Category: NEWS

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Bob Mackie, the celebrated fashion and costume designer whose dazzling creations helped define some of the most memorable looks in television, music and Hollywood, has died at the age of 87.

Mackie died Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:40 a.m. in Palm Springs, California. His representative confirmed that he died of pneumonia . His death was announced through his official social-media account, prompting an immediate wave of tributes from performers, colleagues and admirers who recognized his extraordinary influence on American entertainment and fashion.

In a statement released on his official Instagram handle, his team shared: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world” .

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, Mackie built a career that stretched across more than six decades . He became one of the most recognizable costume designers in entertainment, celebrated for his use of sequins, rhinestones, feathers, dramatic silhouettes and theatrical glamour.

Mackie was born into a middle-class family and discovered his passion for design at an early age. He once said that becoming a fashion and costume designer was “all he ever wanted to do” . That singular focus would propel him to become one of the most influential and prolific designers in entertainment history.

The Cher Partnership: Defining an Icon

His name became particularly synonymous with Cher, for whom he created some of the singer’s most unforgettable stage and television costumes. His designs helped shape Cher’s distinctive image throughout the 1970s and beyond .

Mackie and Cher’s creative partnership began when she guest-starred on The Carol Burnett Show. He later served as costume designer for The Sonny and Cher Show and Cher’s subsequent solo variety series. Reflecting on their first meeting, Mackie recalled: “I thought she would be kind of sullen. She wasn’t at all. She was delightful and cute and a little Audrey Hepburn-esque kind of girl” .

Their collaboration produced some of the most iconic fashion moments in entertainment history. Mackie created the famous “naked dress” Cher wore to the 1974 Met Gala — a sheer beaded gown with white feathered sleeves and skirt that landed her on the cover of Time magazine . He designed her shocking 1986 Academy Awards “revenge” outfit — a Mohawk headdress and beaded spiderweb gown worn after she was snubbed for a nomination for Mask .

Cher explained in the 2024 documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion: “I didn’t get nominated for a movie that everyone thought I would actually win for — so was dressing that night for a kind of revenge” .

Mackie told the BBC in 2010 that when Cher started out she “looked like no-one else in the entertainment business at the time” and that “everybody just went crazy over this woman as she could wear anything” . Cher was widely reported to be the first woman to show her belly button on US television — and Mackie’s designs were pivotal to that cultural milestone .

The Carol Burnett Show: A Legendary Collaboration

His partnership with Carol Burnett became one of the defining relationships of his career. Mackie designed costumes for The Carol Burnett Show throughout its entire eleven-year run, producing an extraordinary number of looks for the performers and creating outfits that became inseparable from the show’s most famous comedy sketches .

The sheer volume of his work on the show was staggering. According to Burnett, Mackie created approximately 17,000 costumes for the series . He designed for Burnett, the show’s dancers, guest stars, and the entire cast of performers, producing 65 to 70 costumes per week for the show alone, plus an additional 10 to 20 pieces for other Hollywood clients .

Among his best-known creations was Burnett’s curtain dress from the celebrated “Went With the Wind!” parody — a wild spoof of the 1939 film classic Gone with the Wind. The costume included a brass curtain rod balanced on Burnett’s shoulders and a hat fashioned from a valance . Burnett’s character, Starlett O’Hara, famously remarked: “I saw it in a window and just couldn’t resist it” .

The costume is now part of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History collection, a testament to its enduring cultural significance . It was a gift from Bob Mackie himself .

Burnett said of Mackie’s method: “He had just a few days to conceive the costumes and get them made, which kept him busy” . Mackie himself explained his approach: “When I am designing for people, I take into consideration their personalities. I try to enhance what exists” .

Hollywood History: The Marilyn Monroe Dress

Mackie also left his mark on Hollywood history through his work for Marilyn Monroe. He was involved in designing the famous dress Monroe wore while singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962 — an image that would become one of the most recognizable moments in American popular culture .

The bedazzled, form-fitting gown was sketched by Mackie and became an indelible part of entertainment history .

A Career of Accolades

Throughout his career, Mackie earned major recognition for his work. He was nominated for 32 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning nine . He won a Tony Award in 2019 for his costume design on The Cher Show, a Broadway musical featuring recreations of the looks he designed for his longtime collaborator .

He also received three Academy Award nominations for costume design: for Lady Sings the Blues, Funny Lady (featuring Barbra Streisand’s sheer batwing gown), and Pennies From Heaven . He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2002 .

Mackie’s creative work extended beyond television and stage costumes into fashion collections, collectible dolls, and Barbie doll clothes .

A Career of Extraordinary Range

Mackie’s influence extended far beyond Cher and Burnett. He worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Bette Midler and many others .

For Elton John, Mackie created the classic sequined Los Angeles Dodgers uniform concert costume . John said in tribute: “Every time I put something on that Bob made, I felt very, very special. His costumes were works of art, and he will go down as one of the most legendary designers ever in Hollywood.” He praised Mackie’s “extraordinary vision” and “unreal” workmanship, adding: “In a sea of ego, he seemed to have none. One of the most courteous, incredible people I ever had the pleasure of working with” .

He also designed gowns for Madonna, Sharon Stone, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and concert costumes for Pink . His archival pieces continue to be worn today by the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy, Miley Cyrus and Zendaya, the latter wearing a Mackie gown to honor Cher at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony .

Television and Film Credits

Mackie’s television and film work was extensive. Beyond The Carol Burnett Show and The Sonny and Cher Show, he created costumes for:

· Carol Burnett in the revue Putting It Together
· Debbie Reynolds in Debbie (1976)
· Liza Minnelli in Minnelli on Minnelli (1999)
· The cast of The Cher Show on Broadway

His recent appearance on Hacks in May 2026 — in the final season episode titled “Montecito” — demonstrated that his name and creative legacy remained relevant to a new generation of performers and audiences . In the episode, Mackie appeared alongside Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance, who was attempting to track down a jumpsuit the designer had originally made for Carol Burnett .

Tributes Pour In

Tributes poured in following news of Mackie’s death.

Carol Burnett, his longtime friend and collaborator, described the loss as deeply painful while praising Mackie’s rare ability to succeed both as a fashion designer and a costume designer. “Sadness doesn’t come close to how I feel. I loved him very much,” Burnett said. “As for his genius, there are fashion designers who don’t do costumes and there are costume designers who don’t do fashion. Bob did it all. There was no one like him” .

Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center, told Fox News: “Throughout his extraordinary body of work, Bob Mackie understood the unique power of costume in comedy — to help create a character and become part of the creative energy that drove the comedy itself.” She added: “His work with Carol Burnett and the ensemble of ‘The Carol Burnett Show,’ with Cher starting with ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,’ as well as with Joan Rivers, Bette Midler and Lucille Ball, helped shape some of comedy’s most memorable moments on television and stage” .

The Television Academy honored Mackie during the In Memoriam segment of the 2026 Emmy Awards, with Noah Kahan performing Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” .

Legacy and Impact

Mackie’s influence was never limited to clothing. His designs encouraged performers to embrace spectacle, individuality and confidence. He understood that a costume could become part of a performer’s identity, transforming an appearance into an unforgettable cultural moment.

He was known by nicknames that captured his aesthetic: “The Sultan of Sequins” and “The Rajah of Rhinestones” . Dubbed the “Designer to the Stars,” his visually provocative Hollywood style defined glamour for the 1970s .

For generations of viewers, Mackie’s work became part of the visual language of American entertainment. His creations could be glamorous, humorous, provocative or deliberately outrageous, but they were rarely ordinary.

Reflecting on his career in 2022, Mackie told Town & Country: “I’ve had a really long career and dressed a lot of really fabulous people. I’m not bragging, it’s just the way it worked out” .

In a 1999 interview with the Associated Press, he explained his philosophy: “The outfits are sometimes mistaken for fashion, but they’re costumes like for a character in a play. I want people to have fun. I want people to say ‘Wasn’t that interesting?’ or ‘Wasn’t that wild?’” .

In 2017, he told Vogue: “Nothing is very interesting anymore. You just keep seeing the same thing over and over again and there are no surprises. Unfortunately, you don’t see much fashion anymore” .

Surviving Family

Bob Mackie is survived by his granddaughter Alyssa Townsend, his great-granddaughters Kyla and Keira Townsend, and his former wife, Lulu Porter .

Key Career Highlights at a Glance

Achievement Detail
Born March 24, 1939, Monterey Park, California
Died September 14, 2026, Palm Springs, California
Cause of death Pneumonia
Primetime Emmy Awards 9 wins from 32 nominations
Tony Award 1 win (The Cher Show, 2019)
Academy Award nominations 3 (Lady Sings the Blues, Funny Lady, Pennies From Heaven)
Hall of Fame Television Academy Hall of Fame (2002)
Most famous creation Carol Burnett’s “curtain dress” from “Went With the Wind!”
Most iconic Cher look 1986 Oscars “revenge” outfit with Mohawk headdress
Smithsonian collection “Miss Starlett” curtain dress

What We Know

· Bob Mackie died September 14, 2026, at 10:40 a.m. in Palm Springs, California
· His representative confirmed the cause of death was pneumonia
· He was 87 years old
· His death was announced on his official Instagram account
· He won 9 Emmy Awards from 32 nominations, a Tony Award, and received 3 Oscar nominations
· He was best known for his work with Cher, Carol Burnett, and Marilyn Monroe
· The Television Academy honored him during the 2026 Emmy Awards In Memoriam segment
· He is survived by granddaughter Alyssa Townsend, great-granddaughters Kyla and Keira Townsend, and former wife Lulu Porter

What We Don’t Know

· The specific circumstances of his death beyond the confirmed cause of pneumonia
· Whether a public memorial service will be held
· The full extent of his final projects or unreleased designs

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — A 98-year-old woman was killed Tuesday morning after police said she drove through a stop sign and was struck by a truck on Route 8 in Brady Township, Butler County.

Helen Schubert of West Sunbury was identified as the victim of the two-vehicle crash, which occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the intersection of Route 8 and Duffy Road, according to a public information release report from the Pennsylvania State Police.

How the Crash Happened

According to investigators, the crash unfolded when Schubert was driving her Subaru Legacy west on Duffy Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with Route 8.

Police said Schubert pulled out in front of a Freightliner truck driven by a 55-year-old man from Ambridge. The truck braked and struck the sedan, and both vehicles went off the road. The truck then hit a telephone pole, troopers said.

The impact caused both vehicles to sustain disabling damage, and both had to be towed from the scene.

Victim and Driver Details

Helen Schubert, 98, of West Sunbury, was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Freightliner, a 55-year-old man from Ambridge, was also wearing a seat belt, according to police. He suffered minor injuries and was not taken to the hospital.

The name of the truck driver has not been released by authorities.

Location and Response

The crash occurred at the intersection of Route 8 and Duffy Road in Brady Township, Butler County. Pennsylvania State Police were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Route 8 is a major north-south highway that runs through Butler County, and the intersection with Duffy Road is a rural crossing that sees a mix of local traffic and commercial truck traffic.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail Information
Victim Helen Schubert, 98, of West Sunbury, Pa.
Victim’s vehicle Subaru Legacy
Other driver 55-year-old man from Ambridge, Pa.
Other vehicle Freightliner truck
Date Tuesday
Time Approximately 11:30 a.m.
Location Route 8 at Duffy Road, Brady Township, Butler County
Cause Schubert failed to stop at stop sign, pulled in front of truck
Seat belts Both drivers were wearing seat belts
Victim’s injuries Fatal
Truck driver’s injuries Minor; not hospitalized
Vehicle damage Both vehicles disabled and towed
Investigating agency Pennsylvania State Police

What We Know

· Helen Schubert, 98, of West Sunbury, was driving a Subaru Legacy west on Duffy Road
· She failed to stop at the stop sign at Route 8, according to Pennsylvania State Police
· She pulled out in front of a Freightliner driven by a 55-year-old man from Ambridge
· The truck braked but struck the sedan; both vehicles went off the road
· The truck hit a telephone pole
· Schubert was wearing a seat belt but died at the scene
· The truck driver was wearing a seat belt and suffered minor injuries; he was not taken to the hospital
· Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene
· Pennsylvania State Police are investigating

What We Don’t Know

· Whether speed or other factors contributed to the crash
· Whether Schubert may have suffered a medical emergency before the crash
· The name of the truck driver
· Whether any charges will be filed
· The exact time of death

About the Location

Brady Township is a small municipality in Butler County, Pennsylvania, located northwest of the city of Butler. Route 8 is a key arterial road that connects the region to Interstate 80 and other major routes. The intersection at Duffy Road is a rural crossing where local roads meet the highway, and stop signs control traffic entering Route 8 from Duffy Road.

West Sunbury is a small borough in Butler County, located a few miles north of Brady Township. It is a rural community with a population of fewer than 200 residents.

Community Impact

The death of a 98-year-old woman in a traffic crash is a sobering reminder of the risks faced by older drivers and the importance of intersection safety. While the investigation is ongoing, the case highlights the challenges that can arise when elderly drivers encounter high-speed traffic at rural intersections.

Safety Reminders

Pennsylvania State Police remind drivers of all ages to:

· Always come to a complete stop at stop signs
· Look both ways before entering an intersection
· Be aware of commercial truck traffic on rural highways
· Wear a seat belt at all times
· Consider whether age-related changes in vision, reaction time, or cognition may affect driving ability

Investigation Status

The crash remains under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police. No additional information has been released at this time.

Michael Pulliam Murder Charge: 72-Year-Old Houston, Alaska Man Accused of Fatally Shooting Devin Blawat, 43, During Camper Gathering

HOUSTON, Alaska (KTUU) — A 72-year-old Houston, Alaska man is facing a second-degree murder charge after authorities say he shot and killed a 43-year-old Big Lake man during a gathering at his property Monday night, then fired several more rounds toward other people at the scene.

Michael Pulliam was arrested and booked into the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, one count of third-degree assault, and one count of fourth-degree assault. The victim has been identified as Devin Blawat, 43, of Big Lake, Alaska.

The Southcentral Major Crimes Unit is handling the case, and Alaska State Troopers say the investigation is ongoing. Next of kin have been notified.

How the Shooting Unfolded

According to a charging affidavit filed by Alaska State Troopers, the events that led to Blawat’s death began earlier on Monday evening at a nearby residence.

Pulliam, who was described as heavily intoxicated, encountered Blawat along with two other individuals — Stephanie Flanders and Timothy Jensen — around a neighboring residence. Pulliam invited the group back to his trailer for barbecue ribs.

Witnesses told investigators that once the group arrived at Pulliam’s property, his mood soured quickly. He repeatedly told Flanders she was “the devil,” that she was “worthless,” and that she should die, according to the affidavit.

Jensen told investigators he heard Flanders yell out in pain after Pulliam squeezed her hand.

Despite the outbursts, the group continued with the evening’s activities, with Blawat grilling and others tending a fire, according to the affidavit.

The Fatal Shots

Flanders had briefly left the gathering to retrieve firewood when Jensen told investigators he heard a single gunshot and saw Blawat fall. Moments later, four to five more rapid shots rang out, which Jensen said he believed were aimed at him. He ran from the property, shouting for others to stay away because Pulliam had shot Blawat, the affidavit states.

Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a shooting in the area of West King John Drive at about 9:08 p.m. Monday.

Arriving officers found bystanders already holding down Michael Pulliam, who witnesses identified as the shooter. Troopers wrote that Pulliam was visibly intoxicated and had trouble walking on his own.

Devin Blawat was found unresponsive at the scene. A woman was performing CPR on him when troopers arrived; they took over the effort, but Blawat did not show signs of life and was pronounced dead.

Neighbor Intervention

A neighbor went toward the property despite warnings to stay back and found Pulliam sitting on the steps of his camper holding a handgun. According to the affidavit, Pulliam told the neighbor, “I shot him, I shot him,” and confirmed Blawat was the person he had shot.

The neighbor took the gun from Pulliam after Pulliam briefly raised it, then secured it. The neighbor then restrained Pulliam and checked on Blawat, who had a faint pulse and briefly gripped the neighbor’s hand before losing consciousness, according to the affidavit.

Shifting Statements and Intoxication

Investigators wrote that Pulliam’s statements at the scene shifted repeatedly between admission and confusion. He said “he better be dead” and “that [expletive] better be dead,” then moments later asked, “Did I do that? Did I shoot him? Who shot him?”

After troopers read Pulliam his Miranda rights, he told them he hadn’t seen Blawat in years before that night and claimed Blawat “started this” and had hurt him, though he could not elaborate, according to the affidavit. He also said he’d been threatened but could not say by whom.

In a later interview at the Mat-Su West Trooper Post, Pulliam told investigators he had been drinking Long Island iced teas and vodka, and said he did not remember exactly what happened, according to the affidavit. He told investigators at different points that he had shot Blawat because Blawat “always messes with knives,” then said he didn’t know what had happened to him.

Investigators noted Pulliam’s statements were erratic and inconsistent throughout the interview. When asked whether his intoxication played a role in the shooting, he said no.

Investigators also documented fresh cuts on Pulliam’s hands, which he suggested may have happened when Blawat “possibly cut his hands with the knives he often played with,” the affidavit states.

Prior Incident and Warning Signs

Another witness told investigators that Pulliam had repeatedly yelled “bark” before the shots were fired — something the witness said was a known behavior of Pulliam’s when he was drunk and looking to become violent.

That same witness told investigators that about a month earlier, Pulliam had raised the same firearm at him during a separate dispute. The witness said he never reported that incident to troopers because he didn’t have a phone at the time.

Evidence Recovered

Troopers say three .40-caliber shell casings were recovered near the entrance to Pulliam’s RV. A Glock 23 semi-automatic handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered at the scene.

Charges Filed

Michael Pulliam was arrested on the following charges:

Charge Description
Second-degree murder Intentional killing without premeditation
Manslaughter Unlawful killing without malice
Third-degree assault Assault causing fear of imminent serious injury
Fourth-degree assault Reckless assault

He was booked into Mat-Su Pretrial Facility.

Investigation Status

The Southcentral Major Crimes Unit is handling the case. Alaska State Troopers say the investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time. Next of kin have been notified.

Key Individuals Named in This Case

· Michael Pulliam — 72-year-old suspect from Houston, Alaska
· Devin Blawat — 43-year-old victim from Big Lake, Alaska
· Stephanie Flanders — witness and gathering attendee
· Timothy Jensen — witness and gathering attendee

Location Details

The shooting occurred in the area of West King John Drive in Houston, Alaska. Houston is a small community in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, approximately 60 miles north of Anchorage. The Mat-Su West Trooper Post is handling the initial investigation, with the Southcentral Major Crimes Unit leading the case.

What We Know

· Michael Pulliam, 72, of Houston, Alaska, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Devin Blawat, 43, of Big Lake
· The shooting occurred Monday night at approximately 9:08 p.m. on West King John Drive
· Pulliam was allegedly intoxicated and had invited Blawat and two others to his camper for barbecue before his mood turned violent
· Witnesses say Pulliam verbally attacked Stephanie Flanders before shooting Blawat
· Pulliam fired additional rounds toward Timothy Jensen, who fled the scene
· A neighbor disarmed and restrained Pulliam until troopers arrived
· Three .40-caliber shell casings and a Glock 23 handgun were recovered
· Pulliam faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, third-degree assault, and fourth-degree assault
· The Southcentral Major Crimes Unit is investigating

What We Don’t Know

· The specific motive for the shooting
· Whether Pulliam has prior criminal convictions
· The exact timeline between the first and subsequent shots
· Whether additional charges may be filed
· The status of the other individuals present at the gathering

Community Impact

The shooting has shocked the small Mat-Su Borough community of Houston, Alaska, a town of roughly 2,000 residents located along the Parks Highway. The case highlights ongoing concerns about alcohol-related violence in rural Alaska communities.

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or domestic violence, resources are available:

· Alaska State Troopers: 907-352-5401
· National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
· SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Tashley Gateley Murder Investigation: Suspect William Ralph Grundy Dies in Fiery I-35 Crash After High-Speed Pursuit

PLANO, Texas — The Plano Police Department has identified the victim in a deadly shooting investigation as Tashley Gateley, a 32-year-old woman from Plano, Texas. The suspect, identified as William Ralph Grundy, a 31-year-old man from Dallas, Texas, was described by authorities as the ex-boyfriend of the victim .

The case came to a dramatic conclusion on September 14, 2026, when Grundy died following a high-speed pursuit and fiery crash along Interstate 35 in Denton County. The sequence of events began with a tragic shooting at a Plano residence and ended with a vehicle engulfed in flames near the Cooke County line .

The Fatal Shooting on Lakestream Drive

On September 13, 2026, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Plano Police Officers and Plano Fire-Rescue personnel were dispatched to a shooting incident in the 1100 block of Lakestream Drive, near Parker Road and Alma Drive in central Plano .

Upon officers’ arrival, entry was made into the residence where Tashley Gateley was found to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Plano Fire-Rescue personnel declared her deceased at the scene .

Additional family members were located inside the home at the time of the shooting but were not harmed, according to police . The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle prior to officers’ arrival .

Because the suspect and victim were known to each other based on the information obtained, this incident appeared isolated. Authorities stated there were no public safety concerns at the time of the initial investigation .

Surveillance and Arrest Warrant

Following the shooting, Plano Detectives worked through the night to identify and locate the suspect. They were able to locate a grey Dodge Charger belonging to William Ralph Grundy at a hotel in a neighboring city .

Surveillance on the vehicle was established while detectives awaited the issuance of an arrest warrant. The warrant for Murder was signed on September 14, 2026 .

The High-Speed Pursuit

On September 14, 2026, at approximately 9:50 a.m., Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers assisted the Plano Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service in conducting a traffic stop on the Dodge Charger driven by William Ralph Grundy .

DPS Troopers initiated a traffic stop on the northbound lanes of I-35 near Sanger, Texas. The driver refused to stop, leading to a pursuit .

During the pursuit, the suspect fired shots toward the pursuing law enforcement officers. No officers were struck or seriously injured during the exchange of gunfire .

The Fiery Crash

The pursuit concluded near the Cooke/Denton County line when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into the center median. Shortly after the crash, the vehicle caught fire .

The Sanger Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire, which also sparked a grass fire in the highway median. The grass fire and the burning vehicle prompted authorities to close traffic in both directions on I-35 for several hours .

William Ralph Grundy was pronounced deceased at the scene. At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not determined whether the suspect died from injuries sustained in the crash, from the gunfire exchange, or from the fire itself. The vehicle was described as “destroyed by fire” in aerial footage captured by news helicopters .

Multi-Agency Response and Investigation

The incident drew a significant law enforcement response from multiple agencies. The Valley View Police Department was called at approximately 10 a.m. to assist with the pursuit as it moved northbound through Denton County .

The Texas Rangers have been assigned to investigate the case. The Texas Rangers, a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, typically handle investigations involving officer-involved shootings and other complex incidents requiring independent oversight .

Plano Police spokesperson Jerry Minton told the Denton Record-Chronicle that the driver’s identity was not officially confirmed until the medical examiner could make a final determination. “We can’t say for 100% who the person is,” Minton said at the time .

No law enforcement officers were seriously injured or killed during the incident, according to Valley View police .

Timeline of Events

Date & Time Event
Sept. 13, 2026, 10:15 p.m. Plano Police respond to shooting on Lakestream Drive; Tashley Gateley found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced deceased
Sept. 13–14, 2026 (overnight) Plano Detectives locate suspect vehicle at hotel; surveillance established
Sept. 14, 2026 Arrest warrant for Murder signed for William Ralph Grundy
Sept. 14, 2026, ~9:50 a.m. DPS Troopers attempt traffic stop on I-35 near Sanger; suspect fires at officers and flees
Sept. 14, 2026, ~10:00 a.m. Pursuit continues northbound on I-35 into Denton County
Sept. 14, 2026, ~10:00–10:30 a.m. Suspect vehicle crashes near Cooke/Denton County line; vehicle catches fire; suspect pronounced deceased
Sept. 14, 2026, ~2:07 p.m. I-35 reopens after several hours of closure

Community Impact and Traffic Disruption

The pursuit and crash caused significant traffic disruption along a major North Texas corridor. Northbound lanes of I-35 were closed for several hours, with traffic backed up approximately five miles to exit 477. Southbound lanes were also affected as authorities processed the scene .

The highway remained closed while law enforcement investigated the scene and cleared the wreckage. Southbound lanes reopened shortly after noon, and northbound lanes reopened shortly after 2 p.m. .

Neighbors React to Shooting

Neighbors in the typically quiet Plano neighborhood expressed shock at the violence that occurred on their street. FOX 4 News spoke with residents who described the family that lived in the home where the shooting occurred as having moved in just a couple of months prior .

One neighbor, Paul Teixeira, recounted being approached by police during the investigation. “When I came outside I saw the commotion down the road. I already saw them blocked down the road,” Teixeira said. “Later on a cop came and basically asked me if we had seen anything and if anything was captured on the Ring. We didn’t see anything, so not much information I could provide him. The only thing they mentioned is that they were looking for a car that had gone by. I think they mentioned a Dodge Charger, but that was all the information I had” .

Neighbors noted that children frequently played in a backyard pool at the residence, making the violent incident all the more disturbing to the community .

The Victims and Suspect

Tashley Gateley, 32, was a resident of Plano, Texas. Her identity was initially withheld pending notification of next of kin, but was later released by the Plano Police Department .

William Ralph Grundy, 31, was a resident of Dallas, Texas. He was identified by authorities as the ex-boyfriend of Gateley. The relationship between the two was confirmed by police as a domestic situation .

The case is being investigated as a domestic violence homicide, with the suspect and victim having a prior relationship that ended before the fatal shooting.

Official Statements

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety provided the following statement regarding the pursuit: “On September 14, 2026, at approximately 9:50 a.m., Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers assisted the Plano Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service in conducting a traffic stop on a Dodge Charger driven by a murder suspect. DPS Troopers initiated a traffic stop on the northbound lanes of I-35 near Sanger. The driver refused to stop, leading to a pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect fired shots toward the pursuing law enforcement officers. The pursuit concluded near the Cooke/Denton County line when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into the center median. Shortly after the crash, the vehicle caught fire. The Sanger Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Texas Rangers are investigating this case. This investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available.”

The Plano Police Department stated that the incident is currently under investigation by the Crimes Against Persons Unit, with the Texas Rangers leading the investigation into the pursuit and death of the suspect.

Domestic Violence Resources

This case serves as a reminder of the dangers of domestic violence. In Texas, victims of domestic violence can access resources through:

· National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
· Texas Council on Family Violence: 1-800-525-1978
· Plano Police Department Victim Services: Available to assist victims and families

What We Know

· Tashley Gateley, 32, of Plano, was fatally shot on September 13, 2026, at a residence on Lakestream Drive
· William Ralph Grundy, 31, of Dallas, was identified as the suspect and ex-boyfriend of the victim
· Grundy died on September 14, 2026, following a high-speed pursuit on I-35 that ended in a fiery crash near the Cooke/Denton County line
· Grundy allegedly fired at pursuing DPS Troopers during the chase
· The Texas Rangers are investigating the pursuit and the suspect’s death
· No law enforcement officers were seriously injured
· The Plano Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is handling the homicide investigation

What We Don’t Know

· The exact cause of Grundy’s death (whether from crash injuries, gunfire, or the fire)
· Whether additional charges would have been filed had the suspect survived
· The specific circumstances that led to the shooting on Lakestream Drive
· Whether the suspect had any prior criminal history related to domestic violence

Investigation Status

This investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time. The Texas Rangers, Plano Police Department, and other involved agencies continue to work the case. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Reports concerning the death of Easton Johnson have prompted significant interest from people searching for obituary and memorial information. However, available records indicate that more than one person has been identified by that name, making it critically important to separate confirmed historical records from any newer reports before attributing personal details to the correct individual.

One publicly documented obituary concerns Easton Michael Johnson of Paw Paw, Michigan, who died on September 15, 2023, at the age of 12. The published obituary provides detailed information about his young life, family, and involvement in youth baseball. This article serves to preserve and share the documented record of his life while emphasizing the importance of identity verification when names are shared by multiple individuals.

Who Was Easton Michael Johnson?

The documented Michigan obituary identifies Easton Michael Johnson as the son of Jimmy and Kelsie (Costello) Johnson. He was born on January 5, 2011, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and attended Paw Paw Middle School in Paw Paw, Michigan .

Easton passed away on September 15, 2023, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. While his life was brief, the obituary describes a young person whose family and friends remembered him through his interests, relationships, and involvement in sports. His story remains part of the public record concerning an Easton Johnson who died in 2023.

The obituary paints a vivid picture of a child who left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He was described as having a confidence that was contagious, drawing people in through his natural wit and one-liners that made it nearly impossible to win an argument. His signature bleached blonde hair and pink cleats expressed his unique personality, and his unforgettable dimples were specifically mentioned as a defining feature .

Remembered Through Baseball

Baseball was an important part of Easton‘s life. He played youth baseball as a pitcher and third baseman for the BTLA Canes, where he was well known among the travel baseball community as a standout player .

His family and teammates remembered his enthusiasm for the sport and the role baseball played in his childhood. For young athletes, participation in sports often creates friendships that extend beyond the playing field. Easton‘s involvement with his team therefore became another part of the memories his family and teammates continue to associate with him.

The obituary specifically highlighted that Easton was known by several affectionate nicknames, including “Javi,” “Big E,” and “EJ.” These names reflected the familiarity and affection he shared with those around him, from family members to teammates, coaches, and friends .

Family Memories and Relationships

Easton‘s family also remembered the close relationship he shared with his brother, Maverick, who was described as his best friend. The obituary emphasized that the time Easton loved most was spent with Maverick, highlighting the special bond between the brothers .

Those family relationships form an important part of the obituary‘s account of his life. Beyond formal details such as his school and baseball activities, these personal connections provide a picture of how Easton was known within his family and community.

The obituary described Easton as someone whose confidence was contagious in a way that drew people in. This was evident by the number of friendships he made with teachers, coaches, parents, physicians, and teammates. His natural wit and one-liners made it impossible to win an argument with him, a trait that those who knew him best remembered with fondness .

Personal Interests and Passions

Easton‘s interests extended well beyond baseball. The published obituary notes that he was a diehard Miami Dolphins fan and an Alabama football fan. He was also an admirer of mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor .

These interests may seem like small details, but they can become especially meaningful when families remember a young person who died unexpectedly. For those who knew Easton Michael Johnson, his personality was reflected not only in his athletic activities but also in the things he enjoyed following and discussing.

The combination of his sports fandom, his distinctive appearance with bleached blonde hair and pink cleats, and his quick wit created a complete picture of a young person who was truly one of a kind. His family remembered him as a one-of-a-kind kid whose legacy would continue through the people who knew and loved him .

Obituary Details at a Glance

Detail Information
Name Easton Michael Johnson
Location Paw Paw, Michigan
Date of birth January 5, 2011
Place of birth Kalamazoo, Michigan
Age at death 12
Date of death September 15, 2023
Place of death Bronson Methodist Hospital
School Paw Paw Middle School
Baseball position Pitcher and third baseman
Team BTLA Canes
Brother Maverick
Nicknames “Big E,” “EJ,” and “Javi”
Cause of death Not stated

Surviving Family Members

Easton is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Kelsie Johnson, and his brother, Maverick. His surviving grandparents include Jim and Nancy Johnson and Mike and Michelle Costello. His great-grandmothers were Ruth Ann Dobler and Adriana “Mick” Henwood .

He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Travis Johnson, Marcus Johnson, Dusten Johnson, Tara (Tom) Motycka, and Troy (Dalynda) Costello. His cousins include Dylan, Bryce, Brock, Caden, and Cora .

The extensive list of surviving family members demonstrates the large network of people who knew and loved Easton during his twelve years of life.

Funeral Services and Memorial Information

Funeral arrangements for Easton were held in September 2023. Visitation took place on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, located at 3926 South 9th Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan .

His funeral service followed on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Kalamazoo First Assembly of God, located at 5550 Oakland Drive in Portage, Michigan. Rev. David Barringer officiated the service .

The family made a special request that those attending the service wear their favorite sports team jersey in Easton’s honor. Friends and family were also invited to gather at Paw Paw Youth Baseball Field later that afternoon at 2:00 PM, with the family requesting that attendees bring a chair .

Instead of flowers, the family requested donations toward a future memorial honoring Easton. Those wishing to plant a tree in Easton‘s memory were directed to the Sympathy Store through the funeral home’s website .

Easton Johnson Death: 2023 Record Should Not Be Confused With a Newer Report

The documented death of Easton Michael Johnson occurred in 2023. If a newer report concerns another person named Easton Johnson, the existing Michigan obituary does not by itself establish that the two individuals are the same person.

No reliable information currently available in the material provided establishes the identity of a potentially newer Easton Johnson death report. As a result, details such as a newer person‘s age, location, cause of death, circumstances, or family should not be taken from the 2023 Michigan obituary.

Why Identity Verification Matters

Names shared by multiple people can create significant problems when obituary information begins circulating online. A photograph, occupation, location, family detail, or previous obituary belonging to one individual can easily be incorrectly attached to another person.

The case of Easton Johnson illustrates why it is essential to verify identity through multiple data points before attributing personal details to the correct individual. When searching for obituary information, it is important to cross-reference:

· Full legal name (including middle name when available)
· Date of birth
· Location (city and state)
· Family member names
· School or workplace
· Specific dates and circumstances

In Easton Michael Johnson‘s case, the combination of his full name, Paw Paw location, January 5, 2011 birth date, September 15, 2023 death date, and the names of his parents and brother create a unique identifier that distinguishes this record from any other individual who might share the name Easton Johnson.

The Importance of Accurate Obituary Information

Obituaries serve as public records that help communities mourn and remember those who have died. When information becomes confused or misattributed, it can cause additional pain to grieving families and create misinformation that spreads through social media and search engines.

For families who have lost a loved one, the accuracy of obituary information is deeply personal. The obituary of Easton Michael Johnson was published through the Kalamazoo Gazette and Legacy.com, as well as through Langeland Family Funeral Homes, providing multiple verified sources for the information .

Those seeking information about an Easton Johnson obituary should rely on these established sources and carefully verify that the details match the individual they are searching for.

Legacy of a Young Life

Easton Michael Johnson‘s obituary continues to remember a young baseball player, sports fan, brother, and friend whose life ended far too soon. His family and community continue to honor the memories he created during his 12 years.

The obituary‘s closing sentiment captures the essence of how Easton was remembered: “His legacy will live on, he will always be remembered as a one-of-a-kind kid, just like those unforgettable dimples” .

For those who knew him, Easton was more than just a name on a memorial page. He was a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend who made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. His story, as documented in his obituary, serves as a testament to the brief but meaningful life he lived.