Latest news with #Rene
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rene Kirby dead: Shallow Hal dies at 70 after health struggles and lengthy hospital stay
Rene Kirby, known for his role in Shallow Hal, has sadly died at the age of 70. The actor's death on July 11 followed a two-month hospitalisation due to infections and complications with his oesophagus, kidneys and bladder, according to his brother Jon Kirby. His passing occurred at the University of Vermont Medical Center, as reported by the Vermont-based publication Seven Days. He was best known for starring in 2011 American comedy Shallow Hal, directed by the Farrelly Brothers and starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black. The movie saw Black's sexist character be hypnotised to only see the inner beauty of people - including love interest Rosemary (played by a fat-suit wearing Paltrow). The movie was a huge box office success, grossing $141million against a $41million budget. Kirby found himself starring in the 1999 Hollywood movies after a chance encounter with Hollywood director Peter Farrelly. Farrelly was in Rene's hometown of Burlington, Vermont shooting Me, Myself & Irene starring Jim Carrey. After buying Rene a pint and spending the evening chatting, Farrelly decided to cast Rene in his next film. In a 2001 interview, he said: "He's got a zest for life that is contagious and he's extremely funny." Farrelly penned a role specifically for Rene in Shallow Hal, which he co-wrote and co-directed with his brother, Bobby. Given the film's theme of looking beyond physical appearances, Farrelly believed it was an ideal fit for Rene, who he said "epitomises inner beauty". Kirby lived with spina bifida, which led to him having no use of his legs. But that didn't stop the actor from biking, skiing and acting. "Walking on my hands, it's just, all I've ever known, I just never thought of myself being disabled," he told Seven Days' Eva Sollberger in an episode of Stuck in Vermont.
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
Boy, 15, shot dead in front of children at family fun day in ‘Teletubbies Park'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A teenage boy was shot and killed in front of parents and children attending a family fun day at 'Teletubbies Park'. People were dancing and having fun when Rene Graham was shot in the chest by a masked assassin with a handgun at 'Teletubbies Park' – Emslie Horniman's Pleasance open space – in Ladbroke Grove last July. Police officers are searching for more information on the killing at the pre-Notting Hill Carnival event, with locals claiming a brutal gang war has erupted in the area. CCTV video shows a balaclava-clad suspect clutching a gun as he strolled towards the park. The shooter entered through the busy park's children's play area before killing Rene, who died at the scene, in the early evening. The Met Police footage also reveals the gunman hunted down a second victim in the middle of a crowded street. The suspect had made a quick getaway by jumping over the park's fence before running. He then ran after the second man on Kensal Road and attempted to open fire again. Answers to the shooting lie within a 'small pocket of the community' and people are likely 'sitting on the name' of the shooter, police said. Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation said: 'Rene was tragically shot dead during a busy music festival. 'Since the launch of the investigation, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and taken numerous statements from witnesses. 'Rene's family have continued to be supported throughout these enquiries, and they remain understandably devastated about his death. 'Recently, a man in his 20s was interviewed under caution in relation to Rene's murder and we continue to investigate all lines of enquiry.' Alongside the appeal, charity Crimestoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for leads that solve Rene's murder. DCI Foxwell added: 'The person responsible for Rene's murder opened fire in a busy park where dozens of people, including very young children, were enjoying themselves. 'Officers have appealed to the local community on multiple occasions – we believe there are people sitting on the name of the person responsible. 'This person, who was willing to take the life of Rene and risk the lives of others, remains in your community. Now is the time to get in touch with us to give Rene's family the peace they deserve. 'Our thoughts, remain as ever, with them.' The violence follows a long-running gang 'war' between two rival groups, locals have claimed. The competing gangs are said to be the Ladbroke Grove Boys (LGB), based on the Kensal New Town Estate, and the Harrow Road Boys (HRB) from the Mozart Estate. One bystander at the park on the day of the shooting, Beverley Campbell,told MailOnline: 'Everybody around here knows about the war between the LGB and HRB. 'This is quite a rough area and gang members attacking each other is not a new thing.' Another local of the Kensal New Town Estate, Kelvin, 38, claimed: 'It may sound a bit crazy to outsiders, but this rivalry is not a new thing. 'It's been going on for years and all of us refer to each other as from being 'over the water. 'We don't like them, and they don't like us. But the gangs have taken it to another level and things have got a lot worse. 'They're constantly attacking each other and most of these don't even get reported to the police. If a gang member or any young person is found in the wrong territory, then it always causes problems.' The Mozart estate, completed in 1974, has 737 houses and flats in 25 medium-rise blocks, while 1970s-era Kensal New Town estate also has around 700 flats and homes. Both are around the corner from the elite neighbourhood of Notting Hill, filled to the brim with A listers and multi-million-pound homes. Charity Crimestoppers are asking people to 'do the right thing' and come forward with information to help bring Rene's killer to justice. Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: 'Rene, was very sadly murdered last year in broad daylight with over two hundred people present. 'The significant and lasting impact on his family, friends, and the local community, cannot be underestimated and our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones. 'We believe someone who either witnessed the incident or knows of someone who was there on the day, will have information. 'No matter how insignificant they think it could be, it could help bring those responsible to justice. 'You can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously – we won't ask for your name and are unable to identify your telephone number or IP address if you are reporting online. More Trending 'We don't record calls, so once you have contacted our Charity there is no further involvement. 'Your information is passed anonymously on to the Police with no questions asked. 'Please do the right thing to find justice for Rene, who was only 15 years-old at the time of his death. 'Your information could make a real difference, and you may be eligible for a reward.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Man wearing metal neck chain gets sucked into MRI machine in deadly freak accident MORE: Four students killed in 94mph crash after drunk driver lost control of car MORE: 'Gangster granny' who got her cat a £400 Gucci collar jailed over £80,000,000 cocaine plot
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Cops release CCTV of suspect nearly a year after schoolboy, 15, was gunned down at ‘Teletubbies Park' during family day
POLICE have released new CCTV footage almost one year on from the fatal shooting of a schoolboy in a playground, known locally as "Teletubbies Park". Rene Graham, 15, died after being Advertisement 4 Rene Graham, 15, died after being shot in the chest in a park in west London last summer Credit: Metropolitan Police 4 Police have now released CCTV of the man they believe killed Rene Credit: Metropolitan Police 4 The man can be seen running from the park after shooting the 15-year-old Credit: Metropolitan Police Cops He can be seen entering the children's play area before shooting Rene in the chest. The teenager tragically died at the scene. CCTV footage also shows the suspect chasing and attempting to shoot a second victim after gunning down Rene. Advertisement Read More on UK News He then flees the area. Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation said: "Rene was tragically shot dead during a busy music festival. Since the launch of the investigation, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and taken numerous statements from witnesses. "Rene's family have continued to be supported throughout these enquiries, and they remain understandably devastated about his death. "Recently, a man in his 20s was interviewed under caution in relation to Rene's murder and we continue to investigate all lines of enquiry." Advertisement Most read in The Sun Footage shows the suspect walking towards the park, appearing to pull a gun from his pocket and then running from the area shortly after the shooting. DCI Foxwell added: 'The person responsible for Rene's murder opened fire in a busy park where dozens of people, including very young children, were enjoying themselves. 'Officers have appealed to the local community on multiple occasions – we believe there are people sitting on the name of the person responsible. 'This person, who was willing to take the life of Rene and risk the lives of others, remains in your community. Now is the time to get in touch with us to give Rene's family the peace they deserve. Advertisement 'Our thoughts, remain as ever, with them.' More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at Advertisement 4 The suspect could be seen calmly walking towards the park before opening fire Credit: Metropolitan Police
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Cops release CCTV of suspect nearly a year after schoolboy, 15, was gunned down at ‘Teletubbies Park' during family day
The suspect opened fire in the park in front of young children during the family event MURDER PROBE Cops release CCTV of suspect nearly a year after schoolboy, 15, was gunned down at 'Teletubbies Park' during family day Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) POLICE have released new CCTV footage almost one year on from the fatal shooting of a schoolboy in a playground, known locally as "Teletubbies Park". Rene Graham, 15, died after being shot in Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park in Ladbroke Grove, west London, at around 7.20pm on July 21, 2024, during a "family fun day". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Rene Graham, 15, died after being shot in the chest in a park in west London last summer Credit: Metropolitan Police 4 Police have now released CCTV of the man they believe killed Rene Credit: Metropolitan Police 4 The man can be seen running from the park after shooting the 15-year-old Credit: Metropolitan Police Cops launched a murder investigation soon afterwards and have now released CCTV footage showing a suspect walking calmly towards the busy park before the shooting. He can be seen entering the children's play area before shooting Rene in the chest. The teenager tragically died at the scene. CCTV footage also shows the suspect chasing and attempting to shoot a second victim after gunning down Rene. He then flees the area. Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation said: "Rene was tragically shot dead during a busy music festival. Since the launch of the investigation, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and taken numerous statements from witnesses. "Rene's family have continued to be supported throughout these enquiries, and they remain understandably devastated about his death. "Recently, a man in his 20s was interviewed under caution in relation to Rene's murder and we continue to investigate all lines of enquiry." Footage shows the suspect walking towards the park, appearing to pull a gun from his pocket and then running from the area shortly after the shooting. DCI Foxwell added: 'The person responsible for Rene's murder opened fire in a busy park where dozens of people, including very young children, were enjoying themselves. 'Officers have appealed to the local community on multiple occasions – we believe there are people sitting on the name of the person responsible. 'This person, who was willing to take the life of Rene and risk the lives of others, remains in your community. Now is the time to get in touch with us to give Rene's family the peace they deserve. 'Our thoughts, remain as ever, with them.' More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Magoebaskloof explosion: Woman recounts her ‘war zone' experience
TZANEEN – Rene Viljoen, the Programme Coordinator at Warriors Academy, will never forget how the sound of explosions jolted her awake, and the mountain was lit up in flames. In the early hours of this morning, she was awoken by what she described as the sound of an 'attack in a war zone,' only to discover that a truck carrying gas cylinders had exploded above Magoebaskloof Ruskamp, triggering a forest fire and a string of thunderous blasts that rocked the area. Read more: R71 remains closed after early morning gas explosion in Magoebaskloof Rene, terrifyingly close to the scene, described how the forest came 'alive with fire,' each blast illuminating the darkness like a signal flare. With adrenaline surging and sleep impossible, she joined others in watching the inferno unfold. 'I was afraid of a forest fire that could get out of control,' she wrote in a Facebook post just hours later, still reeling from the chaos. The fear was not unfounded. The explosion closed the R71 and sent flames racing down the mountainside, dangerously close to Warriors Camp. 'I am not sure what happened, and I hope the driver escaped,' she added. Later information revealed that the driver had managed to get away without injury. Emergency services – Letaba Fire Protection Association, Tzaneen Fire Brigade, SARZA Limpopo, Disaster Management and the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team – descended on the area swiftly, battling both flames and treacherous terrain. By 04:30, teams were still working to contain the blaze. But accessing the actual site of the explosion remained too risky. Staff from Warriors Camp rushed toward the scene despite not knowing the extent of the danger. 'They ran to assist, not knowing what they were heading to,' Rene said. Others stayed back, preparing spray cans and water to defend their homes against the advancing fire. By morning, the flames had subsided, replaced by the blinking lights of emergency crews. But for Rene, the emotional fire still raged. 'I'm sure I'll crash and fall asleep this afternoon,' she said. 'Just too much adrenaline released. Survival instinct.' Local WhatsApp groups say that the driver lost control of the truck when the brakes failed. Authorities have since confirmed that the R71 will remain closed until further notice as investigations continue, but one thing is clear: for those who witnessed the devastation up close it was hours of fire and fear, but also courage. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
