The tragic news of former One Direction member Liam Payne’s death has left fans and fellow musicians in shock. At just 31 years old, Payne’s life was cut short after he fell from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while on vacation with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. Circumstances Surrounding […]
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For many fans, the late creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama is nothing short of a cultural icon, whose influence has spanned decades and shaped modern anime. Now, one fan has achieved something that even the most dedicated followers can only dream of receiving, and that fan is none other than YouTuber, rapper, and boxer […]
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MUMS have been warned about a a new winter maternity coat that could put babies at risk due to overheating.
Doctors claimed the coat could be “unsafe” after a video posted to Primark’s Instagram showed showed a baby being zipped into garment to the point its head was covered.
Primark has since removed the video from its social media.
A spokesperson told Sun Health: “We’ve removed a video that briefly showed a model using our maternity coat incorrectly while carrying a baby in a sling.
“While the coat meets all UK and EU standards, we know we have a responsibility to our customers to be mindful of the content we share and we’re very sorry for the concern it has caused.”
The £45 padded maternity jacket recently rolled out by the fashion retailer is designed to be used during pregnancy and after birth.
It features a zip away panel that can be added to the front of the coat to accommodate a growing bump and keep babies warm if they’re being carried in a sling.
Safety concerns around the coat were sparked after Primark shared a video on Instagram demonstrating the coat’s functionality.
The clip showed the baby being zipped up into the coat and for a brief moment its head was completely covered.
This raised concerns among viewers, who pointed out potential risks related to safety.
Baby health experts took issue with the fact that the coat appears to be able to zip up all the way over the baby’s head.
Dr Niamh Lynch, a consultant paediatrician and paediatric neurologist, voiced her concerns about the coat’s design in the comment section.
She said: “Anything that covers a baby’s face in a sling poses a risk of rebreathing and overheating.”
The Primark spokesperson noted that the model used the maternity coat “incorrectly” in the video.
“The coat, which is designed to be worn both during pregnancy and beyond, has a removable middle panel with a central zip that pulls down to allow the baby’s head to move freely and there are zips either side of the panel to create additional space,” they said.
It’s understood the coat design is sold across many other retailers.
Dr Lynch posted a video to her own Instagram page to further address her concerns about the jacket.
She claimed there were two possible issues with the product.
“Number one is the obscuring of the baby’s face and number two is the possibility of overheating.
“Yes, this thing looks really, really cosy, but cosy isn’t always good when it comes to babies.”
When you're carrying your baby in a sling or carrier, keep T.I.C.K.S. in mind:
Tight
The sling should be tight enough to hug your baby close.
Any slack/loose fabric will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.
In View At All Times
You should always be able to see your baby’s face by glancing down.
The fabric of a sling or carrier should not close around them so you have to open it to check on them. In a cradle position your baby should face upwards not be turned in towards your body
Close Enough To Kiss
Your baby’s head should be close to your chin.
By tipping your head forward you should be able to kiss your baby on the head or forehead
Keep Chin Off The Chest
Ensure there is at least a finger width of space under your baby’s chin.
A baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing.
Supported Back
Your baby’s back should be supported in its natural position with their tummy and chest against you.
If a sling is too loose they can slump which can partially close their airway.
This can be tested by placing a hand on your baby’s back and pressing gently – they should not uncurl or move closer to you.
Source: TICKS
Babies aren’t good at regulating their own body temperature so they’re vulnerable to overheating.
According to the NHS, too much bedding or clothing or a hot room can increase the risk of this happening.
It said overheating can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – when an apparently healthy baby inexplicably dies.
SIDS is very rare, only affecting 200 babies in the UK each year.
This item is dangerous and should not be sold. Never cover your baby’s face when in a sling
Professor Afif EL-Khuffash
Dr Lynch said it was important to keep certain things in mind when carrying your baby in a sling or carrier.
She said your baby needs to be nestled tightly against your body, in view at all times and close enough to kiss.
You also need to make sure that your tot’s back is supported and that they aren’t curled up with their chin against their chest, as that could restrict their breathing.
Dr Lynch’s advice is in line with what’s known as the T.I.C.K.S. Rule for safe baby-wearing.
Before the video was taken down, a number of people took to the comments to gush about the coat.
One commenter said: “This is such a great idea! I wish this was been available when my son was young!”
Another added: “OMG! What a fabulous idea!” with another saying “Absolutely genius – and such a pretty coat!”
But Dr Lynch wasn’t the only one to voice safety concerns about the maternity puffer.
Professor Afif EL-Khuffash, a consultant neonatologist at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, and a clinical professor of paediatrics at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, commented: “This item is dangerous and should not be sold. Never cover your baby’s face when in a sling.”
He went on to add: “The fact that it can be zipped all the way over the baby’s head does make it unsafe. No question.”
A spokesperson from nursery retailer Winstanleys Pramworld emphasised the importance of safe babywearing practices following the controversy.
They reiterated the need to follow the T.I.C.K.S guidelines, which provide key safety tips for using slings.
They also stressed the importance of avoiding overheating, as babies can easily become too warm when wrapped in thick layers of clothing.
“Overheating is another crucial concern for parents,” the spokesperson said.
“Babies can easily become too warm when bundled in thick layers.
“While their hands or face might feel cold, this doesn’t necessarily reflect their core temperature.
“To check if your baby is comfortable, feel their tummy or back, which should be warm but not hot or cold.”
The Pramworld spokesperson added: “Primark’s new maternity coat offers an affordable and innovative solution, but safety should always come first when it comes to babywearing, particularly in preventing overheating and ensuring proper positioning.”
Source: NHS
ANDY MURRAY trolled a Sky Sports pundit with dollar signs over their role in a controversial Saudi tournament.
The Six Kings Slam takes place in Riyadh this season with Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune all competing.
The Middle East event promised players a whopping £1.12million appearance fee just for turning up.
Incredibly, the winner of Saturday’s final between Sinner and Alcaraz is set to pocket £4.6m – double the amount Alcaraz received for winning Wimbledon and the largest prize in tennis history.
And Murray, 37, could not resist a cheeky dig at his close pal Liam Broady for signing up to cover the event – hinting he too was being paid handsomely for the gig.
It all started when the lefty British tennis ace – who has twice reached the third round at Wimbledon – shared the Six Kings Slam’s five-minute trailer at the end of September.
Broady, 30, wrote: “Speechless as to how damn cool this promo is. Probably best I’ve ever seen in tennis. Would watch this movie. 10/10.”
But cynic Murray hit back with his dry sense of humour: “Except it’s not a movie and you won’t watch it because it’s an exhibition tennis event that nobody cares about,” followed by a thumbs-up emoji.
World No478 Broady replied: “Omfg man why you so negative,” to which Muzza simply added a fishing emoji, suggesting his friend had nibbled.
Then on Wednesday, Murray reignited their latest hilarious social media spat.
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He shared a tweet promoting the Six Kings Slam on Sky Sports Tennis – with Broady joining Gigi Salmon and Pat Cash for coverage.
And that prompted three-time Grand Slam champ Murray to quip: “Ahhhh now it makes sense @Liambroady,” and then added four dollar-bill emojis.
The tournament is an exhibition event staged as part of Riyadh Season – meaning it is not sanctioned by the ATP and therefore no rankings points are on offer, just huge sums of cash.
Sinner beat Medvedev then Djokovic to book his place in the so-called ‘Grand Final’ while Alcaraz saw off Rune and compatriot Nadal 6-3 6-3.
That was Nadals’ first match since announcing his upcoming retirement after next month’s Davis Cup finals in Spain.
Murray, meanwhile, hung up his racquet in the summer following the Paris Olympics – and plans to open a new restaurant in his five-star hotel.
But he has wasted no time embracing a new sport.
SIR Andy Murray is Great Britain's most successful tennis player of the Open era.
After breaking through in 2005 to reach the Wimbledon third round at 18, the Scot was British No1 by the following year.
In 2008 he reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, only to fall to Roger Federer in straight sets.
Two more final defeats at the Australian Open to Federer and Novak Djokovic followed in 2010 and 2011 before heartbreak at Wimbledon in 2012.
Despite taking the first set against Federer, he fell 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 in front of a home crowd before breaking into tears on Centre Court.
But a month later on the same court he beat the Swiss legend to earn Team GB a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics.
And weeks after that he broke his Grand Slam duck at the fifth attempt, beating Djokovic in five sets in the US Open final.
In 2013, following another Australian Open final loss, Murray beat Djokovic in straight sets to become the first British man in 77 years to win the Wimbledon title.
Three more losing Grand Slam finals followed, at the 2015 and 2016 Australian Opens and the 2016 French Open.
But in his third Grand Slam final of 2016, Murray won Wimbledon again with a straight sets victory over Canadian Milos Raonic.
He followed it up with his second Olympic gold medal, beating Juan Martin del Potro in a four-hour epic in the final in Rio de Janeiro.
Later in 2016 Murray became world No1 – the first British man to do so in history.
Over his career Murray reached 11 Grand Slam finals, winning three. He won two Olympic golds and a silver (in the mixed doubles alongside Laura Robson).
He finishes his career with 46 titles and over £50million in earnings, making him the fourth all-time leader in earnings.
His final match was at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he lost in the quarter-final of the men’s doubles at Roland Garros to USA pair Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz.
He joined Bob MacIntyre, Jimmy Anderson and Anton Du Beke at the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am last month.
And he followed it up with his first golf trophy this week, winning the inaugural British Tennis Journalists’ Association Mike Dickson in memory of the revered late tennis writer who passed away suddenly while covering the Australian Open in January.
The BTJA wrote on X: “Thanks to everyone who joined us at Hanbury Manor yesterday for the first BTJA Mike Dickson Golf Day, supported by @InfluenceSports.
“Well done to our winner @andy_murray on claiming the first trophy of his golfing career.
“Think there are many more to come by the looks of it…”
THOUSANDS of Americans could be eligible for a payment from a million-dollar settlement but they have to take action fast.
It comes after Behavioral Health Group, an Opioid addiction treatment center has been accused of failing to protect the private information of its patients and workers.
In December 2021, the center was targeted by hackers in a cyberattack and the personal information of over 197,000 patients and employees was compromised, a class action lawsuit has alleged.
Such information reportedly included social security numbers, names, financial account information, medical information and passport details.
The class-action lawsuit that was filed in Kentucky in 2022 claims that BHG had a “duty” to patients and employees to “maintain reasonable and adequate security measures to protect and safeguard” their information.
It further alleged that the company breached this duty by “failing to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures.”
In agreeing to settle the dispute with a payout of $1.575 million, BHG has not admitted to any wrongdoing.
Anyone who received a notification of the data breach from the treatment centre stating their information may have been compromised is now eligible for a chunk of the payout.
Under the terms of the settlement, two types of claims can be filed.
One is a claim for unreimbursed losses related to the data breach or class members can apply to claim an alternative cash payment.
The first case applies to those who have documents proving their losses.
Under this type of claim, they can receive up to $200 for what is described as ‘normal’ data breach losses such as credit expenses, travel costs, bank fees, and communications charges.
They can also apply for up to eight hours of lost time at a rate of $25 per hour.
Those who can prove that they suffered extraordinary data breach losses as a result of fraud or identity theft can claim up to an additional $5,000 in compensation.
Such class members are also able to apply for two years of three-bureau monitoring, credit monitoring, and $1 million in identity theft insurance.
Claimants who do not have documented losses can apply for an alternative cash payment, the sum of which is determined once all claims have been filed and all other payments made from the settlement.
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
The current estimate for this option is a payment of $150 with this alternative option being capped at $250.
However, class members have just days left to file a claim with the deadline set for October 23.
One key deadline has already been and gone and this will have impacted your legal rights if you are part of the class group.
By September 23, all claimants who wished to exclude themselves from the settlement should have done so.
Doing this means they will not take any money from the settlement fund but that they retain their right to bring legal action against BHG regarding the same claims in the future.
Those who did not exclude themselves have forfeited this legal right whether they file a claim or not.
If a class member fails to file a claim by the deadline they will not receive any compensation and cannot bring future action against the company over the breach.
Meanwhile, concertgoers can get up to $7,300 from a settlement worth $3.25 million.
LIAM Payne’s former fiancée Maya Henry has been targeted by vile internet trolls following a cease and desist letter she issued to the pop star before his death.
His ex-partner has been flooded with horrid abuse online after her lawyers issued the document to Liam and accused him of persistently contacting her.
The model reportedly told the former One Direction star to stop contacting her last week, just days before his tragic death.
Liam, 31, died after he fell from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday.
Maya, 23, has since been bombarded with cruel hate under her social media posts.
Trolls have left horrible comments on the Texan model’s latest Instagram post, from three days ago.
Some horrid remarks suggested the models actions were to blame for the pop stars death.
Trolls asked Maya if she was “feeling relieved” and if she was “happy now.”
Supporters jumped to defend the model from the online abuse and slapped back at these vile claims.
“It is not your fault,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“Maya we love you and support you,” another fan said.
“Leave this woman alone. Y’all don’t know what happened,” a third person commented.
“Go post condolences on his page, but why attack her?
“Grow up! Be respectful.”
It comes as…
Some fans even encouraged Maya to turn off her social media comments to block out the abuse.
Liam and Maya first met in 2015 during a fan meet and greet at a One Direction concert in Texas.
They met again at a Dolce&Gabbana fashion show in 2018, where she was modelling.
The pair started officially dating in August 2019 and got engaged just three months later in November.
The on and off pair split in June 2021 but later rekindled their romance and engagement.
Liam and Maya officially called it quits for good in May 2022.
Since then his ex-partner claimed she and her family had constantly been contacted by the musician, despite pleas to stop.
Maya’s lawyers issued a statement on the matter earlier this week.
“Maya Henry issued a cease and desist last week to Liam Payne following the emergence of new and concerning information,” they said.
The model spoke about her previous relationship on TikTok before Liam’s sudden death.
“Ever since we broke up he will blow up my phone,” she claimed.
“It’s always from different phone numbers too so I never know where it is going to come from.
“He will create new icloud accounts to iMessage me. It’s always a damn new iCloud account. Each time I see a new one pop up on my phone I’m like ‘oh here we go again’.”
She has since broken her silence following her ex-fiancées tragic death.
“She is understandably in shock,” a representative for the model told DailyMail.com.
Fans gathered outside of the Casa Sur hotel, where Liam died, to pay their tributes to the star.
They held a candlelit vigil after the shock news about the singer’s death was shared.
Emotional statements and images were also posted by several celebrities, including his former One Direction band mates.
They broke their silence in a group message where they revealed they were grieving the loss of their “brother.”
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us,” they wrote.
“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.
Louis Tomlinson wrote: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.
“Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Zayn Malik said: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
And Harry Styles wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
A MUM was left fighting for her life after being told to drink more water to help get rid of cold-like symptoms.
Nina Munro, 41, drank around four litres of water in an attempt to “flush out” her cough and sore throat.
But the excessive amounts of water, combined with medications she was taking for cold and flu ‘bugs’, flooded her system and left her with life-threateningly low sodium levels in her blood.
As a result, the mum had a seizure and was rushed to hospital.
Nina – who claims doctors told her they were unsure how she survived – was in intensive care for five days while doctors battled to stabilise her sodium levels.
Now the government officer, from Queensland, Australia, says she only drinks when she is thirsty and restricts herself to a maximum of around 1.5 litres of water a day.
“All the doctors didn’t know how I survived it,” she said.
“I was slowing drowning myself and I didn’t even know it!
“My husband said I wouldn’t do anything without a glass of water by my side.
“I thought I was a super-healthy person,” the mum went on, saying she thought “someone was looking out for [her]” throughout her ordeal.
“They wouldn’t let me leave [hospital] until my sodium level began to increase.
“I didn’t see my daughter for five days which was so hard. I didn’t want her to see me in the state I was in.
“The first few days in ICU I couldn’t drink anything and when I left hospital I was on a restricted 1.5ltr diet and naturally now drink less.
“They told me to drink for thirst only.”
Six weeks before being admitted, Nina began to pick up minor coughs and colds and generally started feeling under the weather.
She said: “Our daughter is at kindergarten and she’s always coming home with little bugs.
Nina’s daughter came down with pneumonia, while the mum got laryngitis and lost her voice in May
She also unknowingly also caught a mycoplasma – this is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body, including the respiratory tract.
Nina added: “I also had a cold, earache and a sore throat which I kept going to doctors for.
“I never felt like I had time to rest with the constant demands of parenting and work.”
Nina saw five doctors in the six-week period and was given an array of different medications while being told to drink more water.
She said: “I had three lots of steroids, three lots of antibiotics, nasal sprays and Nurofen, which also lowers your sodium – it was a perfect storm to lower my sodium.”
Nina started to feel worse in the days before she was admitted on the June 15.
“I left a gym class as I felt I wasn’t moving right,” she said.
“I went to a local hospital and they said ‘drink lots of water’ as they thought I was having withdrawals from the steroids.”
I just kept thinking I needed to drink all this water to flush it out
Nina Munro
The next day she developed a “haze” in front of her eyes and experts again told her to drink more, she said.
By June 15, she had been vomiting for three days and had “drank around four litres that day and no food”.
“I just kept thinking I needed to drink all this water to flush it out,” Nina said.
“I’ve always tried to drink at least two litres a day, if not more.”
That night her husband called an ambulance, which took her to hospital.
Her sodium level was 100 milliequivalents per litre (mEq/L) – far below what’s considered normal, which tend to be between 135 and 145.
Sodium levels are considered low if they dip below 135 mEq/L.
It's important to keep hydrated throughout the day and to make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids.
You can actually gauge how hydrated you are from the colour of your pee.
Most people should aim to drink enough during the day so their pee is a clear pale yellow colour.
The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink six to eight cups or glasses of fluid a day.
Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
You may need to drink more fluids if you’re:
Is it possible to drink too much water?
It may be possible to drink too much water.
This is rare, but if this happens you can deplete sodium mineral levels in your body and cause hyponatremia – when the level of sodium in your blood is lower than normal.
Sodium is an important mineral that helps balance the amount of fluid in your body.
It also helps your nerves and muscles to work properly.
When the sodium level in your blood is too low, extra water moves into your cells and makes them swell.
This can be dangerous, especially in the brain where there is not a lot of room to expand.
The most common reason for hyponatremia is having too much fluid in the body.
There are many reasons why your water and sodium levels can be out of balance, including kidney disease, heart failure, severe vomiting and diarrhoea, excessive thirst and very high blood sugar.
Sources: NHS, National Kidney Foundation
Nina says she was told by doctors the cause of her low sodium level was from drinking too much water combined with medications she had been on for recent minor colds, plus a mycoplasma infection.
Her memory of her time in the ICU is a bit patchy but the mum counts herself lucky to be alive.
After a brief monitoring period, Nina made a full recovery and is now back to full health – although she is unable to drive for six months because of her seizure.
She said: “There must be other people out there in the same boat.”
Nina says her condition may have been caught earlier if she’d been given a blood test during her visits to doctors, as “the blood test would have shown the sodium level as being very low”.
“I think it will take a while to trust that things will be okay,” the mum adds.
“It was like my body had a hard reset and had to start up again.”
The NHS recommends people to drink six to eight glasses of water and other fluids a day – enough so their urine is a clear, pale yellow colour.
Sun Health reporter Isabel Shaw put 9 well-known cold and flu remedies when she was struck with a lurgy.
Over the course of a week, she tried products targeted all symptoms associated with cold and flu, as well as treatments that only aimed to get rid of specific issues.
These included:
She took into account pain reduction, and how quickly and for how long they worked.
Read her full verdicts here
KIM Zolciak has claimed that she found her estranged husband Kroy ‘UNCONSCIOUS in her closet while spying on her’.
The former couple filed for divorce for a second time in August 2023.
Since then the pair have been involved in a very messy divorce.
Now, according to TMZ, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim filed a motion last week (October 9) to allege that her estranged husband had ‘invaded her privacy’ while living in their house.
A source also told them that Kim also alleged that Kroy is “surveilling her within their home”.
There was also another incident where the reality star has claimed that she has pictures of Kroy “passed out in her closet”.
Despite not being together, the pair live in separate parts of their Georgia mansion.
Kim has the basement, while Kroy has the master bedroom.
The online court records, which have been seen by the publication, say that she also wants Kroy to return her belongings – after she claimed that he took the security cameras that she had set up in her personal space.
The sources have said that Kim wants Kroy to return her belongings.
Kim also made similar claims about him taking her stuff earlier this year – back in January and May.
The estranged couple met back in 2010 as they both attended a charity event for Dancing Stars of Atlanta.
Kim and Kroy got engaged a year later.
The same year that they tied the knot, they welcomed their son Kroy Jagger into the world.
In 2012 Kim gave birth to their second son Kash Kade.
Then three years later they became a family of six with the births of their twins, Kaia Rose and Kane Ren.
Kim is also mum to Ariana and Brielle from previous relationships.
The pair have filed for divorce not once, but twice over the years.
In May 2023 Kim filed for divorce after 11 years of marriage after separating in April.
She stated their marriage was “irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation.”
However two months later the divorce was called off.
By August 24 of the same year, the latter refiled for divorce.
MORGAN Rowan is a survivor of Rodney Alcala, the notorious ‘Dating Game Killer’.
Her harrowing ordeal with the serial killer occurred in the summer of 1968 — but she didn’t utter a word about it until 2021.
In August 1968, Morgan Rowan met Rodney Alcala, aka The Dating Game Killer, while she was at a teen nightclub with her friends on the Sunset Strip, Los Angeles.
Alcala, who was then a slick professional photographer, convinced Morgan to get into his car under the pretense of going to an IHOP restaurant.
Instead of taking her to the restaurant, Alcala drove her to his apartment, claiming there was a party there.
There were other revellers at the gathering, with some of Morgan’s friends even attending and mingling with the crowd.
Once inside, however, Alcala‘s demeanor changed drastically.
He dragged Morgan into his bedroom, blocked the door and proceeded to brutally attack her.
In May 2024, aged 72, Morgan told People: “I watched his transformation. I watched his face turn purple.
“He punched me between my eyes with a belt buckle.
“I saw stars shooting, and I dropped to my knees.
“I wanted it to be over. I wasn’t praying to live. I was praying to die.”
During the assault, Alcala bound Morgan’s wrists with a necktie and raped her before leaving her for dead.
Her friends realised something was wrong, broke into the room through a window and rescued her.
As they pulled Morgan from the apartment, Alcala fled the scene.
For years, Morgan lived with the trauma of her attack, unaware of the true identity of her assailant.
I wanted it to be over. I wasn’t praying to live. I was praying to die
Morgan Rowan
It wasn’t until years later that she learned the full extent of Alcala’s crimes.
Weeks after escaping the killer, Morgan received a letter from a friend in Los Angeles containing a newspaper clipping about Alcala.
The article revealed that he was wanted for the kidnapping and rape of another young girl, eight-year-old Tali Shapiro, who had been attacked in a similar manner just weeks after Morgan’s ordeal.
Learning about Tali’s survival had a profound impact on Morgan.
She felt a deep sense of responsibility and connection to the younger victim.
When Morgan discovered that Tali had survived, she reached out to her on Facebook.
This connection led to an unexpected friendship between the two survivors.
As reported by People, Tali thinks of Morgan as “the sister I always wished I had,” and they consider themselves “chosen family”.
It wasn’t until after Alcala’s death in 2021 that Morgan, then 68 years old, came forward with her story.
She contacted Steve Hodel, one of the original investigators on the Shapiro case, to share her experience.
Morgan’s testimony provided crucial insight into Alcala’s early predatory behavior, predating his known murders by several years.
Morgan and Tali’s story serves as a powerful testament to survival and the healing power of connection among victims of violent crimes.
