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Family of slain Chicago officer sues city, says department ignored warnings about dangerous partner
The family of a Chicago Police officer fatally shot by her partner during a pursuit earlier this year has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging the department ignored clear warning signs that the officer posed a threat to her.
The lawsuit, filed by the mother of Officer Krystal Rivera, claims the Chicago Police Department knew Officer Carlos Baker had a history of reckless behavior and violent misconduct but continued assigning him to work alongside Rivera. Rivera, 36, was shot and killed on June 5 while the pair were trying to apprehend an armed suspect.
According to the complaint, Rivera had repeatedly expressed concerns to supervisors about Baker’s behavior and ended a two-year on-again, off-again romantic relationship with him shortly before the shooting. The lawsuit states the department was aware of multiple complaints against Baker, including an allegation from a former girlfriend who accused him of threatening her with a gun inside a bar.
Rivera’s mother, Yolanda, said her daughter never should have feared the person assigned to watch her back. "Krystal understood the dangers of this job. She accepted the risk that came with policing. What she never should have had to fear was her own partner," she said. "That betrayal cost Krystal’s life."
The lawsuit alleges Rivera and Baker pulled over a motorist suspected of having a weapon, prompting a foot chase that ended outside an apartment building. Baker kicked in the door and fired his weapon at the suspect but struck Rivera in the back instead.
Family attorney Antonio Romanucci said Baker then fled to another floor rather than call for help or provide any first aid.
"He did not attempt even the most basic first aid step of applying pressure on her wound… Baker left Krystal there on the floor, literally gasping. Krystal radioed in her own shooting," Romanucci said.
The lawsuit also accuses the department of filing misleading reports to state regulators that suggested the shots came from a barricaded suspect rather than from Baker.
CHICAGO MAN ACCUSED OF STABBING, CHOKING UK WOMAN THEN CALLING DAD FOR LAWYER FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER
Romanucci said Baker had 11 misconduct complaints in three years, placing him among the small percentage of officers with the worst disciplinary records. In one 2022 incident, Baker allegedly brandished a gun at an ex-girlfriend inside a tavern — a case reviewed by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, which has not issued a formal determination.
Rivera joined CPD in 2021 and was paired with Baker in early 2023. The two began a romantic relationship that summer, but Rivera later asked for a new partner over what the lawsuit describes as Baker’s "prior reckless conduct." Though the request was granted, the two were reassigned together last year after Rivera transferred into a tactical team.
According to the complaint, Rivera ended the relationship for good last winter after discovering Baker had a live-in girlfriend. She told colleagues she feared Baker’s "negative and hostile reaction" and said he continued showing up uninvited at her home as late as June 4 — one day before the shooting.
Romanucci argued Baker should never have remained in uniform. "He never should have gotten past his probationary period. He was not fit to police our communities, let alone carry a gun under the color of law," he said. "The decision CPD made to keep Carlos Baker on the force was not costly. It was fatal."
The Cook County State’s Attorney previously declined to prosecute Baker, but Rivera’s family hopes new information uncovered during the lawsuit will lead prosecutors to reconsider.
Rivera, described by colleagues as a dedicated mentor and rising officer, was in her fourth year with the department.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
HUD launches civil rights investigation into Boston’s DEI housing policies over alleged racial discrimination
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Thursday an investigation into the city of Boston, Massachusetts, alleging its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) housing practices violate federal anti-discrimination laws.
HUD said it has evidence Boston used federal grant assistance for "race-based preferences," in violation of the Fair Housing Act and Title VI, describing the initiatives as a "social engineering project."
"We believe the City of Boston has engaged in a social engineering project that intentionally advances discriminatory housing policies driven by an ideological commitment to DEI rather than merit or need," HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a statement. "HUD is committed to protecting every American’s civil rights and will thoroughly investigate the City’s stated goal of ‘integrating racial equity into every layer of city government.’"
Turner added that "this warped mentality will be fully exposed, and Boston will come into full compliance with federal anti-discrimination law."
RUBIO ORDERS RESTITUTION FOR HUNDREDS OF STAFFERS DENIED PROMOTIONS UNDER BIDEN DEI RULE
The investigation came after HUD sent a letter to the Mayor’s Office of Housing, alerting city officials that it had "reason to believe" Boston was improperly using its federal grant assistance.
According to HUD, Boston’s Fair Housing Assessment promises to "target homebuyer outreach" at "Black and Latinx families" and charges city departments with collecting racial and ethnic data "to evaluate their work through a racial equity/social justice lens."
Boston’s Housing Strategy 2025 also states that "at least 65%" of homeownership opportunities through city initiatives should go to BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) households, according to HUD.
"The policy is clear," the agency stated. "Financial housing assistance is not just for all low-income persons but instead ‘particularly BIPOC residents.’"
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUES PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT OVER ALLEGEDLY DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES
Turner said Thursday on X that HUD is "Breaking Up Biden’s Boston BIPOC Bash."
"Boston pushed discriminatory housing policies in the name of DEI," he wrote. "This warped mentality will be exposed and Boston will come into full compliance with federal law."
Turner slammed the Biden administration earlier this week, telling Fox News Digital he blamed the former president’s policies for an illegal immigration and refugee crisis that rattled the housing market.
DOJ SUES MAYOR WU OVER IMMIGRATION POLICIES: BOSTON 'AMONG THE WORST SANCTUARY OFFENDERS'
HUD releases its "Worst Case Housing Needs Report" every two years, which assesses the state of the housing market for low-income Americans and how many lack both affordable and adequate housing.
Turner said there are damning findings in this year’s assessment, which he pinned on former President Joe Biden’s immigration crisis.
"The unchecked illegal immigration and open borders policies allowed by the Biden administration continue to put significant strain on housing, pricing out American families," Turner said.
Fox News Digital reached out to the City of Boston for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
Mississippi governor orders release of man who served more than 10 years of illegal 15-year sentence
Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves ordered the release of a man who was illegally sentenced to 15 years in prison for a crime that carries a maximum penalty of five years behind bars.
Marcus Taylor was granted clemency by the governor on Wednesday, and he must be freed within five days of the order.
"It is undisputed, as recently confirmed by all 10 members of the Mississippi Court of Appeals, that such a sentence for the offense committed plainly is illegal," Reeves said in a statement on Wednesday.
LOUISIANA DEATH ROW INMATE FREED AFTER NEARLY 30 YEARS AS OVERTURNED CONVICTION UPENDS CASE
"Mr. Taylor has served more than 10 years of his sentence, and further service of this sentence in excess of the five-year statutory maximum constitutes a mischarge of justice," he continued. "As governor, it is my sworn duty to ensure that the laws of the state of Mississippi are faithfully executed without passion or prejudice, and by commuting Mr. Taylor’s sentence to time served, I am fulfilling my Constitutional duty."
The state's Court of Appeals ruled in May that Taylor's sentence was illegal, but did not commute his sentence because he had missed the deadline to apply for post-conviction relief.
But after rehearing the case last month, the court overturned its decision and ordered Taylor's release.
Taylor accepted a plea deal in February 2015 for conspiracy to sell a Schedule III controlled substance.
The trial court and Taylor's plea petition incorrectly showed the maximum sentence as 20 years, according to the appeals court.
Acting on the state's sentence recommendation, a judge sentenced Taylor to 15 years.
REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR SPARES LIFE OF DEATH ROW INMATE IN FINAL HOURS BEFORE EXECUTION
Taylor will finally be set free, after Reeves granted clemency for the first time since taking office in 2020.
"This is about justice, not mercy," the governor said on Wednesday. "Mr. Taylor has served the entire five-year sentence for the crime to which he pled guilty. Respect for the rule of law and protecting every Mississippian’s right to individual liberty and self-determination are the bedrock principles upon which our Constitutional Republic and state were founded. If justice is denied to one Mississippian, it is denied to us all."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Invasive pest never before seen in North America threatens Texas food supply, officials warn
Texas agriculture officials issued an urgent alert this week after confirming that a newly identified invasive pest is spreading quickly across more than 20 counties, threatening grazing lands, hay production and livestock operations across the state.
The insect, Helicococcus summervillei – known as the pasture mealybug – has never before been reported in North America. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said the pest is already causing visible damage in multiple regions.
"This is a completely new pest to our continent, and Texas is once again on the front lines," Miller said. "If the pasture mealybug spreads across Texas grazing lands like it has in eastern Australia, it could cost Texas agriculture dearly in lost productivity and reduced livestock capacity."
The Texas Department of Agriculture says it is working with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to evaluate how far it is spreading and to determine the best emergency response strategy.
BIRD FLU CASES ON THE RISE, AS ILLNESS CONFIRMED AT GEORGIA COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARM
The pasture mealybug was first described in Australia in 1928, according to AgriLife Extension publications, and was known to be responsible for millions of acres of lost pasture due to "pasture dieback." The publication describes the condition as when the insect feeds at the soil level and within plant tissues, weakening and eventually killing grass essential for grazing and hay production.
While the species is believed to be new to North America, researchers suspect the insect has been present since before 2022.
So far, state and extension experts have documented the following 20 counties as being infected, with possibly more: Brazoria, Galveston, Wharton, Matagorda, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Refugio, Calhoun, Victoria, Goliad, Dewitt, Lavaca, Fayette, Jackson, Burleson, Brazos and Robertson.
COLORADO UTILIZING GRAZING CATTLE TO HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES IN AT-RISK AREAS
According to a Pest Incident Worksheet from AgriLife entomologists, the most significant pasture losses are in Victoria County.
It’s also noted that the most susceptible grasses to infestation are Bermudagrass, Bahia grass, Johnsongrass, haygrazer (sorghum–sudangrass), St. Augustine grass, bluestem varieties and other tropical or subtropical grasses.
Damage can be difficult to detect early because the insects feed low on the plant and beneath surface debris. Warning signs include yellowing within a week of infestation, purpling or reddening of leaves, stunting despite adequate moisture, weakening root systems and patchy areas of thinning or dead grass. The bugs appear as small white fuzzy clusters on grass or plant matter.
IN TEXAS CATTLE COUNTRY, ONE RANCHER WELCOMES TRUMP’S FOCUS ON DECADES OF THIN MARGINS
As of now, there are no insecticides labeled for the control of the pest in the U.S.
Anyone who believes they are affected and notices symptoms or insect clusters resembling mealybugs is being asked to contact the Texas Department of Agriculture at 1-800-TELL-TDA. State and federal officials say ongoing reporting will be essential to mapping the pest’s spread and preventing widespread economic losses.
"We need every producer’s eyes on the ground," Miller emphasized.
TDA, AgriLife Extension and USDA APHIS are continuing to jointly investigate the pest and develop response strategies to safeguard Texas livestock and hay industries.
Here's how you can get up to 75% off Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's memberships
If you’ve been thinking about joining Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s, now’s the time to make it official. StackSocial is offering discounted memberships to all three. You can get 75% off a one-year BJ’s Wholesale membership, join Sam’s Club at 50% off for the first year, and even score up to a $60 Costco Shop Card when you sign up. Whether you choose the basic tier or upgrade for more perks, it’s an easy way to unlock year-round savings.
THESE LAST-MINUTE GIFTS ON AMAZON ARE ALL 40% OFF OR MORE – AND THEY ARRIVE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
StackSocial has a great deal on BJ’s Wholesale Club memberships. You can join for just $15 (normally $60) or upgrade to the Club+ membership for $60 (normally $120). That’s up to 75% off through Dec. 28. Members get access to great warehouse deals, plus gas savings at BJ’s Gas and extra perks through the Fuel Saver Program.
BEST DEALS ON MATTRESSES AND BEDDING: UP TO 64% OFF SAATVA, NECTAR AND MORE
Right now, you can save 60% off the standard membership fee and join Sam’s Club for just $20 through StackSocial. You can also upgrade to the Plus Membership for $60 (normally $110), saving 45%. Both options unlock access to member-only prices on groceries, home essentials, electronics and more. Perks include free curbside pickup, discounted gas and extra savings on hotels, car rentals, entertainment and other seasonal offers.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Through Dec. 21, StackSocial is offering a one-year Costco Gold Star membership for $65, and you’ll get a $40 digital Costco shop card as a bonus. There's also the option to upgrade to an Executive Gold Star membership for $130 and receive a $60 Costco Shop Card. Each membership includes a free household card and is valid at all Costco locations worldwide and online. Beyond warehouse access, Costco memberships come with extra perks like travel deals, insurance savings and discounts on auto services.
Falcons shock Bucs with walk-off field goal as Kyle Pitts totals 3 touchdowns in career game
It was a hard-fought NFC South matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, and the latter wanted to play spoiler.
The Falcons, who were eliminated from the playoffs last week, made it harder for the Bucs to win the division after a walk-off field goal by Zane Gonzalez in a 29-28 victory.
Tampa Bay is now 7-7 on the year, having lost their last two games, while the Falcons are 5-9.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
One of the big storylines coming into the game was the return of veteran receiver Mike Evans, who had been sidelined since Week 4 with a collarbone injury.
While many wondered if the Bucs would have him on a snap count, it didn’t seem that way as quarterback Baker Mayfield loved getting him the ball in this one. Evans finished with 132 yards on just six catches to lead the way for the Bucs in the pass game.
However, Evans’ impressive performance was nothing compared to Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, who had a career game on "Thursday Night Football." In the absence of star receiver Drake London, Pitts became Kirk Cousins’ favorite target on the night.
TOM BRADY MAILBAG: THE ONE FOOD THE GOAT CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT, AND IT'S NOT AVOCADO ICE CREAM
The 6-foot-6 tight end had three touchdown catches and 166 yards on 11 catches, as he and Cousins found a quick connection early and it came in clutch late in the game.
After Mayfield was picked off by Dee Alford in a 28-20 game, Cousins and the Falcons’ offense had the opportunity to march down the field and tie the game, granted they scored a touchdown and had a successful two-point conversion.
Cousins, having found Pitts twice before, lofted a pass to his trusty tight end, who secured it and managed to stay in bounds for his third score of the night. Video review was needed to determine if he stayed in bounds, and while it appeared his elbow was out, his backside hit the turf in bounds at the same moment. With officials calling a touchdown initially, it was insufficient evidence to overturn the score.
But the Bucs were still up two, needing a big stop on the two-point play. They got just that, as Cousins was hurried and the pass went incomplete.
Mayfield, who had two touchdown passes in this game to Chris Godwin and Devin Culp, knew they could ice the game with a few first downs on the ensuing drive. But backed up on third-and-14, Mayfield was sacked at the two-minute warning.
Cousins didn’t have any timeouts to work with after getting the ball back, and it was an inauspicious start to the drive when he was strip-sacked and the game could’ve been over right then and there.
But the ruling was both the Bucs and Falcons had the ball, meaning the tie goes to the team who was on offense. That still set Cousins back to second-and-18, which turned into second-and-28 on a holding penalty that was accepted after an incompletion.
Cousins, though, used Pitts and David Sills V to get the yardage needed to keep the drive alive. The Falcons were in field goal range for Gonzalez, who eventually buried the 43-yarder for the win.
The Bucs were up 28-14 heading into the fourth quarter, but a defensive breakdown at the worst time cost them in the end.
In the box score, Cousins was phenomenal in primetime, passing for 373 yards with his three connections to Pitts.
And we can’t forget about Bijan Robinson, the league-leader in scrimmage yards who totaled 175 (93 rushing, 82 receiving) on 27 total touches for Atlanta.
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Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr provides update on security guard he accidentally decked on sideline
A scary moment occurred during the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars game when Michael Pittman Jr. accidentally knocked over a security guard, who fell hard on the turf near the end zone.
On what would've been a touchdown catch – Pittman was called for offensive pass interference to negate the grab in the end zone – he was pushed and lost his footing in rainy conditions as he slid onto the grass.
But Pittman immediately hit a security guard, who wasn't looking behind him as he performed his duty looking up at the Jacksonville crowd at EverBank Stadium. The security guard hit the turf hard, as the back of his head slammed on the ground.
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Pittman was quick to check on the man before eventually rejoining his team on the field.
After the game, Pittman posted on X hoping to find out the status of the security guard.
"Any updates on the security guard that hit his head on the sideline yesterday?" Pittman asked his followers with a praying hands emoji.
TOM BRADY SAYS HE ‘CERTAINLY COULD’ PLAY QUARTERBACK AT 4 AMID A PHIIP RIVERS COMEBACK
Fox News Digital asked Pittman on Wednesday if he ever heard about the man he collided with.
"So, I got an update from other people," Pittman, who also discussed his partnership with Oral-B. "We’re still working on — we have a great media team in our building. They said they’re going to get his name for me so I can reach out personally and check on him.
"That was a scary thing for everybody involved, but they said that he walked off on his own power. He’s doing good, so that’s good."
NFL players are always going the extra mile to help their teams win games, but sometimes the heat of competition results in those bystanders on the sideline becoming collateral damage. This was one of the scarier hits between a player and gameday personnel, but it's good to hear that the security guard appears to be good.
That would've been the first touchdown pass of rookie Riley Leonard's young career if Pittman's grab stood for six points. But it ultimately didn't work out in the 36-19 loss, where starting quarterback Daniel Jones was lost for the season due to a torn Achilles in the first quarter.
As a result, the Colts have signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to play for the last time he suited for in the NFL back in 2020 – Pittman's rookie year in the league.
PERFECT CLEAN, PERFECT GAME
Pittman teamed up with Oral-B, which was recently named the official toothbrush of the NFL, and he shot some fun content with beloved Colts mascot, Blue.
Pittman and Blue were trying to get their pearly whites clean with the new iO Series Electric Toothbrush, and though Blue is known for his moving belly during games, he had a giant set of teeth to get right before the game as well.
As someone who never strays away from his gameday routine, it starts with brushing his teeth before anything else in the morning.
"The smile is everything," Pittman said. "Oral-B being the official toothbrush of the NFL, I just felt like it was a perfect partner because they give you the perfect clean so you can play the perfect game with their IO-series toothbrush they just came out with. It does all the work for you, so it couldn’t be easier."
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Newsom says Trump is one of the 'most destructive' president of his lifetime: 'This guy is reckless'
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, argued that President Donald Trump is one of the "most destructive" presidents in his lifetime and that the country is becoming "unrecognizable."
The governor made the comments on Wednesday during an appearance on New York Times columnist Ezra Klein’s podcast.
"I think Trump is one of the most destructive presidents and human beings in my lifetime," Newsom said. "I think this republic is at real risk, this country being unrecognizable. And I have no patience for people that want to indulge it."
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Newsom also criticized financial, educational and political entities for "bending the knee to this president."
"I can’t stand the crony capitalism," the California Democrat continued. "I can’t stand the universities have done that, the law firms that have done that, individual corporate leaders that have done that, other governors, maybe Democrats and Republicans, that have been complicit at this moment."
Several elite universities, banking companies and law firms amended policies this year in the face of threats from the Trump administration, including potential loss of federal funding for the educational institutions.
Newsom, who has been floated as a potential top Democrat candidate for the 2028 presidential election, has been a vocal critic of Trump dating back to his first term in the White House. He said he had "softened" on the threat of Trump ignoring constitutional restrictions and attempting to run for a third term.
"This guy is reckless," Newsom said. "We’ll not have a fair and free election if we don’t continue to fight. I’m the future ex-governor. Who the hell knows what happens the rest of my life? Except one thing I know that matters in the rest of my life is I have to look at my kids in the goddamn eye. I mean that seriously."
The governor's critique of Trump this year has included social media rants mimicking the president's writing style, such as using all capital letters and nicknames.
Newsom has also mocked Trump with AI-generated videos, including one depicting the president, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller in handcuffs crying.
NEWSOM HAS STRONG FEAR THAT ‘SON OF A B----’ TRUMP WILL SUSPEND 2028 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
The jabs at Trump are just one side of the back and forth between the two politicians, as the president has also repeatedly attacked Newsom, including blaming him for the wildfires that swept through Southern California in January and supporting White House border czar Toman Homan's threat to arrest the governor amid federal immigration raids in Los Angeles over the summer.
Fired Michigan coach Sherrone Moore accused of stalking victim 'for months' in police dispatch audio
Details of the detention of former University of Michigan Football coach Sherrone Moore surfaced Wednesday and included allegations of stalking and a possible mental health crisis.
Audio of a 911 dispatch call obtained by Fox News Digital details allegations of an alleged "domestic" assault in which police said the victim claimed "there's a male at the location and the house attacking her" and noted that the suspect had been "stalking her for months."
The audio goes on to say that the suspect, "did put a knife to his throat and ran out."
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According to TMZ Sports, additional audio from dispatch included the suspect's wife saying he is suicidal due to "losing his job today."
Moore’s name was not mentioned in the audio, but TMZ Sports reported that the call came from a Michigan football employee's address in Ann Arbor at the time Moore was arrested on Wednesday.
Moore, 39, was booked into Washtenaw County Jail in Michigan, Fox News Digital confirmed. No charges were listed.
Pittsfield police said they responded to a home as part of an assault investigation. Police said a suspect was taken into custody and that the incident does not appear to be random in nature. Police said the suspect was lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail pending review of charges by the Washtenaw County prosecutor.
WHO IS SHERRONE MOORE? NATIONAL CHAMPION COACH'S STUNNING DOWNFALL FROM MICHIGAN ENDS IN JAILING
Moore’s arrest came after the Wolverines head coach was fired after it was revealed that he had an "inappropriate relationship" with a staffer. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement that "credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member."
University of Michigan interim President Domenico Grasso also sent an email message to students Thursday addressing the situation, saying that Moore’s actions were a "breach of trust," and he encouraged students to come forward with information as their investigation continues.
"Students, Earlier this week, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics dismissed head football coach Sherrone Moore with cause for violating University policy by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member," a copy of the message obtained by Fox News Digital said.
"There is absolutely no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan. None. I have been in close communication with the Board of Regents and we are united in committing to doing what is right. This breach of trust by Coach Moore is painful for many in our community, first and foremost, the individuals directly involved in this situation."
Moore is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.
Fox News Digital’s Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
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Pickleball player plunges to his death in 3-story fall after climbing over safety rail to retrieve ball
Video shows the horrifying moment a pickleball player fell to his death after climbing over a safety rail to retrieve a ball at a sports center in Malaysia.
CCTV footage acquired by Newsflare shows the 32-year-old player leaping over a safety rail at a Kuala Lumpur pickleball facility on Dec. 2.
The video then shows him jumping onto mesh netting that covered an open gap, but it tore under his weight and he plunged three stories.
Other players rushed to the railing before heading to the first floor. When they reached him, they learned he had died, according to Newsflare.
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"The deceased was playing pickleball on the third floor and he had climbed over the court’s fence to retrieve a ball and fell to the lower floor," Wangsa Maju district police chief Mohamad Lazim Ismail said in a statement obtained by Newsflare. "The case has been classified as sudden death."
Officials at the Playa Racquet Club, where the incident occurred, expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.
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"We are deeply saddened by a tragic incident that occurred at our TREC facility, which resulted in the loss of a life," the officials said. "At this time, we ask for understanding and compassion as we respect the privacy of the family and loved ones affected.
"We kindly urge the public to refrain from speculation while the appropriate authorities carry out their investigation," club officials said.
WHAT IS PICKLEBALL? HOW TO PLAY, WHAT YOU NEED AND HOW TO FIND A COURT NEAR YOU
Pickleball is a sport that blends tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It was invented in 1965 by three dads looking for a fun family activity.
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum gathered on Bainbridge Island, near Seattlenear Seattle, where they had access to an abandoned badminton court. They began using ping-pong paddles to volley with a perforated plastic ball over the net.
They ended up with some random equipment, which led to the birth of pickleball.
Fox News’ Ashlyn Messier contributed to this report.