Cause of death revealed for ‘Cheers’ star George Wendt

FILE - This Oct. 20, 2009 file photo shows actor George Wendt posing for a portrait in New York. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)

George Wendt’s cause of death has been revealed after the actor suddenly died last month.

According to multiple reports, the actor and comedian known for playing Norm on the beloved sitcom “Cheers” died from cardiac arrest.

Outlets have cited the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health listing Wendt’s immediate cause of death as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension as underlying causes.

His family said Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on May 20 at the age of 76, according to a statement from his publicist.

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him, ” the statement said. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

Wendt began as a comedian at Chicago’s The Second City, according to Variety. He spent six years with the renowned improv troupe before moving to television.

His most known role was that of the lovable barfly, Norm, on “Cheers.” His portrayal of the beer-loving accountant earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, he was in every episode of the show during its 11-year run from 1982 to 1993. His regular greeting of “Afternoon, everybody” became a staple beloved by fans.

‘Their baby had been dropped’: Newborn falls out of crib and dies in hospital NICU

Loved ones say Ellieana Peyton, born on March 4, died just a few weeks later at the hospital. (GoFundMe)

Columbus, Ohio

An Ohio family says they have lost their baby girl just a few weeks after she was born.

Baby Ellieana Peyton was born on March 4 with cardiomyopathy, a cardiovascular disease where the left side of her heart was a little smaller than normal, according to her family.

Loved ones said she was in the NICU for a few weeks for observation and they were going to be released from Nationwide Children’s Hospital until tragedy struck.

“The parents went home to shower and received a call stating their baby had been dropped,” Stella Dunlap shared in the family’s GoFundMe. “They were told their nurse had kept the baby’s monitor cords in her pocket and when she went to walk away, the baby was then dragged from her NICU crib.“

Ellieana suffered a fractured skull along with brain bleeds until she ultimately succumbed to her injuries on March 31, the family shared.

“She made this world a better place for 29 days. Rest in peace, Ellieana,” Dunlap wrote.

According to the Franklin County coroner’s report, Ellieana died at the hospital due to a congenital heart defect complicated by blunt force head injuries.

The report stated that the injuries were caused by a fall from a crib, with Ellieana’s death ruled accidental.

“Ellieana had the most contagious smile that would light up the room. She had the most beautiful brown eyes that you could stare into for hours,” loved ones shared in her obituary. “Her favorite place to be was in the loving arms of her mommy, daddy, and family.”

The family has thanked everyone for the support they have received during this difficult time.

$20K reward offered for information leading to arrest of father wanted for daughters’ murder

Authorities say Travis Decker is homeless and may be living in his vehicle or at various hotels and motels in the area. (Wenatchee Police Department)

Chelan County, Wash.

Multiple agencies say they are joining forces to find a Washington man wanted for murder after his three young daughters were found dead on Monday.

The U.S. Marshals Service said it offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Travis Decker.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Wenatchee Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations are just a few of the agencies working to locate Decker.

Authorities said the situation started last Friday, when the mother of the girls reported Decker did not return them after a planned visit.

Over the weekend, police looked for the children and Decker, who was believed to be living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup with Washington plates.

Police said Decker’s truck was later found on Monday near the Rock Island Campground, about 20 miles away from Wenatchee.

The Wenatchee Police Department said the bodies of 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker were also found near the campground.

Court documents obtained by KCPQ and KIRO say that the girls likely died from asphyxiation.

KCPQ reports that the truck had two bloody handprints on it and had personal items such as blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console. The camp showed signs of recent activity, with a tent and cooler located a short distance away.

Travis Decker’s cell phone activity showed he drove to and left the same campground a day before the kidnapping, court documents said.

KIRO reports that officers also found zip ties and plastic bags tossed throughout the area.

Anyone who may have seen Travis Decker or knows his current location has been asked to call 911.

He is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair in a ponytail and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts.

Authorities are also urging anyone who sees Travis Decker to not approach him for safety reasons. Police said he may be armed and is a veteran with extensive training.

Actor Ed Gale, who played Chucky in ‘Child’s Play’ movies, dies at 61

Actor Ed Gale, who famously played the killer doll Chucky in “Child’s Play” has died. (CHUCKY Official / YouTube | MGN)

Actor Ed Gale, who played the killer doll Chucky in “Child’s Play,” has died at the age of 61.

Earlier this week, Gale’s niece Kayse Gale posted on Facebook about his death.

“It is with a heavy heart ... that we announce the sudden passing of our uncle,” she shared. “[He took] his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife.”

Kayse Gale noted that her uncle appeared in more than 130 movies, television shows and commercials.

“With this wide-ranging body of work, he leaves behind a legacy full of questionable lighting and amazing one-liners,” his niece wrote. “Ed’s favorite role was that of the ‘fun uncle.’ His love language was sharing his love of the entertainment industry and the magic of Hollywood with his nieces.”

The cause of Ed Gale’s death was not immediately provided.

The retired actor and stunt performer debuted as Howard in 1986’s “Howard the Duck” before playing Chucky in the “Child’s Play” horror movies.

According to IMDb, Ed Gale’s last acting credit was from the 2020 film “Pandemonic.”

Dollywood named America’s favorite theme park for 3rd year in a row

FILE — Dollywood announced its Summer Celebration and Festival plans. (WDBJ7)

Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The Dollywood theme park has been named America’s favorite by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

The theme park co-owned by music legend Dolly Parton received the top honor for the third year in a row.

According to the association, Dollywood beat Disneyland in California, which came in second place.

Dollywood is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge near where the 79-year-old Parton grew up. It opened to the public in 1986.

The historical association also named Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia as the most beautiful theme park for the 35th consecutive year, along with voting the Bobcat, a wooden roller coaster at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, as this year’s favorite new attraction.