Latest news with #Columbo
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
New trial ordered for former Boston police officer convicted of driving drunk
The trial judge should have held a hearing before deciding to dismiss the juror, the panel ruled. A spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden said Friday the office will make a decision on whether to retry Columbo after it reviews the ruling. (Columbo's trial was handled by the Essex District Attorney's office due to conflict of interest concerns) Columbo's attorney, John T. Diamond III, did not return a request for comment. Advertisement Columbo was convicted of one count of operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily injury and two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, records show. He was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Peter B. Kruppto serve two-and-a-half years in the House of Correction in 2022. It wasn't immediately clear from court records if Columbo has served that sentence. While granting Columbo a new trial, the appeals panel judges rejected the defense's claim that there was not enough evidence to convict him of any crime. Advertisement 'Ample evidence enabled jurors to conclude that alcohol diminished the defendant's ability to operate his vehicle safely,' they wrote. 'He consumed alcohol in the hours preceding the crash, he approached an intersection at high speed, he drove at a speed that exceeded the speed limit, he failed to yield to a vehicle passing through an intersection, he failed to apply the brakes before the crash, he smelled of alcohol, and his blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit.' According to court records, Columbo purchased a 30 pack of beer and began drinking with other officers at the Youth Violence Strike Force's office around 11:45 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Around 3 a.m. on New Year's Day, he got into his Ford F-150 and within 20 minutes crashed into another vehicle in Dorchester after driving into an intersection at 65 miles per hour, according to court records. The driver was injured and a passenger sustained catastrophic injuries and had to learn to walk, talk, and read again, according to court records. Columbo had a blood alcohol level of .11 and .12 during post-crash testing, which is above the legal limit of .08, records show. state's police oversight agency in 2023, records show. John R. Ellement can be reached at
The South African
12-06-2025
- General
- The South African
Elephant Seal hauls out along Garden Route
An Elephant Seal, named Bossie, is currently resting on the shoreline between Bayview Beach and Diaz Beach in Mossel Bay. According to the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) Facebook page, he arrived this week. The Facebook post, uploaded on Wednesday, stated: 'We would like to inform the public that an adult elephant seal, named Bossie, is currently resting on the shoreline between Bayview Beach and Diaz Beach. 'S.M.A.R.T. was alerted to his arrival yesterday, and our team has been actively monitoring Bossie ever since to ensure he remains safe and undisturbed during his stay. 'Today, as a precaution, Bossie received his first rabies vaccination. This was done to help protect him from the rabies virus currently present in Cape fur seals near Seal Island, which is close to where Bossie has hauled out. 'We kindly urge all members of the public walking in the area to: Keep dogs on leashes at all times Avoid approaching or visiting the area where Bossie is resting 'Please help us protect this magnificent animal by giving him the space and quiet he needs. Your cooperation ensures his safety and well-being, and helps us continue our work in safeguarding our marine life. 'Thank you for your understanding and support!' Bossie's arrival follows hot on the heels (fins?) of Columbo who hauled out last week near Victoria Bay between George and Wilderness. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Mirror
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cheers star's cause of death exposed after sad sudden death
George Wendt died in his home at the age of 76 on May 20, and police have now released medical details Cheers legend George Wendt's cause of death has been revealed two weeks after the actor died suddenly in his sleep at the age of 76. According to a Los Angeles County Department of Public Health death certificate, Wendt died of a cardiac arrest on May 20. TMZ obtained the certificate, which also lists the underlying health conditions he had including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. End-stage renal disease, kidney failure, and hyperlipidemia (a condition involving high levels of fat in the blood) also could have contributed to his death. The certificate states that Wendt was pronounced dead at 10am on May 20, and he was cremated on May 28. Wendt was a fixture on American television for over a decade. He is best known for his role as Norm Peterson on NBC's Cheers, where he earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his portrayal of the cheerful barfly. The actor appeared in every episode of the long-running sitcom from 1982 to its finale in 1993 with his signature opening, "Afternoon everyone!" In a 2021 interview with Chicago Magazine, Wendt said: "Norm is just me with better writing. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of actors who could have delivered on the absolute gems that I was handed on a silver platter every Wednesday morning." Wendt's passing came just six months after he was seen looking frail while being wheeled out of a dialysis clinic in California on the exact anniversary of the Cheers finale. After the news of his death broke, he was flooded with tributes by fans and former co-stars. Ted Danson, who played bartender Sam Malone on the series, told People magazine: "I'm devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie." Wendt's family also released a public message, which read: "George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time." Cheers became a cultural phenomenon over its 11 season run, and won 28 Emmy Awards after 117 nominations. Although the first season's ratings were poor, the show went on to become a hit and is now one of the most acclaimed sitcoms in TV history. Wendt also had a diverse acting career beyond Cheers, with roles in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Columbo, Wings, and Saturday Night Live's Bill Swerski's Superfans sketches. He found his way into acting after being expelled from the University of Notre Dame because of his poor grades and getting a job sweeping theatre floors. The sitcom star married Bernadette Birkett, who voiced Norm's off-screen wife Vera on Cheers , in 1978 and the pair went on to have three children together. For the most part Wendt stayed out of the spotlight in his later years, but made a touching final appearance at the Emmy Awards with his Cheers castmates in January 2024.
The Advertiser
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Cheers star George Wendt's cause of death revealed
George Wendt's cause of death has been revealed. The Cheers star died on May 20 aged 76, and now TMZ has released his official cause of death as per the certificate obtained from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It lists the actor's cause of death as "cardiac arrest with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as underlying causes" and adds that "end-stage renal disease - kidney failure - and hyperlipidemia" were also contributing factors. Best known for his role as beer-swilling Norm Peterson on the hit NBC bar sitcom Cheers, Wendt had spoken candidly about the impact of the show on his life. He said in a past interview: "I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives." Born in 1948, Wendt became a household name throughout the run of Cheers, which was on air for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. Despite a rocky start with low ratings that nearly saw the show cancelled after its first season, the sitcom grew to become a defining sitcom of its era, spending eight of its remaining 10 seasons in the top 10 shows and peaking as the most-watched programme in its ninth season. The series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning 28 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series four times. Wendt was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993. Outside of Cheers, Wendt appeared in various television roles, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Columbo. Wendt was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers, since 1978. The couple had three children – a daughter and two sons. George Wendt's cause of death has been revealed. The Cheers star died on May 20 aged 76, and now TMZ has released his official cause of death as per the certificate obtained from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It lists the actor's cause of death as "cardiac arrest with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as underlying causes" and adds that "end-stage renal disease - kidney failure - and hyperlipidemia" were also contributing factors. Best known for his role as beer-swilling Norm Peterson on the hit NBC bar sitcom Cheers, Wendt had spoken candidly about the impact of the show on his life. He said in a past interview: "I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives." Born in 1948, Wendt became a household name throughout the run of Cheers, which was on air for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. Despite a rocky start with low ratings that nearly saw the show cancelled after its first season, the sitcom grew to become a defining sitcom of its era, spending eight of its remaining 10 seasons in the top 10 shows and peaking as the most-watched programme in its ninth season. The series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning 28 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series four times. Wendt was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993. Outside of Cheers, Wendt appeared in various television roles, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Columbo. Wendt was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers, since 1978. The couple had three children – a daughter and two sons. George Wendt's cause of death has been revealed. The Cheers star died on May 20 aged 76, and now TMZ has released his official cause of death as per the certificate obtained from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It lists the actor's cause of death as "cardiac arrest with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as underlying causes" and adds that "end-stage renal disease - kidney failure - and hyperlipidemia" were also contributing factors. Best known for his role as beer-swilling Norm Peterson on the hit NBC bar sitcom Cheers, Wendt had spoken candidly about the impact of the show on his life. He said in a past interview: "I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives." Born in 1948, Wendt became a household name throughout the run of Cheers, which was on air for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. Despite a rocky start with low ratings that nearly saw the show cancelled after its first season, the sitcom grew to become a defining sitcom of its era, spending eight of its remaining 10 seasons in the top 10 shows and peaking as the most-watched programme in its ninth season. The series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning 28 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series four times. Wendt was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993. Outside of Cheers, Wendt appeared in various television roles, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Columbo. Wendt was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers, since 1978. The couple had three children – a daughter and two sons. George Wendt's cause of death has been revealed. The Cheers star died on May 20 aged 76, and now TMZ has released his official cause of death as per the certificate obtained from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It lists the actor's cause of death as "cardiac arrest with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as underlying causes" and adds that "end-stage renal disease - kidney failure - and hyperlipidemia" were also contributing factors. Best known for his role as beer-swilling Norm Peterson on the hit NBC bar sitcom Cheers, Wendt had spoken candidly about the impact of the show on his life. He said in a past interview: "I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives." Born in 1948, Wendt became a household name throughout the run of Cheers, which was on air for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. Despite a rocky start with low ratings that nearly saw the show cancelled after its first season, the sitcom grew to become a defining sitcom of its era, spending eight of its remaining 10 seasons in the top 10 shows and peaking as the most-watched programme in its ninth season. The series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning 28 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series four times. Wendt was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993. Outside of Cheers, Wendt appeared in various television roles, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Columbo. Wendt was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers, since 1978. The couple had three children – a daughter and two sons.
7NEWS
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Cheers star George Wendt's cause of death revealed
George Wendt's cause of death has been revealed. The Cheers star died on May 20 aged 76, and now TMZ has released his official cause of death as per the certificate obtained from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It lists the actor's cause of death as 'cardiac arrest with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as underlying causes' and adds that 'end-stage renal disease — kidney failure — and hyperlipidemia' were also contributing factors. Best known for his role as beer-swilling Norm Peterson on the hit NBC bar sitcom Cheers, Wendt had spoken candidly about the impact of the show on his life. He said in a past interview: 'I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives.' Born in 1948, Wendt became a household name throughout the run of Cheers, which was on air for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. Despite a rocky start with low ratings that nearly saw the show cancelled after its first season, the sitcom grew to become a defining sitcom of its era, spending eight of its remaining 10 seasons in the top 10 shows and peaking as the most-watched program in its ninth season. The series received 117 Emmy nominations, winning 28 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series four times. Wendt was nominated for six consecutive Emmys for his portrayal of Norm, appearing in every episode until the series ended in May 1993. Outside of Cheers, Wendt appeared in various television roles, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Columbo. Wendt was married to Bernadette Birkett, who voiced his never-seen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers, since 1978. The couple had three children — a daughter and two sons.
