Sad/ Tragic (Page 3)

Former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has passed away at the age of 85 from lung cancer.

Though he’s known for winning more Division I NCAA football games than other coach, he’s more recently remembered for his relationship to his former assistant, Jerry Sandusky. Paterno failed to report to the police what he’d heard about Sandusky’s molestation of young boys, particularly an incident in a shower with a 10-year-old.

Depending on how much of a sh!tstorm this case turns out to be, it might be a bit of a blessing that he could peace out beforehand. Hopefully it doesn’t interfere with the prosecution’s case, though. That jackass needs to get what’s coming to him!

Legendary blues singer Etta James has passed away this morning. Etta has been battling with leukemia. Etta's husband, Artis Mills, and her sons were at her side. Her manager Lupe De Leon said: "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world." James would have turned 74 on Wednesday.

Leon continued: "She was a true original who could sing it all -- her music defied category. I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always."

Etta is best known for her 1961 cover of "At Last." She was diagnosed with terminal leukemia and was suffering from dementia prior to her death.

She was admitted to a California hospital December 21 due to breathing difficulty, but 10 days later, her condition had improved and she was taken off a respirator, then able to breathe on her own.

Beyonce played her in the 2008 film Cadillac Records. R.I.P.

It's been rumored for some time that celebrity chef and Food Network star Paula Deen is suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Deen dismissed the rumors as a natural result of her well-publicized love of salt, sugar, and butter, but now it seems the sad, and all-too predictable truth has come out. Deen made a statement today that confirms she's been diagnosed with the adult on-set disease.

"I was determined to share my positive approach and not let diabetes stand in the way of enjoying my life," Deen said in the statement. Never one to miss out an endorsement opportunity, Deen has already signed a reportedly multi-million dollar deal with pharmaceutical company Novartis to promote their line of diabetes medications.

I don't wanna make fun of anyone's illness, and I wish Paula all the best in her treatment, but there's something unsettling about cashing in on your diagnosis the same day you announce it. The deal has led many to speculate that Deen has known about her disease for some time. Let's hope not. Shilling doughnut-burger recipes when you know you're suffering from a life-threatening illness brought about by your diet is like endorsing Marlboros and hoping no one finds out about your lung cancer diagnosis.

(Photo: WENN)

Famed author, journalist, pundit and wit Christopher Hitchens is dead at 62.

Though born in England, Hitchens' commentaries on American politics made him an indispensable part of our cultural landscape. His contentious views on religion, capitalism, and world affairs made him a beloved, but equally hated figure the world over.

Hitchens' controversial attacks on everyone from Bill Clinton to Mother Theresa earned him countless enemies, but his sparkling sense of humor and unmistakable prose style brought him international fame, along with millions of admirers.

On a personal note, I may not have always agreed with his views, but Hitchens' work for Vanity Fair made him one of my biggest influences, and his recent memoir, Hitch-22, elevated him to the status of personal role model. A recent article in VF (which may, sadly, be his last published work) inspired me to take another stab at quitting smoking.

Hitchens succumbed to a long battle with throat cancer, likely brought about by his well-known love of cigarettes and booze. He will be sorely missed and never equaled.

Comedian Patrice O'Neal, 41, helped to roast Charlie Sheen in September. Just one month later, he suffered a stroke. Sadly, he didn't recover. Patrice's "Opie and Anthony" radio show confirmed the sad news, Tweeting: "Yes it's true that our pal Patrice O'Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I've ever known PERIOD."

O'Neal passed away this morning at 7AM due to complications from the stroke he suffered on October 19. His mother was at his side. He is survived by his wife, Vondecarlo, his step daughter Aymilyon, sister Zinder and his mother, Georgia. His family is asking for privacy during this difficult time.

Charlie Sheen released the following statement: "The world at large lost a brilliant man today. I will forever be inspired by his nobility, his grace and his epic talent. Patrice had that rare 'light' around him and inside of him."

He continued: "My tears today are for the tremendous loss to his true friends and loving family."

R.I.P.

One month after retiring from 60 Minutes, legendary journalist Andy Rooney has passed away. He was 92.

Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News and the executive producer of 60 Minutes said: "It's a very sad day at 60 Minutes and for everybody here at CBS News. It's hard to imagine not having Andy Rooney around."

Andy made his last appearance on 60 Minutes on October 2 where he said "I wish I could do this forever."

Jeff added "He loved his life and he lived it on his own terms. We will all miss him very, very much." So true. There was no one like Andy. It was inspiring to watch a talented person who appreciated and loved his job so much, he kept reporting at the age of 92.

R.I.P.

Charice Pempengco is a 19 year-old singer who sang her heart out on Oprah and then landed a role on "Glee." She grew up dirt poor in the Phillippines and she was estranged from her dad, Ricky Pempengco, 40. Yesterday Charice Tweeted: "I have to go back to the Philippines as soon as possible to be with my family."

Ricky brushed against a drunk man at a small grocery store south of Manila on Monday. The man became angry and stabbed him with an ice pick in the chest and back.

Police are looking for the attacker and are offering a reward of 20,000 pesos for information leading to his arrest. The killing appeared random and there was no indication the suspect and victim had any prior grudges.

How tragic. Hopefully justice will be served. Stay strong Charice!

Hillary Clinton's 92 year-old mother Dorothy Howell Rodham passed away after midnight on Tuesday. Dorothy was living with Hilary and Bill in Washington D.C. since 2006.

The Clintons issued the following statement: "...She overcame abandonment and hardship as a young girl to become the remarkable woman she was - a warm, generous and strong woman; an intellectual." The Clintons continued: "A woman who told a great joke and always got the joke; an extraordinary friend and, most of all, a loving wife, mother and grandmother."

The family is asking that donations be made to George Washington Hospital in lieu of flowers.

"Her family is and will be forever grateful for the gift of Dorothy's life and for the memories they will treasure forever."

R.I.P.

Comedian Patrice O'Neal who recently performed at the Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen suffered a stroke last week. Anthony's pal Jim Norton broke the tragic news this morning on "The Opie & Anthony Show".

Jim didn't have much news about Patrice's stroke, but it doesn't sound good as he told the show hosts, "We wanted it to come from us. We don't know how he is, we don't know how he's going to be. I didn't want to do this by myself. I wish we had more news for you."

Anthony has been a guest and occasional co-host on '"The Opie & Anthony Show" and the duo posted a message on their Facebook page asking everyone to respect his family and their request for privacy. They also set up an email LoveForPatrice@gmail.com, for fans to send him well wishes.

We all wish Patrice a full and speedy recovery.

Photo: WENN

Amy Winehouse's parents walked into the Coroners Court this morning for the final verdict of what exactly caused Amy's death. According to coroner Suzanne Greenaway, who described the situation as "Death by Misadventure," Amy drank herself to death.

At the time of Amy's death, she had more than 4x the legal limit of alcohol in her system. Amy was trying to kick the bad habits and had been clean pretty much through the month of July, but went on a bender beginning July 20, and was found dead in her home on July 23. Police recovered two large bottles of vodka, along with one small bottle of vodka, after her death.

Amy's family released a statement saying, "It is some relief to finally find out what happened to Amy. We understand there was alcohol in her system when she passed away, it is likely a build up of alcohol in her system over a number of days. The court heard that Amy was battling hard to conquer her problems with alcohol and it is a source of great pain to us that she could not win in time."

It's a great pain to all of her fans including myself who wanted Amy to shake her demons and continue making amazing music. She was able to kick the heroin and crack addictions, but kicking the sauce was just too much for her to handle.