Mourners waiting in line to view the body of Pope Francis as he lies in state inside St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica are complaining about the number of people taking selfies.
The Bishop of Rome passed away on Monday morning, as the Vatican announced, following a prolonged period of poor health. Pope Francis was 88 years old at the time of his death.
Vatican officials released photos of Francis in his velvet-lined coffin on Tuesday. The Holy Father is laid out wearing a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary intertwined in his hands.
“What did surprise me is the fact that earlier we were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel and here people were getting their phone out and doing selfies with the coffin,” one mourner <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14642673/The-faithful-queueing-selfie-popes-corpse-Mourners-wait-eight-hours-pose-pontiff.html">told</a> the Daily Mail. “I did think that was a bit in poor taste and I’m surprised no one stopped them.”
“I was very moved coming so close to Pope Francis, but it was awful seeing so many people taking pictures,&#8221; another person told The Sun.
“I found the mobile phones very distasteful,” another mourner <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/24/world-news/disrespectful-mourners-taking-selfies-with-dead-pope-spark-outrage/">said</a>. “I was very surprised there were photos.”
While photos of the deceased pope are not technically prohibited, many of the thousands of mourners are saying the practice of taking selfies with cell phones or even using selfie sticks is in poor taste. Visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica said sometimes security intervened to stop the photo takers, but other times they did not.
The last time a pope died in office was Pope John Paul II in 2005, before selfies and cell phone cameras were commonplace. The pope who served before Francis, Pope Benedict, resigned voluntarily in 2013 due to stated reasons of advanced age and declining health. He died in 2022.
The Vatican stated that around 50,000 people have lined up to view the body of Pope Francis. They are standing in line for up to eight hours to get a chance to see the Holy Father before his burial this weekend.
Large crowds are expected on Saturday for Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter&#8217;s Square. Some famous attendees are expected to include President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prince William, heir to the British throne.
Per the late pope&#8217;s wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, which is a departure from <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/funeral-for-pope-francis-will-deviate-from-tradition">tradition</a>. Popes have typically been laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, but the late pope opted to be interred at St. Mary Major due to the “very strong” connection he had there.

Pope Francis

Mourners Complain After Some People Taking Selfies With Late Pope Francis

Catholic Church

Death

Religion

Rome

World

The funeral of Pope Francis will depart from the traditional funeral proceedings of popes in several significant ways at the request of the late pontiff.
Francis died on Monday at the age of 88 after a severe bout of double pneumonia. Before he passed away, the Bishop of Rome made some stark changes to his funeral rites last year, breaking from the forms followed by his predecessors.
Popes have typically been laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica. Francis directed that he should be interred in Rome’s St. Mary Major Basilica, to which the late pope had a “very strong” connection. Francis, as pope, visited St. Mary’s more than 100 times, <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/21/world-news/pope-francis-burial-plans-differ-drastically-from-his-predecessors/">according</a> to the New York Post.
Francis’ coffin will also be a marked departure from tradition. Popes have typically been buried in a series of three interlocking coffins made of cypress, elm, and lead. Francis has directed that he should be buried in a simple wooden casket with a zinc lining.
The Vatican’s death bells rang out 88 times to mark the pope’s passing at noon on Monday. Traditionally, the bells have been saved until the hour of the pope’s death or the announcement of his death.
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VATICAN CITY—Already departing from Tradition, the Vatican chose to ring the death bells for Pope Francis, not at the hour of his death (or even when it was announced), but at noon, today.
The bells rang 88 times for his 88yrs on earth:
🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/MountainButorac?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MountainButorac</a> <a href="https://t.co/1a7mbcgYkD">pic.twitter.com/1a7mbcgYkD</a>
&mdash; Bree A Dail (@breeadail) <a href="https://twitter.com/breeadail/status/1914316829570330953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Vice President JD Vance was one of the last people to see Francis alive, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jd-vance-pays-brief-visit-to-pope-francis-on-easter">meeting</a> with the pontiff on Easter Sunday during an official visit to Rome to meet with members of the Italian government. Francis gifted Vance a Vatican tie, rosaries, and three chocolate Easter eggs for his children. The Vatican said that the vice president and the pope shared a “cordial conversation” during the brief visit.
<a href="https://youtu.be/uwdJ2UEtFtk?si=9nyTfXeCB0U0Cvpu">WATCH: MICHAEL KNOWLES EXPLAINS HOW THE NEXT POPE WILL BE SELECTED</a>
Vance reacted to the pope’s passing in a post on X on Monday.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul,” Vance posted, sharing a <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2020/documents/papa-francesco_20200327_omelia-epidemia.html">homily</a> Francis gave in 2020.
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I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. 
I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days…
&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1914239114406191255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Funeral For Pope Francis Will Deviate From Tradition

Pope Francis’ Funeral To Include Significant Breaks From Predecessors

funeral

Vatican

The world is mourning the death of Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic church who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber announced Monday.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
Francis’ death comes a few months after he contracted bronchitis in February and was hospitalized in Rome, per <a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-vatican-pneumonia-conclave-a3f2410a612aa93c18fd638d08236ed3">Associated Press</a>. He later contracted double pneumonia and experienced “two episodes of acute respiratory failure,” according to the Vatican.
On March 23, he was released from the hospital after a 38-day stay. Pope Francis made a few public appearances after his release from the hospital, including waving to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
World leaders have posted their messages of condolences, as did several celebrities who shared about Pope Francis’ death on social media.
Vice President J.D. Vance, who just met with Pope Francis on Sunday, shared his thoughts with a post on X.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance wrote. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful,” he continued. “May God rest his soul.”
“The View” host Whoopi Goldberg showed a photo of herself meeting the Holy Father. “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none [sic] believer,” she <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIs-eVhuEM3/#">wrote</a> in an Instagram post. “He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances [sic] with your love of humanity &amp; Laughter.”
“Truly anointed,” actress Viola Davis wrote on Instagram.
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“Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people,” actor Antonio Banderas <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIs82utAh8_/">wrote</a> on Instagram alongside a photo of himself with the Holy Father.
“A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis,” <a href="https://x.com/russellcrowe/status/1914271755184542106">wrote</a> “Gladiator” star Russell Crowe alongside a photo of Rome.
“A wonderful, wonderful man!” Sylvester Stallone wrote. “Rest in peace holy father!”
Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, wrote in Instagram Stories, “No better example of total humility in kindness and compassion. Thank you for leading us with not just your words, but with your unwavering service to humanity.”

Pope Francis and Whoopi Goldberg

Celebrities React To The Death Of Pope Francis: ‘Truly Anointed’

Celebrities React To The Death Of Pope Francis: 'Truly Anointed' 

Celebrities

Hollywood

Pope Francis, a charismatic and controversial leader whose decade-long tenure marked a turning point for the Catholic Church, died Monday morning, the day after Easter. He was 88.
&#8220;Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,&#8221; Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber announced Monday. &#8220;His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.&#8221;
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis was elected in March 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI resigned, the first pontiff to step down since Gregory XII in 1415. The first Latin American pope, Francis&#8217; papacy often adopted a progressive tone, with the pope recently <a href="https://www.ncregister.com/cna/pope-francis-vance-clash-over-ordo-amoris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">making</a> headlines for criticizing Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, and the Trump administration&#8217;s “program of mass deportations.”
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Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican&#39;s Casa Santa Marta. <a href="https://t.co/jUIkbplVi2">pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2</a>
&mdash; Vatican News (@VaticanNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/VaticanNews/status/1914226689065865254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Francis made many significant changes during his papacy, naming women to traditionally male positions and appointing cardinals from countries that had not previously had cardinals. He was <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/how-francis-radically-reshaped-catholic-church-2035465" target="_blank" rel="noopener">criticized by some</a> for not excommunicating clerics who had committed sexual abuse.
In 2013, six months after his election as pope, he <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/world/europe/pope-bluntly-faults-churchs-focus-on-gays-and-abortion.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> that the church had grown &#8220;obsessed” with abortion, gay marriage and contraception, stating, “It is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time. The dogmatic and moral teachings of the church are not all equivalent. The church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently.”
In 2017, Francis <a href="//F22E832E-9D57-4FC3-88A2-6F52BB0F6318/v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">amended</a> the Code of Canon Law, giving bishops more authority to translate the Latin liturgical language.
As pope, Francis championed immigrants. In 2016 he criticized Donald Trump, saying he was “not Christian” because he wanted to build walls instead of bridges. “For a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful. I am proud to be a Christian,” Trump replied.
In February 2025, just weeks after President Trump was inaugurated, Francis sent a letter to American bishops, <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/letters/2025/documents/20250210-lettera-vescovi-usa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writing</a>: &#8220;the act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness.&#8221;
WATCH: MICHAEL KNOWLES EXPLAINS HOW THE NEXT POPE WILL BE CHOSEN
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Francis was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires to Mario Bergoglio and Regina (Sivori) Bergoglio, Italian immigrants. His grandmother, a member of Catholic Action, a movement that defended the church against Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, was a primary influence.
Although his mother wanted him to become a doctor, after high school he told his parents of wanting to become a priest. His sister, Maria Elena, recalled him telling his mother, “I didn’t lie to you, Mom. I’m going to study the medicine of the soul.”
Ordained a Jesuit priest in 1969, Father Bergoglio “later faced accusations that as leader of the Argentine Jesuits he had done too little to protect two priests who were kidnapped and tortured by the junta, allegations later challenged by biographers and others. He eventually reconciled with one of the priests, but the other remained bitter,” The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/21/world/europe/pope-francis-dead.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>, adding, “His Jesuit leadership ended in controversy.&#8221;
In 1992, he was chosen as auxiliary bishop of the Buenos Aires Diocese, becoming archbishop six years later. Bergoglio “had chilly relations with the Vatican,” The Times reported. Yet by 2005, when Benedict was elected pope, Bergoglio finished second.
The mourning period for a pope typically lasts nine days as the College of Cardinals comes together to pray. After the funeral, the conclave of cardinals will elect a new pope.

Pope Francis Leads Way Of The Cross On Rio’s Copacabana Beach

Pope Francis Is Dead At 88

The cause of death for Michelle Trachtenberg, who died suddenly in February at the age of 39, has been revealed.
The “Gossip Girl” star’s death was ruled as natural and was a result of complications of diabetes mellitus, according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. 
A spokesperson for the medical examiner told <a href="https://people.com/michelle-trachtenberg-official-cause-of-death-revealed-11688954">People</a> that &#8220;the amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results” and noted that &#8220;toxicology testing can be done without autopsy.&#8221;
Trachtenberg, who was best known for her roles in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” was discovered unresponsive and unconscious in a New York City apartment after her mother placed a call to 911. 
Sources told the outlet that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant, but that was never confirmed. The “Buffy” star made headlines last year after leaving comments on fan posts saying she looked unhealthy, as The Daily Wire previously reported.
“Explain to me how I look sick,” the actress replied to one commenter. “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy,” she added in another post. “Check yourself haters.”
The former child star first got her big break when she landed the role of Harriet in the 1996 children’s movie “Harriet the Spy” alongside Rosie O’Donnell, who played her nanny.
Trachtenberg is also known for her work in films such as the 2005 children’s movie “Ice Princess” and the 2009 romantic comedy “17 Again,” which starred Zac Efron and Matthew Perry.
“Harriet the Spy” director Bronwen Hughes shared a tribute to the late actress after news of her death in February. 
“Michelle was like a lightning bolt of a casting discovery. She had fire, she had spark, she had truth, and she had Harriet’s conviction, like her sense of self,” she <a href="https://x.com/THR/status/1894854106566762568">told</a> The Hollywood Reporter. 
“No one else came in the room like that,” she added. “So she had that acting gene that you can’t really teach. It’s innate, which is not something you find very often.”

Michelle Trachtenberg

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg’s Cause Of Death Revealed

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg's Cause Of Death Revealed

Entertainment

New York City

Television

U.S.

Legendary game show host and radio personality Wink Martindale passed away on Tuesday, April 15, at the age of 91. He died at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California, after a year-long battle with lymphoma, per the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wink-martindale-dead-d2f333da86b6efb3b99b36bb7a71a7a4">Associated Press</a>. 
Born Winston Conrad Martindale on December 4, 1933, in Jackson, Tennessee, he began his broadcasting career at 17 as a radio DJ. Wink said he received his nickname from a childhood friend.
&#8220;When I was a kid in Jackson, Tennessee, one of my playmates, Jimmy McCord, couldn’t say ‘Winston,’ which is my given name. He had a speech impediment, and it came out sounding like ‘Winky.&#8217; So Winston turned into Winky, and then I got into the business and Wink it was! It served me well,&#8221; he <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wink-martindale-explains/story?id=27034447">told</a> ABC in 2014.
His early career included a television interview in 1956 with a young Elvis Presley. This was a defining moment as the two celebrities became lifelong friends.
&#8220;Very few people knew that he gave away literally millions and millions of dollars to charitable organizations not only in this country but all over the world,&#8221; Martindale <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/wink-martindale-iconic-game-show-host-dead-91">told</a> Fox News Digital in 2019. 
&#8220;He was a great giver. If he was your friend, he was your friend until the day you died. I mean, he would always be your friend and do anything for you that you needed him to do. He was that kind of a person.&#8221;
Martindale’s wife Sandra said Presley is the reason she and Wink married. She dated The King on and off before he married Priscilla in 1967.  
&#8220;When [Martindale] said [Presley] was from Tennessee, I said, ‘He must be a nice guy,’ because I loved the state. I loved all the guys. I loved everything in the state of Tennessee because Elvis was such a wonderful part of my life,&#8221; Sandra said, per <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wink-martindale-dead-tic-tac-dough-game-show-host-1236191994/">The Hollywood Reporter</a>. 
Martindale&#8217;s television career took off in the 1960s, leading to his role as host of NBC&#8217;s &#8220;What&#8217;s This Song?&#8221; He gained national prominence with game shows like &#8220;Gambit&#8221; and &#8220;Tic-Tac-Dough.&#8221; Martindale hosted more than 20 game shows over the course of his career, including &#8220;High Rollers,&#8221; &#8220;Debt,&#8221; and &#8220;Headline Chasers.&#8221;
Beyond television, Martindale achieved musical success with his 1959 spoken-word hit &#8220;Deck of Cards,&#8221; which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The game show host was also a frequent contributor to charitable causes, including St. Jude Children&#8217;s Hospital.
Martindale is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra; his daughters Lisa, Lyn, and Laura; his sister Geraldine; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Wink Jr. 
His enduring charm and warmth made him a beloved figure in American entertainment.

Wink Martindale

Beloved Game Show Host Wink Martindale Dies at 91

A Spanish couple killed when a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/split-in-half-six-people-killed-in-nyc-helicopter-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">helicopter crashed</a> in the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday was identified by authorities as the investigation into the tragedy continues.
Agustín Escobar, a senior executive at German technology firm Siemens, and his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, were both killed after a tourist helicopter appeared to break apart mid-air before falling into the water, NBC News <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hudson-helicopter-crash-victims-named-rcna200801" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. Three minors, who are reportedly the children of Escobar and Montal, were also killed but have not been identified. The name of the pilot who died in the crash has also not been released as of Friday morning.
Escobar brought his family to New York City after a business trip, and the family was celebrating Montal&#8217;s 40th birthday on Thursday when they went on the tourist helicopter flight, according to Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who added that the children were all 11 years old and under. The Spanish newspaper El Diario <a href="https://www.eldiario.es/internacional/muere-familia-espanola-accidente-helicoptero-nueva-york_1_12212531.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the trip was to celebrate the birthday of one of the children.
A video posted on social media showed the Bell 206 helicopter falling from the sky after it appeared to lose its propellers. Witnesses described hearing a loud boom and then seeing the helicopter &#8220;split in half.&#8221; One witness told ABC News that she “heard five or six loud noises that sounded almost like gunshots in the sky and saw pieces fall off, then watched it fall into the river.”
Authorities quickly recovered all six bodies from the Hudson River Thursday evening. Four of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and two more were transported to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Later that night, the helicopter was removed from the river.
Michael Roth, the CEO of New York Helicopter Tours, said the pilot called in before the crash to say that he needed fuel and was preparing to return, The Telegraph <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/04/10/helicopter-hudson-river-crash-live-latest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. Roth added, &#8220;It should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn’t arrive.&#8221;
&#8220;We’re all devastated,&#8221; he said.
Leaders in the United States and Spain mourned the deaths. Spain&#8217;s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, called the crash &#8220;an unimaginable tragedy.&#8221; President Donald Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114316199673595819" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> on Truth Social, &#8220;The footage of the accident is horrendous.&#8221;
&#8220;God bless the families and friends of the victims,&#8221; he added. &#8220;Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!&#8221;

Helicopter crashes into Hudson River

Authorities Identify Husband, Wife Who Died In NYC Helicopter Crash

Air and Space

New Jersey

New York

Spain

Six people were killed when a Bell 206 helicopter fell from the sky and crashed in the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday, the Associated Press <a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-helicopter-crash-e0368ea529659ee1513d92dcbf05a28d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
<a href="https://x.com/xpertcommander/status/1910424640595312989" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Video</a> posted on social media showed the chopper falling into the water after it appeared to lose its propellers mid-air. Emergency crews responded to the crash after the fire department said it received a call at 3:17 p.m. ET.
Witnesses told <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/10/us-news/helicopter-crashes-into-hudson-river-near-pier-40-in-nyc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the New York Post</a> that the helicopter &#8220;split in half&#8221; in the air before crashing into the water near Pier 40 on West Hudson Street. There was one pilot and five passengers on board. The passengers were three children, a man, and a woman, according to <a href="https://www.nbcnewyork.com/new-york-city/helicopter-crash-hudson-river-live-updates/6220718/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBC 4 New York</a>. Law enforcement sources told <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/helicopter-crashes-hudson-river-new-york-city/story?id=120691975" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC News</a> that the passengers were family members from Spain. The helicopter departed from downtown New York City and was in the air for around 15 minutes before it crashed into the Hudson.
One witness told ABC News that she &#8220;heard five or six loud noises that sounded almost like gunshots in the sky and saw pieces fall off, then watched it fall into the river.&#8221;
Another witness said he heard something that &#8220;sounded like a sonic boom&#8221; before seeing the &#8220;helicopter splitting in two with the rotor flying off.&#8221;
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Bell 206 was on its sixth flight of the day.
This article has been updated with additional information.

Helicopter crash

‘Split In Half’: Six People Killed In NYC Helicopter Crash

Air Travel

General

Actor Val Kilmer, who played iconic roles including Bruce Wayne in “Batman Forever” (1995) and Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” (1993), died on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. The Hollywood star had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.
Born in L.A., the actor built his career as a leading man in the 1980s and 1990s, starring in projects like “Top Gun” (1986), “Real Genius” (1985), “Willow” (1988), “Heat” (1995), and “The Saint” (1997). 
Kilmer had a cameo in the 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 action-adventure film about the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. The actor was no longer able to speak, but his co-star Tom Cruise said it was essential to have Kilmer included.
&#8220;I just want to say that was pretty emotional,&#8221; Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel in 2023. &#8220;I&#8217;ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he&#8217;s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.&#8221;
&#8220;You&#8217;re just looking at Iceman,&#8221; he continued, referencing the character Kilmer played in the film. &#8220;I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional,&#8221; Cruise continued. &#8220;He&#8217;s such a brilliant actor, I love his work.&#8221;
Kilmer met his future wife, actress Joanne Whalley, on the set of Ron Howard’s film “Willow” in 1988. He joined her on the screen for a second time in “Kill Me Again” (1989). The actor dated many high-profile women over the years, including Cher, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, Daryl Hannah, and Ellen Barkin. Kilmer was married to Whalley from 1988 until 1996 and shares two children with her.
The actor also played Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” (1991). Per <a href="https://variety.com/2025/film/news/val-kilmer-dead-batman-forever-tombstone-1236354606/">Variety</a>, Kilmer memorized the lyrics to all of Morrison’s songs before his audition and wore clothing like the musician for almost a year. Critics praised his performance, with Roger Ebert saying Kilmer was “the best thing in the movie.”
Hollywood is mourning the loss of the star. The official Top Gun account shared a photo and said, “Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman.”
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Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman. <a href="https://t.co/a3jQ8ENma9">pic.twitter.com/a3jQ8ENma9</a>
&mdash; Top Gun (@TopGunMovie) <a href="https://twitter.com/TopGunMovie/status/1907302770593640765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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“While working with Val on ‘Heat’ I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character. After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news,” director Michael Mann said in a statement.
Francis Ford Coppola directed Kilmer in “Twixt.” He <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH73e8PO0JT/">shared</a> on Instagram, “Val Kilmer was the most talented actor when in his High School, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life. He was a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know — I will always remember him.”
Actor Josh Brolin <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH7ia6Ox5Xp/">wrote</a>, “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts.”

Val Kilmer

‘Top Gun’ Actor Val Kilmer Dies At 65

'Top Gun' Actor Val Kilmer Dies At 65

Three U.S. Army soldiers were found dead on Monday, and the search for a fourth is ongoing after their vehicle sank in a peat bog during a training exercise in Lithuania last week.
Four soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing &#8220;in the early morning hours&#8221; last Tuesday while driving an M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle during a training mission. They were on a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle, according to a <a href="https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/ArticleViewPressRelease/Article/4139490/press-release-three-us-soldiers-found-deceased-after-m88a2-hercules-recovered/#:~:text=The%20Soldiers%2C%20whose%20identities%20are,tow%20an%20immobilized%20tactical%20vehicle." target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> from U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The identities of the three deceased soldiers are being withheld until their families are notified as &#8220;search and recovery operations continue for the remaining fourth Soldier.&#8221;
U.S. Navy divers <a href="https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/ArticleViewPressRelease/Article/4139209/press-release-recovery-operations-in-lithuania-march-30-update/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found</a> the armored vehicle &#8220;four meters below the water’s surface and encased in about two meters of mud.&#8221; The recovery effort lasted six days and &#8220;required tremendous resources from Lithuania&#8221; as officials solved &#8220;the engineering challenge of recovering the 63-ton-vehicle from an area surrounded by unstable ground conditions.&#8221; The M88A2 Hercules was finally removed from the soft, spongy wetland after the military &#8220;brought in excavators, sluice and slurry pumps, other heavy construction equipment, technical experts, and several hundred tons of gravel and earth to enable the recovery.&#8221;
A U.S. Army social media account posted photos of the recovery operation, writing, &#8220;Together we will bring our Soldiers home.&#8221;
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Together we will bring our Soldiers home <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeWillNotRest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeWillNotRest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MesNenurimsime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MesNenurimsime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NieSpoczniemy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NieSpoczniemy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreNATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreNATO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwordOfFreedom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SwordOfFreedom</a> <a href="https://t.co/D7W8PlJ8kk">pic.twitter.com/D7W8PlJ8kk</a>
&mdash; U.S. Army Europe and Africa (@USArmyEURAF) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmyEURAF/status/1906513802922799392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
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“Today is a very sad and tragic day. The loss of these Soldiers weighs heavy on me, the hearts of all Task Force Iron service members, and the 3rd Infantry Division. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of these brave Soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division. “I&#8217;d like to personally commend the heroic efforts of the search parties, and especially our Lithuanian allies who were instrumental in the recovery efforts. Their courage and commitment to this operation will always be remembered and demonstrates the strong relationship between our countries. However, search and recovery efforts are not complete &#8211; they will continue until we bring all of our Soldiers home.”
After the soldiers went missing last week and their vehicle was found submerged in the swamp, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said all four soldiers had died. The United States did not confirm any deaths until Monday morning.

U.S. Army Europ and Africa

Bodies Of 3 U.S. Soldiers Recovered, 1 More Still Missing After Vehicle Sank In Peat Bog

Lithuania

Military

U.S. Army

Jessica Aber, a former U.S. attorney nominated by former President Joe Biden who was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-nominated-former-u-s-attorney-found-dead-at-43" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead</a> at the age of 43 by police over the weekend in Virginia, had been experiencing health issues for years, Aber&#8217;s family said on Wednesday.
&#8220;It is with tremendous sorrow that we acknowledge the sudden passing of our beloved Jessica (Jess) Aber, who died in her sleep on Saturday, March 22,&#8221; Aber&#8217;s family <a href="https://x.com/MacFarlaneNews/status/1904936637932449822" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in a statement, per CBS News reporter Scott MacFarlane.
&#8220;Jess suffered from epilepsy and epileptic seizures for many years and on Tuesday, March 25, Alexandria (Virginia) Police said in a statement that they believe her death was the result of natural causes,&#8221; they added.
The Alexandria Police Department did provide an update on the investigation of Aber&#8217;s death on Tuesday.
&#8220;At this time, detectives have found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/AlexandriaVAPD/status/1904651981936882045" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> police, who added that the case would remain open until the Officer of the Chief Medical Examiner returns &#8220;a final ruling on the cause and manner of death.&#8221;
In their statement, Aber&#8217;s family said they expect more information from the medical examiner in the coming weeks.
&#8220;Our family is in shock and grieving deeply and we respectfully request privacy as we attempt to navigate through our unspeakable loss,&#8221; Aber&#8217;s family said.
Aber <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/us-attorney-jessica-d-aber-announces-resignation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">served</a> more than three years as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. She had been nominated for the role by Biden in August of 2021 and was confirmed by the Senate in October of that year. She resigned on January 20, just as President Donald Trump began his second term.
Various officials released statements in response to Aber&#8217;s death.
&#8220;The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/AGPamBondi/status/1903628602010198035" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) <a href="https://x.com/timkaine/status/1903601607809343702" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in a post on X, &#8220;My prayers are with Jessica Aber’s loved ones. Jessica was an exceptional public servant who dedicated her life to serving her fellow Virginians. She will be deeply missed.&#8221;

Jessica Aber

Family Speaks Out On Death Of Biden-Nominated Former U.S. Attorney

Department of Justice

Joe Biden

Police

Virginia

Katy Perry has weighed in on the wild internet conspiracy theory — which has circulated for years — claiming that JonBenet Ramsey was never killed and actually grew up to be the superstar singer.
The 40-year-old singer reacted to a post on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGmjo_vswWw/?hl=en">Instagram</a> that was created by Artificial Intelligence and claimed to show the time-lapse growth of Ramsey into Perry, the <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/03/24/entertainment/katy-perry-reacts-to-conspiracy-that-shes-jonbenet-ramsey/">New York Post</a> reported. Ramsey was the beauty queen who was murdered in her home in Colorado in 1996 when she was just 6 years old.
The person captioned the post, “iykyk. (if you know you know) and the video included Perry’s song “Wide Awake.” 
The “Fireworks” star somehow saw the post and responded, “wait am I.” It has more than 5,000 comments and hundreds of replies at the time of this publication.
The comments definitely got a lot of attention.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Katy Perry Responds to Conspiracy Theory She&#8217;s JonBenét Ramsey <a href="https://t.co/O9e4XP4hNt">https://t.co/O9e4XP4hNt</a>
— E! News (@enews) <a href="https://twitter.com/enews/status/1903557373286834624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
“The fact that Katy Perry actually commented makes this even better,” one person wrote.
Another added, “I’ve always known these are the same person.”
While a third person wrote, “Show us [your] birth certificate sis.”
And while some people found Perry’s response amusing, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGmjo_vswWw/?hl=en">others</a> were pretty upset at the joke about the murder of a child that still remains unsolved in 2025.
“Please stop. Don’t disrespect that little girl like this,&#8221; one person replied.
Another added, “This is a real child, daughter, and sister whose life was taken from her. This is so disrespectful to the family. I hope they find the animal who did this and some peace for the family.&#8221;
And a third person wrote, “This is bull. Quit dishonoring this little girl&#8217;s memory.”
There have been numerous theories as to what happened to JonBenet, including the one involving Perry. But as the Post noted, there are quite a few problems with this one theory — namely the fact that the superstar singer is 40 years old and JonBenet would only be 35 if she was alive.
JonBenet&#8217;s death shocked the nation on December 26, 1996, after her mother called police to report the young beauty queen missing, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jonbenet-ramseys-father-wants-new-investigation-into-daughters-death-gov-polis-responds">reported</a>. Patsy Ramsey called police after finding a ransom note demanding $118,000 for the safe return of her daughter. JonBenet’s father, John Ramsey, found the little girl’s body in the basement later that day.
For years, the Ramseys were suspected of killing their daughter until they were “completely cleared” in 2008 by DNA testing. 
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/katy-perry-appears-to-compare-trump-victory-to-idiocracy-movie-and-gets-torched" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Katy Perry Appears To Compare Trump Victory To ‘Idiocracy’ Movie, And Gets Torched</a>

Celebrity Sighting : Day One – Paris Fashion Week – Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2021/2022

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