Kensington Palace

Family & Pets

Billionaire fashion icon dies in freak accident

Billionaire fashion icon Isak Andic has passed away in a freak accident aged 71. The founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe's largest fashion groups, was hiking with his family members in the Montserrat caves near Barcelona when he fell 100 metres from a cliff. Police confirmed his death after they were called at around 1pm local time on Saturday. Local media outlet El Pais reported that a helicopter and specialised mountain unit were sent to the scene. "Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company, Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, said in a statement. “His legacy reflects the achievements of a business project marked by success, and also by his human quality, his proximity and the care and affection that he always had and at all times conveyed to the entire organisation. “His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements,” he added. “It is up to us … to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak was ambitious and proud of.” "In these extremely difficult times we share the pain of the family as if it were our own," he concluded in the statement posted onto the fashion brand's website. Andic was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1953 before emigrating to Spain with his family in 1969. He created the fashion line with the help of his brother, Nahman, in Barcelona in 1984, with the brand now operating almost 3,000 outlets in 120 countries. Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, paid tribute to the businessman on social media, saying “My condolences to the family of Isak Andic, founder of Mango, on his tragic death in an accident in the Salnitre de Collbató caves." “All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion." Image: Mango Website

Caring

Dynasty actor dies at age 77

Legendary actor Mark Withers has died at the age of 77. Withers’ daughter Jessie confirmed the news of his passing in a statement to <a href="https://variety.com/2024/legit/news/mark-withers-dead-dynasty-1236241755/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Variety</a>, saying her father died on November 22nd of pancreatic cancer. “He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humour, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable,” Jessie added in a statement. “Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.” Withers was best known for his role in Dynasty, playing Ted Dinard in the first season of the show. The actor also starred in several shows during the 1970s and 1980s included episodes of Wonder Woman, The Greatest American Hero, Trapper John, M.D., Magnum, P.I., The Dukes of Hazzard, and Hill Street Blues. Withers had an eight-episode run as Coach Locke on Days of Our Lives between 1986 and 1987. Later in his career, Withers guest-starred in Matlock, Frasier, The King of Queens, Criminal Minds, and True Blood. In one of his final roles, Withers played coroner Gary in a first-season episode of the hit Netflix show Stranger Things. Withers is survived by wife Haiyan Liu Withers and daughter Jessie Withers. Image credits: Netflix

Caring

Fears for cruise ship passenger who fell overboard

A passenger onboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship is feared dead after he was nowhere to be found when the ship docked. The alarm was raised when the 72-year-old American man, who was travelling alone, was unable to be locked when ship docked in San Francisco after a five-day voyage around Mexico. A major search for the man has been launched, with fears he fell overboard during the expedition. Princess Cruises told the New York Post that CCTV on the ship has been reviewed and other possibilities for his disappearance have been ruled out. “Princess worked throughout the day with local authorities. CCTV footage has also been extensively reviewed and the ship was searched thoroughly several times without success,” a spokesperson said. “Having ruled out other possibilities, this is being treated as a man overboard incident.” “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the guest who was travelling alone,” the spokesperson added. According to local media outlets, US Customs and Border Protection have taken over the investigation and have dispatched a plane to conduct an air search for the missing man. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Beloved actor dies during performance of A Christmas Carol

Canada's theatre community is mourning the sudden loss of veteran stage actor Julien Arnold, who collapsed and died on stage during a performance of A Christmas Carol at Edmonton's Citadel Theatre on Sunday. He suffered a medical emergency in front of a shocked audience and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Arnold, a cherished figure in Edmonton's theatre scene, was known for his magnetic performances and decades of contributions to the arts. The Citadel Theatre, where he performed numerous times throughout his career, issued a heartfelt statement: “Julien’s passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, fellow Carol company members, Citadel staff, and the Edmonton community he loved so dearly. His presence brought joy, heart, and depth to every role, and his artistic contributions – and big hugs – will be deeply missed.” Arnold was performing dual roles as Marley and Mr Fezziwig in this season's run of A Christmas Carol, which the theatre has now dedicated to his memory. His stage credits also included playing Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (2009), The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz (2009), Cogsworth in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2010), and Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2012). Friend and audience member Lianna Makuch described Arnold as “a generous and magnetic performer – a true artist deeply cherished by the theatre community he loved so much.” The Theatre Network echoed these sentiments, noting that Arnold’s legacy “will live on through the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the community he inspired. He will be deeply missed.” In addition to his artistic legacy, <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrating-julien-arnold-supporting-sheiny?attribution_id=sl:ead3dd04-3f01-4ee2-b862-700323dca048" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a fundraiser has been launched</a> to support his wife, Sheiny, with funeral expenses, daily living costs and time to grieve. Arnold’s sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of his colleagues, friends, and the wider Edmonton community. His talent, warmth, and dedication to his craft will be remembered as a cornerstone of Edmonton’s vibrant theatre scene. Images: Citadel Theatre

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Beloved actor dies during performance of A Christmas Carol