Reba McEntire Mourns Stepson Brandon Blackstock on ‘The Voice’

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On The Voice, losing Brandon Blackstock hit home for Reba McEntire.

The ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, Blackstock passed away this past summer.

Naturally, the tragic loss of her stepson came up in the form of song.

One moving and beautiful performance hit just a little too close to home for Reba. But that wasn't a bad thing.

Actress Reba McEntire arrives for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at LA Live in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025. (Photo Credit: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Reba McEntire had a bittersweet experience on 'The Voice'

On a recent episode of The Voice, Reba McEntire could not help but think of Brandon Blackstock's passing.

Music is an evocative experience, bringing up emotion and memory — second only to smell when it comes to dredging up the past.

Reba felt that personally, when Team Reba artist Aubrey Nicole sang during the episode.

"I'm Gonna Love You Through It" is a Martina McBride song.

The lyrics follow a couple grappling with a cancer diagnosis.

"Martina's a good friend of mine," Reba commented after the performance.

She acknowledged: "I lost my oldest son because he did not win with cancer."

Reba was referring, of course, to stepson Brandon Blackstock. He passed away on August 7, at the age of 48, after a battle with melanoma.

"That was a real reminder that life goes on," Reba affirmed. "And we sing songs about it so we can remember the ones around us that we love so much, that we lean on at times like this."

She praised Aubrey Nicole, saying: "You did a great job."

Producer Narvel Blackstock, singers Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock attend Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XXI at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on March 28, 2015. (Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night)

Brandon Blackstock was part of her life for most of his

Sometimes, adults marry and find themselves with an adult stepchild whom they see a few times per year and get to know slowly — if at all.

But that is not how things played out for Reba.

She married Narvel Blackstock in 1989. The two only split in 2015, after Brandon had married Kelly Clarkson.

To put this into perspective, Brandon was part of Reba's life for the entirety of Taylor Swift's life.

When she talks about losing him, she's talking about someone she knew and loved for nearly 40 years.

Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God's presence. There is no one else like him, and I'm thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his… pic.twitter.com/vIQF6CmFdI

— Reba McEntire (@reba) August 13, 2025

In August, it fell to Shelby — Brandon Blackstock's half-brother, the son of Reba McEntire with Narvel — to share the McEntire family's grief.

"Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured," Shelby wrote at the time.

"Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son," he grimly acknowledged.

The statement concluded: "Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family — funny, bright, and full of life — and he will be deeply missed."

Reba replied to that with a tasteful addition: "Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much."

Reba McEntire attends Variety Power Of Women: Nashville on May 01, 2025. (Photo Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)

Obviously, she has spoken about this loss before now

Meanwhile, Reba posted her own tribute.

"Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God," she wrote in a tweet.

"His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God's presence," she announced. "There is no one else like him, and I'm thankful for the time we had together."

Reba concluded: "His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again."

As many of us know, grief is not a linear progression. Eventually, you will be fine for days or weeks — and then the loss will hit you anew. A powerful song can be evocative and bittersweet.

Reba McEntire Mourns Stepson Brandon Blackstock on 'The Voice' was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Meghan Markle Crowned ‘Salmonella Sussex’ Over Turkey Hygiene

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Meghan Markle is getting called out as "Salmonella Sussex."

The duchess' Thanksgiving video was always going to be a target — especially since most of her critics do not celebrate the holiday as we know it.

But critics are pointing out a glaring hygiene issue in her food prep.

Did she earn her "Salmonella Sussex" title?

Despite criticism from across the pond, Meghan Markle has received praise for her cooking segments in the US. (Image Credit: Netflix)

Is Meghan Markle the 'Salmonella Sussex' that social media is calling her?

Last week, Meghan Markle took to her Instagram Story to share a video of part of her Thanksgiving preparations.

A clip showed her mixing seasonings into a bowl and then rubbing the mixture onto the turkey.

"Let the 'game' begin," Meghan quipped, utilizing a painful pun.

The music for the video was "Turkey Chase" by Bob Dylan.

While Meghan's self-acknowledged "mom jokes" induced cringing, that was not the cause of the outcry.

Serious question, did Meghan Markle wash her hands between rubbing spice on a raw turkey and grabbing the salt/pepper shaker?😳 Also, guess she's making up for last year when she order out for Thanksgiving. It could be a fake turkey though, that is a distinct possibility.… pic.twitter.com/8gddk4B3tl

— Royal News Network (@RNN_RoyalNews) November 26, 2025

In the video, Meghan applied the rub with her bare hands.

This is normal, if not universal, for people making food in their own kitchens at home rather than in an industrial setting.

However, Meghan appeared to still be wearing her gold bracelet and ring during the process.

Jewelry can sometimes create little "traps" where germs can avoid water, abrasion, and soap.

Though some only learned this at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, proper handwashing involves removing jewelry and separately sanitizing it.

Sitting down for an interview in August 2025, Meghan Markle had a very clear understanding of her critics. (Image Credit: Bloomberg/YouTube)

Criticisms range from targeting her hygiene to complaining about normal ways of preparing a turkey

A now-viral Reddit thread, "Salmonella Sussex," highlights the outrage that Meghan Markle critics are feeling.

"She has the worst kitchen hygiene. The 'domestic' goddess is clueless," griped one redditor.

"The more she pretends to be a cook, the more fake she shows herself to be," the critic then claimed. "Jewelry rubbing up against the meat, hair shedding, and her grubby paws stroking the poor dead bird,"

Another weighed in: "I don't even put on my jewellery when applying makeup, and I remove them when cooking. Jewelry are known fomites for infections."

An additional Reddit denizen wrote: "I've cooked multiple turkeys and never put my hand in one like this ffs. She's a blithering idiot in the kitchen."

Meghan Markle is teaching how to make a turkey camera-ready by glazing a turkey with honey. Just don't expect it to taste good or keep its crisp skin. pic.twitter.com/85gHcMXZp1

— e-beth (@ebeth360) November 30, 2025

"Lordy, she so obviously knows absolutely nothing about cooking or how to work in a kitchen. For the safety of humanity, keep her out of the kitchen," an extremely hyperbolic critic worte.

"Aside from the hair, jewelry, and bare hands all over that turkey, it's astonishing how she also had her damn forearms laying across the body of the turkey at times," marveled another.

That critic continued: "She might have well been naked and rubbing the darn thing all over herself. What an idiot! It's such a treat she is getting called out like this."

As you can tell from a number of these comments, some critics simply seem unfamiliar with traditional preparations for a Thanksgiving turkey.

That fits with several diction choices that would indicate that the writer is more likely from the UK than from the US.

A woman of many talents, Meghan Markle discusses her recent ventures. (Image Credit: Bloomberg/YouTube)

Let's be honest: she can never 'win' with most of these people

To be clear, raw turkey can contain various germs — of which salmonella is merely the most famous.

Raw poultry can easily contaminate kitchens and cooks. People may be less cautious than they are with pork or beef. They will touch aprons, those nasty cloth hand towels (please use paper towels in the kitchen), tools, and countertops.

And yes, wearing jewelry while cooking is often unwise. Especially if there could be sanitation concerns.

But, as we alluded earlier, some critics didn't seem to understand extremely normal ways of preparing a turkey. That is because they're not culinary snobs — but simply dislike the duchess.

To be blunt, Meghan Markle could have followed every single hygiene concern stated, and most of these same people would likely have taken another issue.

Meghan can do no right in many people's eyes. Which is likely why she (wisely) doesn't seem to try. Just for the record, it's likely that she removed and sanitized her jewelry while washing her hands. Because that's just common sense.

Meghan Markle Crowned 'Salmonella Sussex' Over Turkey Hygiene was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Karen Sofia Quiroz Ramirez Cause of Death: Motorcycle Influencer Was 25

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We have tragic news to report from the world of social media today.

Karen Sofia Quiroz Ramirez, the influencer who gained fame with her motorcycle-related content, has passed away.

She was just 25 years old.

Influencer Karen Sofia Quiroz Ramirez has passed away at the age of 25. (YouTube)

'Bikegirl' seemingly predicted fatal accident in final post

News of Ramirez's passing has been confirmed by several South American media outlets, as well as TMZ.

The popular influencer — known as "Bikegirl" online — reportedly lost control of her motorcycle and ran into a truck in Floridablanca, Colombia on Wednesday, November 27.

Bizarrely, Ramirez seems to have predicted the fatal collision in her final social media post.

"I hope I don't crash because I'm driving without my glasses," she wrote.

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A post shared by Sofia Quiroz (@sofia_quiroz10)

"The most likely hypothesis for the accident is that the motorcyclist was traveling between two vehicles," Transport official Jahir Andres explained.

"But this situation will be subject to an investigation. The Prosecutor's Office will proceed to clearly and precisely determine the cause of this fatal traffic accident," Andres continued, adding:

"We will carry out the corresponding investigations, conduct the respective interviews with witnesses, and analyze the CCTV footage."

According to an X user who claims to have knowledge of the situation, the Colombia native "suffered an accident after her glasses (lenses not suitable for motorcycling) broke. The breakage caused her a loss of visibility, which led her to crash while trying to overtake. After the impact, a truck ran her over."

With more than 30,000 followers on Instagram alone, Ramirez was one of the most popular and beloved influencers in the biker community.

Our thoughts go out to her friends and family at this incredibly difficult time.

We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.

Karen Sofia Quiroz Ramirez Cause of Death: Motorcycle Influencer Was 25 was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Erika Kirk Posts Heartbreaking Video of Daughter Reacting to Charlie Kirk Sign: ‘I …

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It's been ten weeks since the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, and for the loved ones of the late podcast host, the pain likely feels just as fresh as it did on day one.

Charlie's widow, Erika Kirk, has been quite open about her grieving process, hosting podcasts, meeting with politicians, and addressing large crowds on the topic of her husband and his legacy.

Charlie leaves behind two children who might be too young to understand the permanence and circumstances of his death, but who are certainly not too young to miss their father.

Charlie Kirk and his wife Erika Lane Frantzve on stage during the Turning Point USA Inaugural-Eve Ball at the Salamander Hotel on January 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

And that truth was underscored by a video that Erika shared on Instagram recently:

Footage of Charlie Kirk's daughter leaves fans devastated

The clip, presumably shot by Erika, shows the Kirks' daughter, Gigi, reacting to signs featuring photos of her father.

"Her…saying your name, as she witnesses all you've built and continue to build, proves that love never dies, just changes form. It breathes through our children. This is her legacy also," Erika captioned the pic.

"And as she grows up and continues to say your name, I'll be reminding her that each time Heaven leans in to listen," she continued, adding:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by E. (@mrserikakirk)

"I love you Charlie baby, I'm so proud of you. We all are so proud of you."

Not surprisingly, Erika's followers were deeply moved by the post, and many of them shared words of support in the comments:

"Oh, my Mama heart hurts for you and prays understanding over her," one commenter wrote.

"Absolutely heartbroken. What a sweet and precious little girl," another added.

"This is at once beautiful & heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing this intimate moment with us," a third chimed in.

Erika Kirk speaks during the memorial service for her husband, political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Erika Kirk introduces J.D. Vance at Ole Miss event

Erika has stayed busy in the wake of her husband's murder, and she recently introduced Vice President J.D. Vance at a speaking engagement at Ole Miss.

"When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed on it because, obviously, it's a very emotional, emotional day," Kirk told an arena packed with students, adding:

"But I could just hear Charlie in my heart. I could just hear him say, 'Go reclaim that territory, babe.'

"The battle's already won. God's love conquers. And that's why I'm here today," she concluded.

Footage from the event will reportedly be featured in an upcoming Fox News documentary about the Kirks.

Erika Kirk Posts Heartbreaking Video of Daughter Reacting to Charlie Kirk Sign: 'I … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Steve Harvey Divorce Rumors & Marriage History With Marjorie Harvey, Explained

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Steve Harvey is a divorced man — twice over, in fact.

The Family Feud host is no stranger to ugly divorces and bitter, public battles. To that end, he isn't immune to speculation and accusations about his current marriage.

In recent years, wild rumors have circulated about his relationship with Marjorie Harvey.

So, the real question is: Is Steve headed towards divorce number three? They're saying absolutely not; their friends are saying otherwise.

Steve Harvey and Marjorie Elaine Harvey arrive at the WACO Theater Center's 3rd Annual Wearable Art Gala at The Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport on June 1, 2019. (Photo Credit: Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images)

Steve Harvey and Marjorie Harvey Open Up On Divorce Rumors

Rumors have been circulating that claim that the famous yet controversial TV host and his wife split due to multiple affairs on her part.

According to these claims, Marjorie Harvey's alleged cheating included both the couple's bodyguard and their chef.

The same rumors claim that this hurtful (yet impressive) betrayal has led to Marjorie demanding a divorce settlement of $200 million from Steve.

Steve Harvey attends the second preseason NBA game between Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at Etihad Arena on October 08, 2022. (Photo Credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

There are several problems with all of that.

The least important of which may be that online estimates put Steve Harvey's total net worth at around $200 million, which would make for a fairly lopsided divorce settlement.

In August of 2023, Steve Harvey appeared in person at the Atlanta business event, Invest Fest.

According to The LA Times, Steve Harvey quashed cheating and divorce rumors.

And there's even a video to go with it.

@carlosm9292

#steveharvey #marjorieharvey #rumors #divorce #love #marriage #fypシ #foryourpage #stop #look #listen #share #repost #viralreels #viralvideos #commitment #dedication #courage #selflove #selfcare #dontgiveup #keepgoing #faith #love #courage #life #joy #happiness #viralreels #commitment #look #viralvideos #sisters #brothers

♬ original sound – CarlosMass92

Steve Harvey wants everyone to know that he and Marjorie are 'fine'

"I'm fine. Marjorie fine," Steve Harvey declared to the crowd.

"I don't know what y'all are doing, but find something else to do, 'cause we fine. Lord, have mercy," he remarked.

"Sometimes … you wanna respond, but I ain't got no time for rumor and gossip," Steve commented.

"God been good to me. I'm still shining."

Steve Harvey and his wife Marjorie pose before the Chanel 2017 Spring/Summer ready-to-wear collection fashion show, on October 4, 2016. (Photo Credit: FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP via Getty Images)

Just weeks later, The Economic Times reported that Steve Harvey fired his social media manager.

Some quickly connected it to the divorce rumors, but the TV host explained that it was the result of an uncharacteristically negative Tweet from the account.

"My husband and I don't usually stop to address all the foolishness and lies that have been spread about us," Marjorie Harvey acknowledged on Instagram.

"However to whom much is given much is required. I understand that with my platform comes some sort of responsibility to those that may not be as strong as we are."

Steve Harvey and his wife Marjorie Harvey attend the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 20, 2015. (Photo Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Steve Harvey Is Divorced – From His First Two Wives

Steve and Marjorie married in 2007. He has credited her with making him into a better person.

In 1996, he married Mary Harvey. Their marriage officially ended in December of 2005.

Before that, he married Marcia Harvey in 1981.

They remained married until 1994.

Steve Harvey speaks onstage during 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019. (Photo Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Through three marriages, Steve Harvey has seven children — four biological and three by adoption.

Three of his biological children were with his first wife, Marcia.

The two welcomed Brandi and Karli, twin daughters, on August 20 of 1982. Nine years later, on April 29, they welcomed their son, Broderick Harvey, Jr.

Steve Harvey is a very high-profile individual due to his career and success. His first wife, however, was not. As such, the reasons for their split were not immediately obvious.

Why did Steve Harvey get divorced from Marcia?

Not everything that happens in the '90s remains in the '90s. Marcia Harvey's 2011 book, Marcia: Eyes to the Soul, reflected upon her years married to Steve.

The public has now come to understand that Steve's career kept him busy, and the time away from them caused a strain that led to a divorce.

Court records show that Steve did not initially pay alimony or child support to his ex-wife. After two years, Marcia went to court, where a judge forced the then-deadbeat to provide what he owed. Since then, Steve Harvey has patched things up with his ex-wife and with his children.

How are Steve & Marjorie Today

These days, it feels like the pair have put the noise of a divorce behind them to enjoy living together.

In July 2024, the Family Feud host took to X, formerly Twitter, to post a photo of him and his wife from their romantic getaway in Italy, where they celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary.

"Still going strong," he wrote in the caption, along with fire and heart emojis. The pair looked incredibly cozy and incredibly chic, sitting together in formal wear while cruising the Mediterranean.

Looks like they'll make it after all!

Steve Harvey Divorce Rumors & Marriage History With Marjorie Harvey, Explained was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Ariana Grande Issues “Loving Reminder” in Wake of Body-Shaming Criticism

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Ariande Grande has an important message to send.

To fans. To followers. To pretty much everyone out there.

The actress and singer seemingly addressed ongoing body-shaming remarks late this past week by revisiting a note she shared amid the press tour for the first Wicked movie nearly one year ago.

Ariana Grande attends as Universal Pictures proudly presents the WICKED FOR GOOD US Premiere on November 17, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)

"Resharing this from last year," Grande wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories November 29, "as a loving reminder to all."

Along with these words, the 32-year old posted numerous clips from a 2024 interview in which she explained how she deals with unsolicited commentary about her appearance.

"I've been a specimen in a Petri dish, really, since I was 16 or 17, you know?" Grande begins in the footage.

"So I have heard it all. I heard every version of it, of what's wrong with me. And then you fix it, and then it's wrong for different reasons — from what you're wearing, to your body, to your face, to your everything."

Ariana Grande attends the 16th Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom on November 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

The Wicked: For Good superstar went on to say that she feels as though saying things about other people's bodies is normalized in our culture… despite the fact that it can cause real harm.

"There's a comfortability that we shouldn't have at all — commenting on other's looks, [their] appearance, what [we] think is going on behind the scenes or [their] health … It's like, that is something that is uncomfortable and horrible, no matter where it's happening, no matter the scale that it's happening on," she said in this interview.

Later in the interview, the artist — who has often had to blast body-shamers — said she thinks the phenomenon is "dangerous," while also stating that she feels "lucky" to have a strong support system behind her amid her rise to stardom.

"I think that I'm really lucky to have the support system that I have, and to just know and trust that I'm beautiful, you know?" Grande said.

"But I do know what the pressure of that noise feels like. It's been a resident in my life since I was 17. And I just don't invite it in anymore. It's not welcome … I just don't invite it in anymore … I have work to do. I have a life to live. I have friends to love on. I have so much love."

Ariana Grande is just an amazing talent. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)

Grande may be done with music forever. Or at least a VERY long time.

She recently admitted that dealing with the pressures that come with her status has presented challenges for her in the past.

"Until quite recently, it was really hard for me to navigate," Ariana told The New York Times in an interview published Nov. 5. "And I think it stripped a lot of joy out of this for me."

In April 2023, meanwhile, Grande posted a rare, three-minute confessional on TikTok in which she addressed comments about her body.

"There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful. And personally, for me, the body that you've been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body," she said back then.

"I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly and at the lowest point of my life when I looked the way you consider my healthy, but that, in fact, wasn't my healthy…

"The second thing is you never know what someone is going through, so even if you're coming from a loving place or a caring place, that person probably is working on it or has a support system that they're working on it with. You never know, so be gentle with each other and yourselves."

Ariana Grande Issues "Loving Reminder" in Wake of Body-Shaming Criticism was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Stefanie Pieper Cause of Death: Beauty Influencer, 31, Found Dead In Forest

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We have tragic news to report from the world of social media.

Beloved beauty influencer Stefanie Pieper has been found dead, apparently the victim of a brutal murder.

She was just 31 years old.

Beauty influencer Stefanie Pieper has been found dead at the age of 31. (YouTube)

Missing persons case resolves itself in grisly fashion

According to a report from People magazine, police had been searching for Pieper for several days before her body was found in a forest in Slovenia.

Early reports indicate that Pieper's boyfriend, also 31, confessed to strangling the Austrian content creator and dumping her body.

Police in Slovenia say he led them to her body after he made his confession.

Pieper reportedly never returned home from a Christmas party she attended on November 23.

She was reported missing after not showing up for work on Wednesday, November 26.

Family and friends said that she "could not be reached" at home, and investigators launched an exhaustive search.

Shortly thereafter, Slovenian police arrested her boyfriend in connection with her death.

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A post shared by People Magazine (@people)

"The man is believed to have traveled to Slovenia several times in his car. He could not be contacted by the investigating police," authorities said in a press release obtained by People.

"On Monday evening, November 24, 2025, the Slovenian police reported that a car had caught fire in the parking lot of a casino near the border," the statement continued.

"This was the 31-year-old man's car. He was found in the immediate vicinity of the burning vehicle and arrested by the Slovenian police. Extradition to Austria has been requested."

They later reported that two of the boyfriend's family members have also been arrested.

"The detainees are in police custody and are being questioned. Forensic examination of the ex-boyfriend's car yielded no clues as to the missing woman's whereabouts," authorities revealed.

"Investigations are being conducted in both Slovenia and Austria, and there is close cooperation between the two authorities," they added. "Search operations carried out in Slovenia have so far been unsuccessful; these will continue tomorrow."

Pieper messaged her friends that she had arrived home safely after the party, but she later told them that she suspected that there was a man in the stairwell of her apartment building.

Our thoughts go out to Stefanie Pieper's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.

Stefanie Pieper Cause of Death: Beauty Influencer, 31, Found Dead In Forest was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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