Online conspiracy theorist Collin Scott Campbell fueled the speculation after claiming that Kirk, 37, had been seen getting 'very intimate' and 'kissing and embracing' 26-year-old Blake Wynn, at the Beverly Hills Hotel this weekend. 

Campbell further claimed that the pair had been spotted shopping earlier in the day. But a furious Kirk - who has two children with late political activist Charlie - has issued a statement following the allegations, denying that anything of the sort happened. 

"Every single word here is a lie," she wrote on X. "Charlie’s love will last me a lifetime. The Lord is the only one who can ever fill that most painful void." Erika Kirk fiercely denied claims that she has moved on from Charlie (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) The Turning Point USA CEO added: "On May 14th I was home in Arizona celebrating my son's second birthday. "Blake (who is about to be engaged to his longtime gf) was a dear friend of my husband's and I am grateful for his continued support, just like hundreds of others." 

She noted that Campbell's 'deranged obsession' with her is 'deeply disturbing'. "I am praying you get the help you so clearly need," she said. 

Kirk concluded the statement: "Brush off the Dorito dust and go touch grass." Wynn denied the claims in a post on X, where he wrote: "Blake Wynn here… I hate to be the bearer of bad news to the cesspool of bots and X users that spend their entire day making things up under the guise of journalism, but I am not dating Erika Kirk."

Blake Wynn has also addressed the rumors (Instagram/@blakewynn) He also took to his Instagram Story to say: "What a way to wake up... WTF is wrong with people. This is an example though of a much larger problem we need to address as a country. 

"If blatant lies can spread within minutes to huge amounts of people, how is anyone supposed to differentiate the truth from a lie." 

Who is Blake Wynn? 

Blake Wynn is the nephew of casino mogul Steve Wynn. The 26-year-old entrepreneur is the founder of the Celebrity Poker Tour. After Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in September 2025, Wynn shared a touching tribute, calling the 31-year-old his 'brother'.

Erika called Blake Wynn a 'dear friend' of Charlie's (Instagram/@blakewynn) He wrote: “I don’t have any words, there are none. There has never been someone in my life I’ve been so proud to call a friend as you, and I really looked at you like a big brother - you constantly pushed me to be better, provided words of encouragement when I needed them most, and altered my perspective for the better. 

“The countless memories we’ve shared together will remain among my fondest. I am devastated beyond what I can articulate that we won’t get to continue making more for the rest of our lives.” Kirk's response comes just after news broke that a man has been arrested for making threats to kill Kirk ahead of a TPUSA event in San Antonio on June 5. 

Jacob Wenske, 26, faces two felony counts of making a terroristic threat causing public fear, according to court documents. Another alleged threat tied to Wenske surfaced in a January 2026 email, in which he wrote: "Death to Erika Kirk and every single speaker there!!" 

He continued: "America will live on without those scum on this earth." Investigators further allege that Wenske directly communicated with Turning Point USA, and made explicit threats of death against Kirk. The mom-of-two was also in attendance at the White House correspondents' dinner in April, when a gunman opened fire, marking the third assassination attempt on President Trump.

Shirilla was given two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life for the murders of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and his friend Davion Flanagan after she crashed her Toyota Camry into a brick building at 100mph in 2022. 

A documentary has also been released on Netflix called The Crash which takes a deep dive on the case. Now, a report on Shirilla's conduct in prison obtained by the New York Post has shown that the 20-year-old has had a string of conduct violations during her time in prison already. 

This has included reports of Shirilla altering her prison-issue clothes, concealing nude photos in her cell, as well as flashing her breasts to a visitor on a video call. The report claims that she has had some 23 violations since being given her sentence for the murders back in 2023, which she is now serving at Ohio Reformatory for Women. She claimed that the Mackenzie behind bars is very different to the one who appeared on The Crash (Ohio Reformatory for Women) One incident in the report describes Shirilla being caught in a compromising position with another inmate, with the inmate's 'hands in IP Shirillas [sic] pants in her buttocks region'. As a result of the incident, Shirilla was placed in restrictive housing for a week afterwards. 

Another incident took place on August 22 2025, in which Shirilla was caught on an intimate video call with a former prisoner who she had been in regular contact with, having previously had six calls with the inmate. 

This reportedly included Shirilla flashing her breast at the former inmate on the video call, and resulted in her having video visit restrictions for 60 days. Shirilla was also written up for making alterations to her prison uniform and for contraband such as a tie-dye bra. Shirilla's two passengers died after she careered a car into a brick building at 100mph (Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office) One occasion allegedly involved Shirilla wearing a hoodie which the report said she had 'clearly taken in on the sides', and an unbuttoned prison shirt.

She was then escorted to a restroom, and allegedly remarked that if a prison guard 'got a boner from the way I’m dressed, that’s his fault', according to a female guard. 

The guard went on to say: "The whole time we were in the restroom, she was very disrespectful and talked with a loud tone asking if this was all we were worried about was her altered jacket." 

Contraband rules were also another issue for Shirilla according to the report, with guards discovering stolen arts and crafts supplies and two bottles of pills in her cell. On another occasion, guards found four adult magazines and a fan.

The Kardashians star, 47, previously spoke about the unusual recommendation during an episode of the family’s reality TV show, while discussing the measures she and Barker had been trying before welcoming their son Rocky in 2023. 

At the time, Kourtney revealed she and the Blink-182 drummer had been working with an Ayurvedic practitioner and undergoing a Panchakarma cleanse, an alternative therapy involving procedures such as enemas, steam baths, and induced vomiting. 

 

According to Metro, She said: ‘[Said practitioner] told me that the thing that would help it was drinking [Travis’s sperm] like four times a week.’ Barker replied: ‘I love this doctor’. Doctors say there is no evidence behind the resurfaced claim (Instagram/kourtneykardash) However, the claim has since been rejected by fertility experts, who say there is no evidence drinking semen can improve someone’s chances of getting pregnant. 

Dr James Hopkisson, Medical Director at TFP Fertility Group, told Metro: ‘In the last 30 years of working in fertility and gynaecology, I have read no mainstream research that has advocated the drinking of sperm to be useful in helping with pregnancy.’ 

The reason is essentially a straightforward one. Both the reproductive system and digestive system are entirely separate from one another, meaning swallowing semen has no bearing on conception. While Ayurvedic approaches can focus on the body more widely, including nutrition, mental health, and self-care, reports show that there did not appear to be any literature supporting semen-drinking as a fertility practice. 

Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a New York-based, board-certified obstetrician and gynaecologist and infertility specialist, also addressed the claim, saying there was ‘no medical reason’ for the recommendation.

Reported by Business Insider, Sekhon said, regarding Kardashian's statement: “I think it's a ridiculous thing for her to be putting out there…And I think it doesn't make any sense, especially recommending a frequency of four times per week is absolutely ridiculous and not based on anything.” 

Sekhon suggested the idea may have stemmed from confusion around the immune system. Sperm contains antigens, which are substances the immune system can react to, and some theories have suggested a stronger immune response against sperm cells could be linked to pregnancy loss. 

However, Sekhon said very little research has been done on the topic, and there is no evidence that introducing sperm to gut bacteria would have any impact on fertility. Despite the debunked claims, the reality star welcomed son Rocky with Travis Barker in 2023(Instagram/kourtneykardash) Both Sekhon and Dr. Anu Kathiresan, a Los Angeles-based board-certified fertility specialist, said no studies have shown that drinking semen leads to a greater chance of pregnancy. Sekhon said: “It's so completely off base and just not based on any sort of science or true medical recommendation.” 

Dr Hopkisson added that there are other lifestyle measures that can be more useful when preparing to conceive, saying: “The use of supplements prior to conceiving are important.” “All women should be on Folic acid and Vitamin D to minimise the risks of spina bifida and rickets.” 

He added: “With regard to male factors, lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, losing weight, and cutting alcohol and coffee are worthwhile.” Sekhon also warned that fertility misinformation can be harmful for people already struggling to conceive, adding that while drinking semen is usually harmless, it can sometimes pass on disease or cause an allergic reaction.

The branch fell on Jasmine and she suffered serious injuries before being rushed to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. 

According to a GoFundMe set up by her loved ones, which you can donate to here, the 22-year-old is recovering from a severe spinal cord injury, fractured vertebrae and broken and bruised ribs. She's currently paralysed, but is starting to get some sensation in her lower body again, and she has a long recovery journey ahead of her. 

The fundraiser said: "Her lower body is currently paralysed, but some pins-and-needles-type sensation is beginning to return to her legs and feet. A tree branch brought down by a windstorm has left 22-year-old Jasmine Mayer paralysed, she faces a long road to recovery (GoFundMe) "The road ahead will be long as she moves through the stages of recovery, physical therapy, and adjusts to a new normal." Her father Andy told the San Francisco Chronicle that his daughter's injuries were 'catastrophic', with her suffering from internal bleeding and doctors also discovering a blood clot.

Medics are fusing together some of her discs and her spinal cord hasn't been completely severed so he's hoping she'll recover further with time. Andy said he and Jasmine were both 'hopeful' about her recovery but ultimately 'time will tell' and she will be putting a lot of work into her recovery. 

"She was knitting and talking to her friend, and the branch came right down on them," he explained of what had happened, "We’ve talked about it since. There’s no anger. There’s no drunk driver. It’s just an unimaginable incident." Jasmine's dad Andy said there was nobody to blame and what happened was 'just an unimaginable incident' (GoFundMe) The GoFundMe, which at time of writing has raised over $44,000 of the $65,000 goal, will go towards funding the emergency healthcare the woman needs as well as help with the accessibility a serious injury such as the ones she's suffered demand. 

A bigger vehicle, mobility aids, new equipment and housing along with the cost of transportation are all things her family are now trying to find the money for. “She's such a strong, positive kid,” Andy said of his daughter as she faces a long journey ahead of her. 

"She's been kind to everyone through the pain. She's been a positive person, and that hasn't changed at all." 

The strong winds in the Santa Rosa area which brought down part of a tree onto Jasmine also dislodged another tree branch which killed a 61-year-old man, and the emergency services had to respond to several calls of damage and injury due to the windstorm. 

An autopsy report has revealed more details in relation to the death of Storage Wars star Darrell Sheets. 

The reality TV mega star, 67, sadly died at his home last month in the Lake Havasu area of Arizona. When officers arrived at the property, they tragically described finding sheets with 'a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head'. 

At the time, law enforcement appealed for anyone who could help in the investigation to come forward. Weeks later, the Lake Havasu City police department confirmed that 'the manner of death' in the investigation had been ruled as suicide. They also revealed that they were focusing their investigation towards 'allegations of cyberbullying'. Darrell Sheets was found dead at his home last month (Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images) Now, an autopsy has revealed more heartbreaking details into the Storage Wars stars' death. The report, which was obtained by US Weekly, confirmed that the toxicology analysis came back as negative. 

The publication reports that officials tested Sheets' blood for cocaine, fentanyl benzos, and other drugs, and no drugs were found in his system at the time of death. 

“The body is that of a well-developed, well-nourished adult male,” the report said. Before the autopsy, the Lake Havasu City Police Department said his death was being 'ruled as suicide', pending the results, which have now come back as negative. 

The police department previously said it was still continuing to 'actively investigate allegations of cyberbullying associated' with the case, and would release 'more information' when it becomes available. It also confirmed that it had submitted the star's 'cellular phone for forensic analysis'.

Sheets' son penned an emotional tribute on Instagram (Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic) Shortly after his tragic passing, his co-star Rene Nezhoda slammed a 'cyberbully' who allegedly 'tormented' Sheets before his death. 

In a video shared online, he said: “I know Darrell would want something positive out of this, so he had a guy that [was] really really tormenting him lately. Cyberbullying.” Nezhoda added: “You never know what demons somebody faces and what they go through and what you might push them through.

“Darrell has been posting a lot about the guy that has been cyberbullying and torturing him and I really hope they look into that guy and that’s just not a pass. It’s just not right guys. Be better.” Following Sheets' death, tributes from his loved ones and co-stars came pouring in, with the April 25 episode of the show, Storage Wars: Back to the Locker, being dedicated to the star with a memoriam tribute. 

Rene Nezhoda, Storage Wars co-star 

Nezhoda paid a touching tribute to Sheets, reflecting on their friendship and infamous onscreen rivalry. “This was not an easy video to shoot. Unfortunately, Darrell Sheets took his own life. So he passed away,” he began. 

“I know a lot of you guys think we hated each other because we competed a lot on the show. And you know, we had our moments. We had our run-ins because we were both competitors, right? “We were both competitors with the biggest threat out there.” 

Nezhoda went on to say: “So deep down me and Darrell were friends, we talked every now and then. “He was a very hard worker that cared more than anyone I’ve ever met about their family, about his son, about Zoie [his granddaughter], pretty much [all the] people in his life.” In the same post, Nezhoda slammed a 'cyberbully' who allegedly 'tormented' Sheets before his passing. 

Brandon Sheets shared some sweet photos of him and his dad (Instagram/@brandosheets) Brandon, who starred alongside Sheets on the A&E series, shared a heartwarming tribute to his late father, where he vowed to keep his legacy alive and continue to 'build those memories'. 

Posting a series of photos, including ones of Sheets with his grandson, Brandon wrote on Instagram: “My heart is so broken. . . I love you Dad and I will do my best to live in your honor and respect our Family. Let's all continue to build those memories and keep the legacy that is Darrell (The Gambler) Sheets. 

“I cant answer everyone's questions or concerns right now, I think we all just need time to process and remember all the good that my Father was and will continue to be through my Son and I. 

“The love we all have for this man and all his kindness is only a small portion of who he truly is.” Brandon followed up his post with a slideshow video containing different photos of Sheets, which he captioned: “Missing you hard today Dad.” 

The pair appeared on Storage Wars together (Instagram/@brandipassante) Brandi Passante, who competed against Sheets on Storage Wars, said she was ‘at a loss for words’ following the news of his death. 

Taking to Instagram, she penned: “I’ve known Darrel Sheets for many years. I’m just so very sorry, to hear the circumstances of his passing. My heart hurts for Brandon, Zoe, and Kimber. I unfortunately lost a parent and a brother to similar situations. 

“I would like to say to everyone, if you are struggling, if you feel hopeless or like no one cares. I assure you they do!! You are not alone. Please reach out for help. You are not taking your pain away, you are transferring it to someone else. 

“The grief from suicide is endless. There is always help… You can Dial 988 on your phone to connect with a counselor and resources. Never suffer in silence.” 

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Formerly known as the 'murder capital of the world', El Salvador is now home to the world’s largest prison, where up to 40,000 of the most dangerous criminals are being held under brutal conditions - many of which, critics suggest, violate international human rights standards. 

The prison, which is the size of 32 soccer pitches, is protected by an electronic dome, meaning that while it's 'impossible for anything to be smuggled in', cell phone signal is also completely blocked inside the facility. 

Michael Jackson: The Verdict official trailer A new Channel 5 documentary exploring inside CECOT, officially known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, sheds light on the conditions that inmates are subject to, including a concrete hole that prisoners may be locked in for up to 30 days for stepping out of line. CECOT is home to 40,000 of the most deadly criminals. (John Moore/Getty Images) During the documentary, titled Richard Madeley on Murder Row, the prison director, Belarmino García, revealed that the lights have never been switched off in the facility - and never will be. 

He said: "We have a 24/7 lighting system. "It's simply part of the protocol, I need to be able to see what they are doing."

    Director García further noted that inmates sleep on multi-level metal beds, without a mattress, pillow, or covers. The only item allowed inside the cells is a Bible - beyond that, inmates are not allowed screens, books, or newspapers, and talking must be kept to a minimum. 

When British TV presenter Madeley asks García if he considers the conditions 'cruel', he said: "It's necessary to be in control." 

Madleley is also shown the isolation cell where prisoners are sent if they cause trouble, described as 'a tiny pitch black concrete hole'. Richard Madeley in the isolation cell (Channel 5) He says: "Difficult gangster prisoners here can be banged up here for 30 days. 

"It's totally silent. There is no light coming down from the roof. "You'd have to grope your way to the stone sink here, you'd have to grope your way to the toilet." 

CECOT was built as part of President Nayib Bukele’s crackdown on gang violence in 2023, and primarily holds alleged gang members and some of El Salvador’s most dangerous criminals, including members of MS-13 and Barrio 18. Inmates are serving consecutive sentences of more than 700 years. (Marvin RECINOS / AFP via Getty Images) One inmate admitted during an interview that he had 'no regrets' about killing 30 innocent people, and would do the same again if he were to be let out. 

But he will never be freed from the prison, where many of the inmates hold consecutive sentences of more than 700 years. The prisoners are counted daily despite rigorous security, and are kept in the cells for 23 and a half hours of the day. The criminals eat the same meal twice every day. (John Moore/Getty Images) During the 30 minutes they are allowed out, they practice calisthenics, and are read passages from the bible. 

And as far as meal times are concerned, the criminals are served the same meal twice a day, every day - beans and rice. Richard Madeley on Murder Row is now available to stream on Channel 5.

He only recently celebrated his 12th birthday, but George has long been making serious 'training for monarchy' type appearances. The public observed the youngster attending prestigious VE Day 80th-anniversary events last year, for example, where he joined Prince William to meet war veterans and drink tea with other senior royals. 

He's also been spotted enjoying some more light-hearted outings, however, like the nail-biting Euro final in Germany the summer prior, which he attended with his 43-year-old father. 

Experts have predicted for some time that the Royal Family might look and feel a little different by the time George takes the throne - especially given that William has already heavily hinted at implementing a more 'streamlined monarchy' when he's in charge.

Prince William previously detailed plans for a more approachable monarch (Pierre Suu/Getty Images) During a visit to Cape Town in November 2024, William opened up on his plans to modernise the firm by focusing on approachability, empathy, and impact rather than traditional formalities and rigid protocol. 

With this in mind, commentators predict his eldest son and heir will be the perfect person to embody the more accessible king William described, being that the 12-year-old has a unique trait that's been absent from the monarchy for centuries. 

As explained by genealogist Anthony Adolph, George will be the first king to come from a non-aristocratic mother. "Prince George has all the royal ancestry of his father, but unlike all previous monarchs since William the Conqueror, this future monarch will have half his ancestry from perfectly normal families, across the whole spectrum of society and from across the whole of England," Adolph wrote in a blog. George will be the first king born to a non-aristocratic mother (Oli Scarff/Getty Images) "Right across Britain, thousands of genealogists who have traced their ancestry back to forebears who were lorry drivers, coal miners, agricultural labourers, industrial workers, servants, carpenters and clerks, not to say bank managers, cloth manufacturers, clergymen and mayors, and had thus found a link to the ancestry of the Duchess of Cambridge, were able to add the new royal baby to that branch of their family trees." 

That's right, Kate Middleton, the mother of George and his two younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, grew up in a largely middle-class household. Back in Medieval England, she'd have even been considered a 'commoner'. 

This technically makes George's blood a little bit more 'normal' than that of his father, whose mother, the late Princess Diana, hailed from a highly aristocratic family, the Spencers. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images/Chris Jackson/Getty Images For Buckingham Palace/Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images/JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images/Instagram) "The modern royal family is reverting to an older model, whereby monarchs, rather than being genealogically isolated from their people, are very much the head of the greater families of their nations," Adolph noted. 

"The marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton provides new royal links for countless people with 'ordinary' British blood and creates an exciting focus for many family trees." 

It's not just his nature that experts predict will lead George to fall under a whole new definition of 'royal', but the way he's been nurtured. 

Noting the Prince's cultural interests, the way the family spend their time - largely, on the beach with their dogs - and the fact he attends a school close to home, royal correspondent India McTarggart believes his upbringing has been markedly different to that of kings who came before him. George will have the most 'ordinary' blood of any king (Jonathan Brady - Pool/Getty Images) "[The Princess of Wales] has brought so much from her Middleton upbringing and her family values, that I think has completely informed the way that she is raising the next generation of royals," she told The Mirror. 

Speaking to the same publication, psychotherapist Lucy Beresford agreed: "I think William and Kate, making sure that George, Charlotte and Louis have these normalising experiences where they just interact with really normal people, actually gives them that grounded sense that they are human beings like the rest of us, they're not rarefied, they're not elevated and it could hopefully dilute that sense of 'I'm invincible'." 

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole, Lansoprazole and Pantoprazole help remedy acid reflux and heartburn, as they reduce the amount of acid being produced in the stomach. There were 35 million Omeprazole prescriptions in the UK in 2022-2023. 

People typically take PPIs once a day and doctors usually prescribe them for a period of around four to eight weeks, since being on them for long periods increases your risk of a whole host of side effects.

These include very low levels of vitamin B12, resulting in symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, muscle twitches or weakness; weakened bones that can easily break; and a rare form of lupus that causes rashes on parts of the body exposed to the sun and joint pain. 

Some studies also suggest a higher risk of suffering a stroke, kidney disease and broken bones. But perhaps most alarming is a 2023 study, which found that people taking them long term were 33 percent more likely to develop dementia. PPIs such as Omeprazole are prescribed to millions of people all over the world (Francis Dean/Corbis via Getty Images) Study author Dr Kamakshi Lakshminarayan and her team analysed 5,712 people who were aged 45 to 64. All of these folks did not have dementia at the beginning of the investigation. Out of these participants, nearly 1,500 (26 percent) were taking PPIs. 

While taking into account factors such as preexisting health conditions, age, sex and race, the team noticed an interesting pattern. Out of the 497 people who had been consuming PPIs for nearly four and a half years, 58 of them developed dementia. 

"This study does not prove that acid reflux drugs cause dementia," Dr Lakshminarayan said previously. "It only shows an association. 

"More research is needed to confirm our findings in other large study groups and understand the possible link between long-term proton pump inhibitor use and higher risk of dementia. "While we did not find a link with short-term use, we did find a higher risk of dementia associated with long-term use of these drugs." 

Why might PPIs increase the likelihood of dementia? (Getty Stock Image) Discussing the possible reason behind this link, she went on: "Some studies have shown that use of acid reflux drugs may be associated with low B12 levels. And low B12 is associated with impaired thinking and poor memory." 

However, Dr Lakshminarayan said she 'could not comment on this theory' as she did not acquire B12 measurements from the participants. Dr Gregory Day, an associate professor in the Department of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic, reckoned that this was a fair assumption to make though. 

He previously told CBS News that PPIs can 'alter enzymes in the brain' which are supposed to help control the amount of a protein in the brain called amyloid, which is famously associated damage caused by Alzheimer's disease. Some rare but serious side effects that become more likely if you take PPIs for a long time The expert suggested PPIs might 'decrease the level of the body's chemical that is there to cut off the amyloid in specific ways'. "In theory, these medications increase amyloid in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and Alzheimer's is the number one cause of dementia," he said. 

Dr Lakshminarayan also added: "While there are various ways to treat acid reflux, such as taking antacids, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding late meals and certain foods, different approaches may not work for everyone. 

"It is important that people taking these medications speak with their doctor before making any changes, to discuss the best treatment for them, and because stopping these drugs abruptly may result in worse symptoms.” Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

The 41-year-old's passing on May 21 has shocked his competitors and fans alike, with many seeing the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion in the week before his sudden demise, after a bout of severe pneumonia developed into a deadly infection. 

The legendary speedster had even won a race less than a fortnight before, pipping other competitors to the finish line at the 2026 Ecosave 200. But just two weeks later, he had died from an unexpected sepsis reaction. 

With lots of racing fans expressing disbelief at the abrupt loss of one of the sport's all-time greats, a doctor has spoken out about how a simple pneumonia infection could lead to the star's death. Kyle Busch was hospitalized with pneumonia but his condition deteriorated rapidly into sepsis (Sean Gardner/Getty Images) "Sepsis is more common and more unpredictable than most people realize," Dr Jamin Brahmbhatt wrote for CNN after Busch's passing reminded people about the very real dangers of sepsis, which many may have heard of but few will understand. 

He explained that rather than being an infection like pneumonia, sepsis is actually the 'body’s extreme response' to these sorts of infections. But sometimes the body's attempt at a cure can be worse than the disease itself. 

Dr Brahmbhatt said: "Pneumonia isn’t the only infection that can lead to sepsis. A skin infection that keeps spreading and raises your heart rate. A urinary tract infection that suddenly lowers your blood pressure. 

"An infected kidney stone that raises your temperature – these are not just infections anymore. They could be sepsis." Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in hospitals across the US, with the CDC reporting that 1.7 million Americans developing the dangerous condition every year. Around 350,000 people die from sepsis every year.

NASCAR fans were shocked to learn of Busch's sudden death (Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) But although this over-the-top immune system response to infection remains a major killer, 'many people still do not recognize the symptoms or realize that common infections can trigger it', the doctor said. 

And this is just one of a number of misconceptions that people commonly hold about sepsis. "Many people think of infections as staying in one part of the body," Dr Brahmbhatt added, explaining that, when sepsis begins to set in, it can 'become much larger than the original infection'. 

He continued: "Sepsis is like a kitchen fire that triggers sprinklers throughout an entire building. The original problem may start in one area, but suddenly the emergency response spreads much farther than intended or needed. 

"The body is trying to contain the threat. But in some situations, the inflammatory response becomes wide enough that blood pressure falls, oxygen levels suffer and organs begin to fail. "That is what makes sepsis dangerous. The infection matters, but the body’s response matters just as much, if not more."

Spotting when an infection has degraded into sepsis is the most important factor to surviving the body's own response to infection, the doctor explained The doctor also explained how an otherwise fit and healthy 41-year-old could seemingly deteriorate so rapidly, with no apparent complications. 

"Most sepsis cases happen in people with at least one risk factor – older adults, infants, people with chronic conditions like diabetes or cancer, weak immune systems, or anyone recently hospitalized or recovering from surgery," he explained. 

Dr Brahmbhatt added that the CDC estimates 'about one in five sepsis hospitalizations are cancer related', with a number of underlying conditions having the potential to cause someone's condition to suddenly decline. 

He added: "That is why it is hard to look at public accounts involving sepsis and automatically assume someone waited too long, ignored symptoms or received the wrong care. Those situations do happen. But sepsis can also develop despite timely evaluation and treatment." 

What are the symptoms of sepsis? Symptoms of sepsis can vary from patient to patient (Getty Stock Images) According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of sepsis can include: 

• Change in mental status 
• Fast, shallow breathing 
• Unexplained sweating 
• Feeling lightheaded 
• Shivering
• Experiencing symptoms specific to the type of infection, for example, painful urination from a urinary tract infection or cough that's got worse from pneumonia. 

However, the site notes: "Symptoms of sepsis are not specific. They can vary from person to person, and sepsis may appear differently in children than in adults." Meanwhile, the Sepsis Alliance, has urged the public to remember the 'TIME' acronym. 

To avoid becoming one of the hundreds of thousands who die from sudden sepsis every year, anyone with an infection who becomes confused should immediately seek medical attention.

Five Italian tourists died on Thursday (May 14) after they vanished in the waters of Vaavu Atoll. 

Diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti, 44, Muriel Oddenino, 31, and Federico Gualtieri, 31, as well as University of Genova lecturer Monica Montefalcone, 52, and her 20-year-old daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, passed away after they failed to resurface from the dive. 

Meanwhile, while searching for the bodies of the divers, Sergeant Major Mohamed Mahudhee also lost his life after coming into difficulties during the operation. 

Benedetti, the instructor, was found in the entrance of the mouth of the Thinwana Kandu cave, while the rest of the group were found a few days later on Monday, deeper into the cave, at the bottom of the third chamber.

University of Genova lecturer Monica Montefalcone was amongst those present on the diving trip (University of Genova) Her 20-year-old daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, also died during the dive (Instagram) An operation is now underway to recover their bodies from the perilous section of cave. 

The dangers of the Vaavu Atoll cave 

An ex-military diver has spoken about the dangers of the third chamber and why the cave is so 'unforgiving'. 

"I have visited those caves countless times. There is no current. They swam into that third cave. They chose to go in there," Shafraz Naeem claimed to the Daily Mail. 

"I believe the instructor intentionally swam away from the group. Maybe he legged it up before he ran out of air. The rest of the group died in that third chamber and Benedetti died in the passageway trying to get out."

The incident is believed to be the worst single diving accident in the Maldives (Photo by Mohamed Afrah / AFP via Getty Images) The cave in question is divided into three chambers, which are all connected via tight passages. At its opening, the cave is reported to be 55 metres (180 feet) in depth, which is deeper than the 30 metre (100 foot) limit in the Maldives. 

However, Mohamed Hossain Shareef, a Maldivian government spokesperson, told the BBC that Montefalcone's team had a permit for their scientific work, allowing them to descend to 50 metres.

'What we didn’t know was that it was cave diving' 

He explained that they had permission to study coral, but no mention of a cave had been submitted. “What we didn’t know was that it was cave diving,” Shareef said. “Because, as divers will tell you and appreciate, it’s a very different discipline with its own sets of challenges and risks involved, and particularly at that depth, there are any number of things that could have gone wrong.”

Diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti was among those who died (Albatros Top Boat)

Rescue diver Mohammed Mahudhee sadly died when trying to recover the bodies (MNDF) Naeem explained he has never entered the third chamber, due to concerns over its dangers. "The cave is unforgiving. It is closed, pitch-black and you can only see where you shine the light," he said. "If something goes wrong, you cannot shoot up to the surface like you can in open dives. You are stopped and restricted, and, at that depth of below 55m [181ft], it is just completely dangerous." Muriel Oddenino was one of the divers who died (Facebook) Federico Gualtieri died in the 'shark cave' (Facebook) A lawyer representing the tour operator in charge of the dive has explained that they deny authorising or being aware of the dive having breached the local limits in the Maldives, as per Corriere della Sera. An investigation into exactly what happened is still ongoing.

The couple, who tied the knot on Saturday (16 May), issued a heartbreaking update on the treatment they've already received from members of the press and their online followers. 

For those who missed it, 16-year-old Venezuela - the eldest daughter of heavyweight champion Tyson and best-selling author Paris Fury - said 'I do' to Noah, 19, on the Isle of Man, surrounded by her friends and family. 

The lead-up to the big day had already been plagued by criticism from online trolls, who slammed the pair as being too young to get married, despite both hailing from traveller culture. The couple married on Sunday (Instagram/@venezuelaprice1) Thankfully, however, the day looked to be a happy one, with photos of Venezuela - wearing a white lace fishtail gown with a 50-foot train with a matching pair of Crocs - and Noah having been doing the rounds online. 

The duo have also shared several glimpses into the reality of married life - though, not every fan is thrilled with what they've heard. In a TikTok shared earlier today (18 May), Venezuela and Noah could be seen sitting in Manchester Airport ahead of their honeymoon weekend. 

"So, we're waiting for our flight," the bride told the camera. Venezuela refused, however, to announce their intended destination, explaining why in a bittersweet statement. "We're not going to say where we're going, because I don't want to be hunted down," she continued. "But yeah, we're just chilling." 

It didn't take long before hundreds of fans took to the comments, advising the newlyweds on how best to approach their new life in the spotlight. "I would advise if you want bit more privacy stay away from social media posting daily," one wrote. "That way you will get more privacy." 

Another added: "Hope the press leave you alone to enjoy some time together." "Look after each other be safe," a third went on. A fourth referenced the harassment the couple have had from a number of online trolls, noting: "So many awful comments the last few days - hopefully they don't let it ruin what's meant to be a memorable time." 

How was Venezuela Fury able to get legally married at 16? 

Following the teenager saying 'I do' to husband Noah Price, many have been wondering how exactly she was able to legally become a wife. In 2023, it became illegal in England and Wales for anyone under the age of 18 to get married. 

The minimum age was raised from 16 to 18 in a bid to protect vulnerable children across the UK, the UK government states. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 means that 16 and 17-year-olds are strictly not allowed to marry or enter a civil partnership, even if they have parental consent. 

It is illegal and a criminal offence to exploit vulnerable children by arranging for them to marry, under any circumstances, whether or not force is used. Taking all of this into consideration, fans have been scratching their heads over how Venezuela was able to legally tie the knot to husband Noah. Well, it was all because of their wedding location - the Isle of Man.

Venezuela Fury could get married because the wedding was held on the Isle of Man (Instagram/@venezuelaprice1) Fans of the family will know that Tyson moved his wife Paris and their seven children from Morecambe, Lancashire, to the Isle of Man in November 2025 because of the number of 'disturbed' visitors who would arrive at his house at all hours of the day and night. 

"I looked at moving abroad, far away, but it turned out that the Isle of Man is the perfect place for me – English speaking, English pound notes," Tyson said, per ITV News. "I can go and get an English newspaper from the local petrol station with my coffee and speak my own lingo." And it turns out that the big move worked very well in Venezuela's favour, as the legal minimum age of marriage in the Isle of Man is 16, rather than 18. 

Parental consent is needed for anyone aged 16 or 17 wanting to tie the knot, which wasn't an issue at all for Venezuela and Noah. Mum Paris has been outspoken in defending her daughter's decision to marry so young, with her previously saying on This Morning: "Venezuela is so mature for her years. She's done so much in such a short time just because of who she is and the fact that she's got six younger brothers and sisters that she's helped bring up, I can't deny it...” 

Pointing out how she was 17 when she married Tyson, Paris added: "She's obviously following in my footsteps, so how can I judge her in any way. I know she's young. But I think she's found the person she loves and if she's happy, I will completely support her." 

The group of Italian divers are believed to have died while exploring a cave at a depth of around 50 meters (197ft) in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday (May 14). It has now been reported that the ⁠bodies ​of ⁠the four ‌remaining missing Italian scuba ‌divers ‌who died ⁠last week have been located four days on. 

Death row inmate files Supreme Court petiton The divers were part of a team from the University of Genoa, including Monica Montefalcone, an associate professor of ecology; her daughter Giorgia Sommacal; marine biologist Federico Gualtieri; and researcher Muriel Oddenino. 

One body, belonging to the fifth member of the group - diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti - was located shortly after the accident occurred. Monica Montefalcone's daughter, Giorgia, also died during the dive (Instagram) The searches resumed today (May 18), after being suspended following the death of Maldivian rescue diver, Sergeant Major Mohammed Mahudhee, from decompression sickness, while searching for the bodies on Saturday (May 16). 

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said in a statement: "The death of a diver of the Maldives National Defense Force while diving in search of missing tourists is a matter of deep sorrow for me and for every Maldivian citizen. 

"This is heartbreaking news." Local authorities state that the bodies were found by a team of highly trained Finnish and Maldivian divers. Staff Sgt Mohamed Mahdhee tragically died during the rescue effort (Maldives Government) The incident is believed to be the worst single diving accident in the Maldives, which has a recreational diving limit of 30 meters (98 feet). 

The tour operator that managed the diving trip denied authorising or knowing about the extent of the dive that exceeded local limits, its lawyer told Italian outlet Corriere della Sera. 

The University of Genoa said in a statement on Friday (May 15) that the group were on a scientific mission to monitor marine environments, and study the effects of climate change on tropical biodiversity. Diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti was among those who died during the scuba trip (Albatros Top Boat) Monica Montefalcone's husband, Carlo Sommacal, has since spoken out to Italian news outlet La Repubblica, and said that his wife was an 'expert' in scuba diving having done 5,000 dives. "She knows what to do even in times of difficulty," he said. 

It is believed that the four bodies of the Italian group were located in the same underwater cave where the military found the first body on the day of the accident. The cause of the deaths remains under investigation.