Benson Judge 
CARROLLTON, Texas — The music world mourns the loss of Russ Hewitt, an Emmy Award-winning guitarist and composer whose life’s work redefined contemporary guitar performance. Known for blending Spanish, classical, flamenco, jazz, Latin, Cuban, and Brazilian styles into a seamless virtuoso expression, Hewitt passed away peacefully at his Carrollton home at the age of 60. … Read more
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Connie Francis, the pioneering vocalist whose chart-topping hits defined the post‑war pop era and who found renewed acclaim in the digital age, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, at age 87. Her close friend and longtime label president Ron Roberts confirmed the news via Facebook, writing: “It is with a heavy heart … Read more
April 22, 2004 – Spera, Afghanistan — Patrick Daniel Tillman Jr., known to fans as Pat Tillman, the Arizona Cardinals safety who walked away from a lucrative football career to serve his country, was tragically killed at age 27 while serving as an Army Ranger during Operation Mountain Storm in eastern Afghanistan. His death, caused … Read more
DALLAS, Texas — Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver and Super Bowl LVIII champion Rashee Rice has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation for his role in a March 2024 high-speed crash on a Dallas highway. The incident involved a chain-reaction collision with six other vehicles and left multiple people … Read more
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. — Chase Childers, a former professional baseball player and police officer from Georgia, died on Sunday, July 14, 2025, while trying to rescue swimmers caught in a rip current off the South Carolina coast. He was 38. The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. near Pawleys Island, a popular beach town just south … Read more
New Jersey – It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Ercole Chila, founder, pitmaster, and guiding force behind Uncle Pig’s Barbecue, who died suddenly in a car accident on July 17, 2025, in New Jersey. Known throughout the competitive barbecue circuit as a grill champion and master teacher, Ercole’s warmth and … Read more
NEW YORK — Dr. David Altchek, a pioneering orthopedic surgeon who revolutionized Tommy John surgery and served as the New York Mets’ longtime medical director, passed away on Thursday at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), where he was co-chief emeritus. He had shared last … Read more
PORTO SANT’ELPIDIO, Italy – Salzburg-born daredevil Felix Baumgartner—celebrated worldwide for his record‑breaking stratosphere jump and fearless base‑jumping feats—died Thursday, July 17, 2025, following a tragic paragliding accident on Italy’s Adriatic coast. A Final Flight Turned Tragedy At approximately 4 p.m. local time near Porto Sant’Elpidio in the province of Fermo, Italy, Baumgartner, 56, was enjoying a … Read more
July 2025 — Connie Francis, the trailblazing pop vocalist whose voice defined a generation with timeless hits like “Stupid Cupid,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” and “Pretty Little Baby,” died Wednesday night at the age of 87. Her death was confirmed by longtime friend and label president Ron Roberts of Concetta Records. The cause of death has … Read more
Elma, New York – Mark Andol, the visionary founder of the Made in America Store and a devoted advocate for group travel, tour operators, and American manufacturing. Andol, 58, died earlier this week, leaving behind a legacy built on patriotism, resilience, and personal connection. Known nationwide for creating a unique destination just outside Buffalo in … Read more
