Report: 'Infomercial King' Billy Mays Found Dead in Home

[RootBeer]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529328,00.html

[FallenAngel♥]

WOW my mom just called and told me... I'm SHOCKED and Sadden i really did like him :(

[spydernweb2006]

Wow another 50 yr old...

RIP

jmho

hugs,
spyder

[both_of_us]

TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa police say Billy Mays, the television pitchman known for his boisterous hawking of products such as Orange Glo and OxiClean, has died. He was 50.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obit_billy_mays;_ylt=AgzkXP19PYAZ2OD7f_I6EcCs0N UE;_ylu=X3oDMTFiZjh1aDV2BHBvcwMxBHNlYwN5bl9icmVha2 luZ19uZXdzBHNsawNicmVha2luZ25ld3M-

Very sad.

[kennedy06]

Not him too. Oh this is a sad week isn't it. A relative suggested I watch his new show.... they liked it, I hadn't gotten around to it yet.:sad:

[FallenAngel♥]

Mays had just returned from Philadelphia, where he shot a new OxiClean commercial. He was a passenger aboard a plane that suffered a blown front tire upon landing. He told a local TV station, "All of a sudden as we hit you know it was just the hardest hit, all the things from the ceiling started dropping. It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head."

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/billy-mays-is-dead/

[both_of_us]

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/billy-mays-is-dead/

Could be a coincidence I guess. It would be a mighty big coincidence though.

[FallenAngel♥]

Could be a coincidence I guess. It would be a mighty big coincidence though.

yeah that would have to be one mighty big coincidence but i'll wait to find out more info.

[both_of_us]

The FAA is already deflecting blame.

We called the FAA for comment, and a spokesperson told us, "The passenger needs to wear a seat belt during landing and he didn't."

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/faa-billy-wasnt-wearing-a-seat-belt-on-plane/

[FallenAngel♥]

WOW he twittered about HIP REPLACEMENT NO.3
http://twitter.com/REALBILLYMAYS

I wonder if he was on pain meds ............

[Patriot]

Holy carp, another shocking one. So sorry to hear it.

[Eagleeye]

WOW he twittered about
http://twitter.com/REALBILLYMAYS

I wonder if he was on pain meds ............

I am going to make a prediction that when he got hit on the head he had a sub dural hematoma and was bleeding inside his head. It is not unusual for this to happen after a hit to the head. It is silent and deadly.

RIP Billy

[Mr. Moto2]

I am going to make a prediction that when he got hit on the head he had a sub dural hematoma and was bleeding inside his head. It is not unusual for this to happen after a hit to the head. It is silent and deadly.

RIP Billy

Is that what happened to Natasha Richardson?

[need2no]

Wow, I'm stunned to hear this sad news. I wonder if Billy had some kind of health issue which was the reason he lost the extra weight. You can see the big change in his weight in these pics:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.billymaysfacts.com/images/billymays.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.billymaysfacts.com/&usg=__jg0zZL80U7pC0iDHYh2mz0zlzI4=&h=250&w=216&sz=38&hl=en&start=7&um=1&tbnid=4uLQqFkDeQkTQM:&tbnh=111&tbnw=96&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbilly%2Bmays%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SUN A_enUS313US313%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

Well duh me...just read upthread about his scheduled THIRD hip replacement.

[RayStar]

He was featured on the Today show recently. I liked that booming voice.

[annalyzer]

TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa police say Billy Mays, the television pitchman known for his boisterous hawking of products such as Orange Glo and OxiClean, has died. He was 50.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obit_billy_mays;_ylt=AgzkXP19PYAZ2OD7f_I6EcCs0N UE;_ylu=X3oDMTFiZjh1aDV2BHBvcwMxBHNlYwN5bl9icmVha2 luZ19uZXdzBHNsawNicmVha2luZ25ld3M-

Very sad.

omg! He was just on one of the late night talk shows last week and he looked good. :crying:

[Alibi Ike]

Is that what happened to Natasha Richardson?

She came to my mind immediately. Both apparently felt OK after the hit on the head and suffered the consequences later when it wa too late. So sad.

[Tracian]

We watch the pitchman show on discovery....Really a shock.

Condolences to his friends and family.

:rose:

[Eagleeye]

Is that what happened to Natasha Richardson?

I believe that is what they said.

[Pashie]

FAA -- Billy Wasn't Wearing a Seat Belt on Plane
http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/faa-billy-wasnt-wearing-a-seat-belt-on-plane/

[ABC]

I always enjoyed Billy and his pitches. RIP :rose::rose::rose:

[kitty1182]

:rose:.............

[FallenAngel♥]

I am going to make a prediction that when he got hit on the head he had a sub dural hematoma and was bleeding inside his head. It is not unusual for this to happen after a hit to the head. It is silent and deadly.

RIP Billy

Yep i'll go with that prediction...........


Billy you will be missed :rose:

[Mr. Moto2]

He was featured on the Today show recently. I liked that booming voice.

I have to admit, Billy almost got me to buy a Big City Slider Station. He not only had a booming voice, his delivery had a nice rhythm to it. Billy could really draw you into what he was saying.

[aproudmom]

Is that what happened to Natasha Richardson?

yes it is.. sad week

[aproudmom]

FAA -- Billy Wasn't Wearing a Seat Belt on Plane
http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/faa-billy-wasnt-wearing-a-seat-belt-on-plane/

I think we will see he had bleeding in his brain and that is what caused his death..they act fine and then it is to late..:sad:

[need2no]

I have to admit, Billy almost got me to buy a Big City Slider Station. He not only had a booming voice, his delivery had a nice rhythm to it. Billy could really draw you into what he was saying.

Just curious-do you like it? I've been considering buying one.

Billy convinced me to buy Kaboom....it doesn't work like stated on the infomercial, IMO.

[need2no]

I think we will see he had bleeding in his brain and that is what caused his death..they act fine and then it is to late..:sad:

I'm surprised the airline made that stupid comment about him not wearing a seat belt. If overhead luggage or whatever hit him in the head the dang seat belts would not have made any difference or had anything to do with his head being hit.

Billy was quoted as saying:
"All of a sudden as we hit you know it was just the hardest hit, all the things from the ceiling started dropping. It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head."

Sounds like his wife might have a dandy lawsuit against the airline.

[iluvmua]

Is this why you should see a Doctor immediately after hitting your head on something hard?

I fell backwards into my bathtub and hit my head so hard I broke my soap dish.

[ABC]

Yep i'll go with that prediction...........


Billy you will be missed :rose:
Fallen, I think it was a massive heart attack. Folks with subdurals have signs and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, pain and generally show up at the ED, like Natasha Richardson did.

[FallenAngel♥]

Is this why you should see a Doctor immediately after hitting your head on something hard?

I fell backwards into my bathtub and hit my head so hard I broke my soap dish.

OMG were you ok?

[~layla~]

I am going to make a prediction that when he got hit on the head he had a sub dural hematoma and was bleeding inside his head. It is not unusual for this to happen after a hit to the head. It is silent and deadly.

RIP Billy

you will be right since he said he got hit on the head to reporters... pretty hard, but I have a hard head ... were his words not verbatim

[Eagleeye]

Fallen, I think it was a massive heart attack. Folks with subdurals have signs and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, pain and generally show up at the ED, like Natasha Richardson did.


Not to be argumentative but you are not correct about subdurals.
Symptoms of subdural hemorrhage have a slower onset than those of eipdural hemorrhages because the lower pressure veins bleed more slowly than arteries. Thus, signs and symptoms may show up within 24 hours but can be delayed as much as 2 weeks. So Billy may not have any symptoms at all and thought he was ok.

[ABC]

Not to be argumentative but you are not correct about subdurals.
Symptoms of subdural hemorrhage have a slower onset than those of eipdural hemorrhages because the lower pressure veins bleed more slowly than arteries. Thus, signs and symptoms may show up within 24 hours but can be delayed as much as 2 weeks. So Billy may not have any symptoms at all and thought he was ok.
Yeah, whenever the onset of signs and symptom, there are in fact signs and symptoms like nausea, vomiting and pain of a brain injury. Its not silent. And the case of poor Natasha is classic subdurals.

[both_of_us]

Video of him talking about the knock to the head is up:

Billy Mays -- 'I Got a Hard Head' (http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/billy-mays-last-interview/)

FAA Spokesperson Takes Back Billy Mays Quote (http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/faa-spokesperson-takes-back-billy-mays-quote/)

[Mr. Moto2]

Just curious-do you like it? I've been considering buying one.

Billy convinced me to buy Kaboom....it doesn't work like stated on the infomercial, IMO.

Well, I actually said, almost got me to buy one. The online reviews claimed the non-stick coating wasn't very non-stick, and would flake off - so I decided against buying one.

[Eagleeye]

I'm surprised the airline made that stupid comment about him not wearing a seat belt. If overhead luggage or whatever hit him in the head the dang seat belts would not have made any difference or had anything to do with his head being hit.

Billy was quoted as saying:
"All of a sudden as we hit you know it was just the hardest hit, all the things from the ceiling started dropping. It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head."

Sounds like his wife might have a dandy lawsuit against the airline.

Sorry but without his seat belt fastened, he likely could have hit his head on the overhead compartment. A hard landing like that can lift you right out of your seat. Why did he have his seat belt unfastened anyway? There are plenty of warnings to keep it fastened till the plane stops at the gate. I really don't think he knew what really happened. I am sure things fell on him but I think he smacked his head pretty hard on the overhead. Sorry his bad no lawsuit. That is why I believe the Airline made that not so "STUPID COMMENT".

[both_of_us]

Sorry but without his seat belt fastened, he likely could have hit his head on the overhead compartment. A hard landing like that can lift you right out of your seat. Why did he have his seat belt unfastened anyway? There are plenty of warnings to keep it fastened till the plane stops at the gate. I really don't think he knew what really happened. I am sure things fell on him but I think he smacked his head pretty hard on the overhead. Sorry his bad no lawsuit. That is why I believe the Airline made that not so "STUPID COMMENT".

They actually have withdrawn that statement and are now saying that they have no idea who was or was not wearing their seat belt.

[Postergeist]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529329,00.html

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20288188,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines


June has not been a good month to so many families- :sad:

:rose:

[Eagleeye]

They actually have withdrawn that statement and are now saying that they have no idea who was or was not wearing their seat belt.

I guess we will never know since he can't tell us.

[both_of_us]

Yeah, whenever the onset of signs and symptom, there are in fact signs and symptoms like nausea, vomiting and pain of a brain injury. Its not silent. And the case of poor Natasha is classic subdurals.

Yeah, but he died in his sleep. He may not have noticed any symptoms before dozing off.
Another thing... I'm pretty sure another symptom is drowsiness. Add to that the pain meds he was most likely taking due to his bad hip. It would have made for a very tired Billy Mays.

[LisaM22]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529328,00.html

they say they come in threes

[Postergeist]

Yeah, but he died in his sleep. He may not have noticed any symptoms before dozing off.
Another thing... I'm pretty sure another symptom is drowsiness. Add to that the pain meds he was most likely taking due to his bad hip. It would have made for a very tired Billy Mays.

isn't that scary tho? How many times do we or those close to us brush things off like it's nothing- or the "I'll feel better after I lay down" kind of things.

This link is reporting on meds-

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/06/exclusive-billy-mays-xanax-time-death

he's on the plane on Sat. and gets his head hit and by Sun. morning found dead- (but I'm also surprised that a 50 yo was going to have a 3rd hip replacement- makes me count my blessings that my joints are faring better)

[Cornblossom]

they say they come in threes1.)Ed McMahon,2.)Farrah Fawcett,3.)Michael Jackson,4.)Billy Mays. It can quit anytime now. IMO

[Citygirl]

they say they come in threes


But this makes 5..

[LisaM22]

They actually have withdrawn that statement and are now saying that they have no idea who was or was not wearing their seat belt.

they are gonna wish they had never said that he was not wearing his seat belt imo

[ABC]

They actually have withdrawn that statement and are now saying that they have no idea who was or was not wearing their seat belt.
Just read where his wife said "He didn't feel well before he went to bed". What kind of "don't feel well"? Chest or head pain, nausea? The autopsy will determine the cause of death but his signs and symptoms will help point to the cause, too.
What a nice guy.

[LisaM22]

But this makes 5..

depends on the time frame your referring too

[both_of_us]

I guess we will never know since he can't tell us.

That's true.
I don't ever fly but my hubby does quite often. He says that before landing, attendants walk the plane to make sure everyone is buckled up.

[both_of_us]

isn't that scary tho? How many times do we or those close to us brush things off like it's nothing- or the "I'll feel better after I lay down" kind of things.

This link is reporting on meds-

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/06/exclusive-billy-mays-xanax-time-death

he's on the plane on Sat. and gets his head hit and by Sun. morning found dead- (but I'm also surprised that a 50 yo was going to have a 3rd hip replacement- makes me count my blessings that my joints are faring better)

It is very scary. When I have a bad headache, the only thing I want to do is lie down and sleep. I've taken knocks to the head before but have never bothered to go to the ER.
If that knock caused his death, we'll definitely find out tomorrow.

[Eagleeye]

Just read where his wife said "He didn't feel well before he went to bed". What kind of "don't feel well"? Chest or head pain, nausea? The autopsy will determine the cause of death but his signs and symptoms will help point to the cause, too.
What a nice guy.

May we please have a link to his wifes statement?

Thanks

[both_of_us]

May we please have a link to his wifes statement?

Thanks

I know you didn't ask me, but I found this:

It was not immediately clear how he died. He said he was hit on the head when an airplane he was on made a rough landing Saturday, and Mays' wife told investigators he didn't feel well before he went to bed that night.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/28/AR2009062800820.html?hpid=moreheadlines

[ABC]

I know you didn't ask me, but I found this:



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/28/AR2009062800820.html?hpid=moreheadlines
Thanks Both. A repeat of the WP article is also on Yahoo's home page in bolded letters stating TV Pitchman Billy Mays Dies.

[bearwds]

1.)Ed McMahon,2.)Farrah Fawcett,3.)Michael Jackson,4.)Billy Mays. It can quit anytime now. IMO

*********************************

You forgot David Carradine...died June 3rd.

"They die in 3's" "They" never say within what time period.

That's 5 and counting...


bearwds

[Postergeist]

It is very scary. When I have a bad headache, the only thing I want to do is lie down and sleep. I've taken knocks to the head before but have never bothered to go to the ER.
If that knock caused his death, we'll definitely find out tomorrow.

and we also hear that for people that experience a bad headache like none before should seek help- but most don't- last wk. I was worried for my hubby because he never complains of headaches & he had one that lasted 2 days- I told him he may want to see the dr but he didn't.
(he's just 5 yrs. younger that Billy Mays).

I realize most people hesitate to see the dr. or go to the ER because of cost, high co-pays or don't want to sit for hours at the ER before they get treated. It's a shame that for many, we have to be "cheap" with our health because it is such a financial hardship OR we don't think things could be/are that perilous with our health.

Now I was reading the google news about a new beef recall where they are NOT telling what stores carry the beef! :cursing: Other than it's coming from a CO processing co.

http://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/2009/06/articles/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/wheres-the-recalled-beef-massive-expansion-of-jbs-beef-linked-to-multistate-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-and-still-no-list-of-retailers-from-fsis/

I hope you're right both-of-us about hearing something tomorrow from the autopsy. Makes me want to tell everyone- wear a helmet when skiing, when on an airplane...(but they probably wouldn't allow that!)

[Eagleeye]

I know you didn't ask me, but I found this:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/28/AR2009062800820.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Thank you for the link. He was taking Xanax for anxiety about his upcoming 3rd hip surgery and pain meds. Xanax and pain meds can make you sick to your stomach. That could be why he said he wasn't feeling good. It could have been early symptoms of the subdural hematoma as well. I still believe that he had a subdural hematoma. However, I could be wrong but we won't know until after the autopsy tomorrow.

[Tracian]

*********************************

You forgot David Carradine...died June 3rd.

"They die in 3's" "They" never say within what time period.

That's 5 and counting...


bearwds


We (family) discussed this after hearing about Billy Mays.

[Mr. Moto2]

Thank you for the link. He was taking Xanax for anxiety about his upcoming 3rd hip surgery and pain meds. Xanax and pain meds can make you sick to your stomach. That could be why he said he wasn't feeling good. It could have been early symptoms of the subdural hematoma as well. I still believe that he had a subdural hematoma. However, I could be wrong but we won't know until after the autopsy tomorrow.

I wonder why his hips were so bad at only 50. Did he play football at a younger age?

[both_of_us]

Billy Mays spoofing himself at the McDonald's drive through. (http://www.inquisitr.com/27620/video-billy-mays-at-the-drive-through/)

What a precious guy he was.

[Eagleeye]

I wonder why his hips were so bad at only 50. Did he play football at a younger age?

I don't know his history but he could have had congenital dysplasia of the hip joint. He has been heavy and it is possible that contributed to his malady. Don't quote me, it is only a guess on my part.

[Citygirl]

Well this is just so sad..50 is so young to just die without any warning..
I guess he could have had a massive coronary..you just never think of that so young..
my dad died this way at 54..got up from bed..went to the bathroom..and fell dead. 911 was there in minutes and worked on him for an hour and never got a pulse..he was dead when he hit the floor they said.
You just never know..
RIP Billy..:rose:

[FallenAngel♥]

Billy Mays spoofing himself at the McDonald's drive through. (http://www.inquisitr.com/27620/video-billy-mays-at-the-drive-through/)

What a precious guy he was.

No S&H LMBO..........OMG that's funny

[iluvmua]

OMG were you ok?

Hi, Yes I was fine. it happened 2 years ago.

I remember seeing Billy's commercials as far back as 2000.

RIP

[both_of_us]

Sorry but without his seat belt fastened, he likely could have hit his head on the overhead compartment. A hard landing like that can lift you right out of your seat. Why did he have his seat belt unfastened anyway? There are plenty of warnings to keep it fastened till the plane stops at the gate. I really don't think he knew what really happened. I am sure things fell on him but I think he smacked his head pretty hard on the overhead. Sorry his bad no lawsuit. That is why I believe the Airline made that not so "STUPID COMMENT".

Billy's "Pitchmen" co-star Anthony Sullivan says he spoke to him late last night. Billy told him that he hit his head on the overhead luggage compartment when the tires blew.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/billy-mays-had-just-inked-a-deal-with-taco-bell/

[Mr. Moto2]

Billy Mays spoofing himself at the McDonald's drive through. (http://www.inquisitr.com/27620/video-billy-mays-at-the-drive-through/)

What a precious guy he was.

He's a real McDonald's babe magnet.

[Mr. Moto2]

I don't know his history but he could have had congenital dysplasia of the hip joint. He has been heavy and it is possible that contributed to his malady. Don't quote me, it is only a guess on my part.

Yes maybe something congenital. He was a bit heavy, but not too bad.

[Mr. Moto2]

Billy's "Pitchmen" co-star Anthony Sullivan says he spoke to him late last night. Billy told him that he hit his head on the overhead luggage compartment when the tires blew.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/billy-mays-had-just-inked-a-deal-with-taco-bell/

Oh wow, he was set to do commercials for Taco Bell. I bet those would've been hilarious.

[need2no]

Well, I actually said, almost got me to buy one. The online reviews claimed the non-stick coating wasn't very non-stick, and would flake off - so I decided against buying one.

Oops.. so much for my speed reading skills. Anyway thanks for the info, you saved me some money and aggravation.

[Eagleeye]

Billy's "Pitchmen" co-star Anthony Sullivan says he spoke to him late last night. Billy told him that he hit his head on the overhead luggage compartment when the tires blew.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/billy-mays-had-just-inked-a-deal-with-taco-bell/

Thank you for the link. Which confirms my original feeling that is what happened.

[Mr. Moto2]

Oops.. so much for my speed reading skills. Anyway thanks for the info, you saved me some money and aggravation.

You're welcome. This is why I love the internet. You can find things out instantly. You don't have to be in the dark anymore. If I do buy an infomercial product, I never bother with mail order. I just go to a big store to purchase it because there's no crazy shipping/handling charges, and you have 90 days to return the product, no hassles.

[Leanne Weich]

and we also hear that for people that experience a bad headache like none before should seek help- but most don't- last wk. I was worried for my hubby because he never complains of headaches & he had one that lasted 2 days- I told him he may want to see the dr but he didn't.
(he's just 5 yrs. younger that Billy Mays).

I realize most people hesitate to see the dr. or go to the ER because of cost, high co-pays or don't want to sit for hours at the ER before they get treated. It's a shame that for many, we have to be "cheap" with our health because it is such a financial hardship OR we don't think things could be/are that perilous with our health.

Now I was reading the google news about a new beef recall where they are NOT telling what stores carry the beef! :cursing: Other than it's coming from a CO processing co.

http://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/2009/06/articles/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/wheres-the-recalled-beef-massive-expansion-of-jbs-beef-linked-to-multistate-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-and-still-no-list-of-retailers-from-fsis/

I hope you're right both-of-us about hearing something tomorrow from the autopsy. Makes me want to tell everyone- wear a helmet when skiing, when on an airplane...(but they probably wouldn't allow that!)

You're right about people not wanting to incur the cost or the waiting time to obtain medical treatment. 10 years ago, I had a blinding headache (headaches are not abnormal for me) and felt nauseous the whole day. Went to bed and took a sleeping tablet. Slept through the night and went to breakfast with my DD and s-i-l in the a.m. When I tried to eat my fork kept falling out of my hand. S-i-l took me to see a dr who said I had Bells Palsy because the left side of my face was drooping. Went home and woke up in hospital 3 months later. Had had a brain haemorrage. I can, however, understand people not feeling a headache and nausea are a reason to rush to get medical care.

This has really been a sad week for celebrities. I must say though that I've had enough of the coverage of MJ - wish they'd give it a break until there is something new to report.

[need2no]

they are gonna wish they had never said that he was not wearing his seat belt imo

Agree, and how could they prove it anyway.

[SwFlorida]

*********************************

You forgot David Carradine...died June 3rd.

"They die in 3's" "They" never say within what time period.

That's 5 and counting...


bearwds
Your right..maybe we are on the second set of 3's.. Its like who's next? :w00t:

[Eagleeye]

Agree, and how could they prove it anyway.

If he hit the upper compartment with enough force to cause a subdurmal hematoma, he would not likely have bruises from the seatbelt if he wasn't wearing one. That is how they could prove it. I have seen a lot of people take off their seatbelts before touchdown so they can get to their carry on faster to get off the plane when it gets to the gate. If he had his seatbelt on there would be evidence of some truama with that hard of a landing.

[bearwds]

Your right..maybe we are on the second set of 3's.. Its like who's next? :w00t:

**************************************

Well, there's Gale Storm.

She had an early TV career with the popular "My Little Margie".

She died Saturday in Danville Ca., at the age of 87.


bearwds

[Mr. Moto2]

**************************************

Well, there's Gale Storm.

She had an early TV career with the popular "My Little Margie".

She died Saturday in Danville Ca., at the age of 87.


bearwds

Gale Storm and Ed McMahon were already in their late 80s, so their deaths don't seem so bad compared to Fawcett, Jackson and Mays.

[bearwds]

I just watched the actual video interview with Billy right after he got off the plane and in it he clearly states that the stuff was falling down and "it" hit him in the head...Usually when people hit their head on something they say "I hit my head on the..." not "it hit me".

Either way???Doesn't change the outcome. Only the autopsy is going to have the final say and even after that? Doesn't change the outcome.

A sincerely wonderful and generous self-made man has died at the peak of his profession. It's just plain sad.

******************************************

Bet it's also sad for the FAA lady named Laura that was apparently left alone in the office Sunday.

When contacted for comment, Laura stated May's wasn't wearing his seat belt.

A grown-up quickly corrected the statement.


bearwds

[msgatorslayer]

His pitching was annoying but he could sell just about anything.

Another person taken to soon. :sad:

Guess he was branching out, doing different commercials, instead of just infomercials. Just a few short weeks ago, I seen him doing one for a local mom and pop type restaurant. I was shocked to hear him pitching that instead of an actual product, lol.

And I see on this thread that he was going to be doing Taco Bell commercials.

RIP Billy Mays :rose:

[courtsinsession]

Sorry but without his seat belt fastened, he likely could have hit his head on the overhead compartment. A hard landing like that can lift you right out of your seat. Why did he have his seat belt unfastened anyway? There are plenty of warnings to keep it fastened till the plane stops at the gate. I really don't think he knew what really happened. I am sure things fell on him but I think he smacked his head pretty hard on the overhead. Sorry his bad no lawsuit. That is why I believe the Airline made that not so "STUPID COMMENT".

Just because the airline said he didn't have his seatbelt on, how do WE KNOW THAT IS TRUE? HOW WOULD THEY KNOW THAT???

[msgatorslayer]

Billy Mays' preliminary autopsy results to be released this afternoon

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/article1014168.ece

[Eagleeye]

Just because the airline said he didn't have his seatbelt on, how do WE KNOW THAT IS TRUE? HOW WOULD THEY KNOW THAT???

Because he told his best friend that he hit his head on the overhead compartment. If he had a seatbelt on that wouldn't have happened. Beside that he probably told investigatgors that things fell on his head because he didn't want anyone to know he was dumb enough to take his seatbelt off before landing.


http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/billy-mays-had-just-inked-a-deal-with-taco-bell/

[FallenAngel♥]

Billy died because of heart disease :crying:

[ABC]

Hillsboro Medical Examiner says May had heart disease and no evidence of a closed head injury or heart attack. No evidence of drug abuse.

[both_of_us]

******************************************

Bet it's also sad for the FAA lady named Laura that was apparently left alone in the office Sunday.

When contacted for comment, Laura stated May's wasn't wearing his seat belt.

A grown-up quickly corrected the statement.


bearwds

She actually corrected herself.

[airportwoman]

That's a blood clot in the lung.

The ME who did his autopsy was on CNN a few minutes ago. He also said that Mays had heart disease to a greater extent than would be expected for a man his age, and there was no evidence of brain trauma regarding the bump he had to his head the day before.

The final report will be issued in 6 to 8 weeks.

PEs are extremely dangerous and are treated very aggressively.

[airportwoman]

He did have some heart disease (all 50-year-olds do) but it appears that the official cause of death was pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot to the lung.

Who was the reporter who was in Iraq and died from one of those a few years ago because he sat in a tank all day? I've heard of people getting those after long airline flights because they couldn't get up and move around.

[ABC]

He did have some heart disease (all 50-year-olds do) but it appears that the official cause of death was pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot to the lung.

Who was the reporter who was in Iraq and died from one of those a few years ago because he sat in a tank all day? I've heard of people getting those after long airline flights because they couldn't get up and move around.
The Hillsboro Medical Examiner said specificaly that there was no evidence of a blood clot.

[Adalena935]

Very tragic. Life is so precious. I feel for his family and friends. 50 is old enough to die. 40 is. He died from what people used to call hardening of the arteries. Moderate daily exercise and a yearly checkup would have benefited him I think. I'm not into blame the victim at all. However people have come to think 50 is the new 30, etc. I've seen it on magazine covers. That's a myth. 50 is old. Nearly a quarter of a million Americans die each year from this. I almost don't have any friends or siblings left because they all died fast at a seemingly young age just like Billy Mayes. Ironically this a.m. I was trying to putup wallpaper on my computer. In every photo of my lifelong friends I'm the only one left alive and it made me sad to look at them and be reminded.

You don't have to be Jack LaLanne but just get out there and stroll on a small walk regularly each day and unwind. Nobody said you had to like it but just do it. And have yearly checkups. Life is precious and your family's and friends need and love you. Stick around so you can enjoy one another.

There's no guarantees, but at least nobody can say you didn't give it your best try. Billy Mayes may have exercized regularly, I can't know. Rest and moderate exercise are equally important as what you eat. I feel sorry he died.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hardening_of_the_arteries/article_em.htm

[ABC]

That's a blood clot in the lung.

The ME who did his autopsy was on CNN a few minutes ago. He also said that Mays had heart disease to a greater extent than would be expected for a man his age, and there was no evidence of brain trauma regarding the bump he had to his head the day before.

The final report will be issued in 6 to 8 weeks.

PEs are extremely dangerous and are treated very aggressively.
The spolesman I saw on Fox said there was no evidence of death via a blood clot.

[Adalena935]

He did have some heart disease (all 50-year-olds do) but it appears that the official cause of death was pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot to the lung.

Who was the reporter who was in Iraq and died from one of those a few years ago because he sat in a tank all day? I've heard of people getting those after long airline flights because they couldn't get up and move around.

No signs of blood clots. He died from hardening of the arteries.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/28/281143/tv-pitchman-billy-mays-found-dead-tampa-home/news-breaking/

[both_of_us]

Did the coroner speak on video? Does anyone know? I'd really like to see for myself what this guy is saying. No evidence that he even hit his head?? What?? It happened less than 24 hours before he died, there's sure to be some evidence that it happened. Also, from what I understand, he is saying that it could have been his heart. That sounds pretty iffy to me. Now we know that Billy was taking vicodin. The coroner is saying that he wasn't abusing it, but he can't possibly know that just by counting what was left in the bottle. He has to wait for the tox results to know for sure.

[Adalena935]

The med examiner said he had preliminary signs of hypertensive heart disease and hardening of the arteries. If he had that going on in his body and didn't know it, any fright can cause death because the heart can't handle the adrenaline dump into the system.

Working all the time, maybe lack of proper rest, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, if he wasn't aware of all that. Then fright from the difficult landing and he said a suitcase hit him on the head (tv interview from airport yesterday. Fox news). He didn't feel good when he went to rest that night and died in his sleep.

I have a long list of friends, releatives, siblings, neighbors and dear loved ones who died precisely that way at that age and younger even. Very very common.

40 is old enough to die of a heart attack. Here's a list of things you can change and a things you can't. Please take care of yourselves. No one is exempt. We're all a part of the human condition. IMO the media has fed the public a load of malarkie about 50 being the cougar age other nonsense. Don't kid yourself. If you're 40 you're old enough to die like Billy Mays did.

Outward, he looked wonderful didn't he? So much for looks. Have your docs look inside and go for a walk and do it regularly. Your kids and grandkids will love you longer for it.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hardening_of_the_arteries/page2_em.htm

[ABC]

No signs of blood clots. He died from hardening of the arteries.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/28/281143/tv-pitchman-billy-mays-found-dead-tampa-home/news-breaking/

Sadly, I had five friends die within months of each other in their fifties which is why I retired almost immediately to get the best out of what was left of my life and not die at my desk in some dramitic fashion. Yes, I agree that 50 is older but as many Americans think death is optional, I am not surprised that 50 is the new 30 in some eyes. Eat well, don't smoke, run and we still die at our appointed time. I don't think the body is meant to live much over 60 and is why the increase in cancer rates, etc From my observations in life, Its all down hill after 70.

[Adalena935]

Did the coroner speak on video? Does anyone know? I'd really like to see for myself what this guy is saying. No evidence that he even hit his head?? What?? It happened less than 24 hours before he died, there's sure to be some evidence that it happened. Also, from what I understand, he is saying that it could have been his heart. That sounds pretty iffy to me. Now we know that Billy was taking vicodin. The coroner is saying that he wasn't abusing it, but he can't possibly know that just by counting what was left in the bottle. He has to wait for the tox results to know for sure.

yesterday on fox news Billy Mays said live on tv that luggage hit him on the head. That's not what killed him. It didn't even hurt him. He said it didn't. He was laughing about it on live tv from the airport after he disembarked from the plane. Yes, it happened. No, it did not hurt him. No, it did not cause his death.

He died from hardening of the arteries. No if's about it. His arteries were clogged with colesterol and stiff. That's what the med examiner said on live tv on fox news just about one hour ago. The medical examiner said on live tv on fox news this a.m. I don't know if there's video of that press conference on the net yet but you could check.

foxnews.com

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/article1014168.ece

Medical examiner: Billy Mays died of heart failure

[Pashie]

Dr. Chrostowski said Billy most likely died from complications due to heart disease. He said the autopsy showed "hypertensive and arteriosclerotic disease of the heart" -- which is known to cause sudden death.


http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/29/billy-mays-had-no-head-trauma/

[ABC]

Did the coroner speak on video? Does anyone know? I'd really like to see for myself what this guy is saying. No evidence that he even hit his head?? What?? It happened less than 24 hours before he died, there's sure to be some evidence that it happened. Also, from what I understand, he is saying that it could have been his heart. That sounds pretty iffy to me. Now we know that Billy was taking vicodin. The coroner is saying that he wasn't abusing it, but he can't possibly know that just by counting what was left in the bottle. He has to wait for the tox results to know for sure.

Of course, the Examiner can tell that by the number of pills in the bottle. Abuse is taking the pills other then directed which means that If filled on the 1st and directed to take three a day, out of thiry pills issued, there would be fifteen pills left by the 6th day. If more were taken then directed, there would be less pills in the container.
Per closed head injuries, if there is bleeding into the brain, its starts almost immediately. Symptoms start appearing when there is enough bleeding to put pressure on the brain. Google closed head injuries.

[both_of_us]

Thanks Adalena. I haven't found any video yet, but maybe it will be out later today. He actually looked dazed to me in the video where he talks about being hit in the head, but that's just my own opinion.

I know that heart disease can cause sudden death, but this seems kinda strange to me. If he was suffering from heart disease, his doc, I'm sure, would have known it. It seems like working on that would have come before all of these surgeries for his hip.

[Adalena935]

Sadly, I had five friends die within months of each other in their fifties which is why I retired almost immediately to get the best out of what was left of my life and not die at my desk in some dramitic fashion. Yes, I agree that 50 is older but as many Americans think death is optional, I am not surprised that 50 is the new 30 in some eyes. Eat well, don't smoke, run and we still die at our appointed time. I don't think the body is meant to live much over 60 and is why the increase in cancer rates, etc From my observations in life, Its all down hill after 70.

I love George Carlin's views on society's fear of the truth. Especially about being old. nobody's old anymore. We shipped them all away. We only have senior citizens. If anyone's fortunate to have lived to be old we're terrified of them. We say "..oh look Jan. That man is 90 years young.

Look at the fear of aging that reveals about us as a society. I hate that.

50 is old. For Billy Mays and nearly 1/4 of Americans it's the end of the line. I wish people would stop recoiling from reality. Hopefully everyone would live to be 50. If they do happen to be that lucky, what's wrong with saying they're 50 if they're 50. 50 is not young. It's not middle age for the vast majority of people. It's old. There is no shame in being any age. There is no shame in being old. Old is good. Personally I love it. Hope to do a lot more of it I like it so well. The alternative stinks in my opinion. I don't see anybody anxious to join Billy Mays and 1/4 million others in

Actually technically we begin to age after 25. It was just on tv a documentary about that the other week. The cells quit referbishing themselves after age 25. and we begin to age. There is nothing wrong or shameful in that.

the reason so many people die like billy mays did is we (ie; society in general) love to wallow in denial about our own human nature. And it's killing us.

Millions of babies die each year before they reach kindergarten age. They're not lucky. OLD is lucky. Old is good. Young dead people should be recoiled from, not the other way around.

I'm old. Old is good. I hope to have a lot more old days. Real old hopefully. Very old. Extremely old. My Mother's nearing 100 years old. She's not complaining. She's going on tours and enjoying more and more of life. Life is good. Old is good. She's not sitting around wishing people would lie to her about her age. She already knows she's old. She doesn't care. She's glad to be alive today and every day.

They should start pitching that.

http://www.focusedperformance.com/2008/06/george-carlin.html

George Carlin - You can’t be afraid of words that speak the truth.

[both_of_us]

Of course, the Examiner can tell that by the number of pills in the bottle. Abuse is taking the pills other then directed which means that If filled on the 1st and directed to take three a day, out of thiry pills issued, there would be fifteen pills left by the 6th day. If more were taken then directed, there would be less pills in the container.
Per closed head injuries, if there is bleeding into the brain, its starts almost immediately. Symptoms start appearing when there is enough bleeding to put pressure on the brain. Google closed head injuries.

My dad died of a vicodin overdose at age 43. Surprise, the count of pills in his bottle was right where it should have been. The count doesn't mean much, trust me.

The coroner is saying, from what I've read, that there's no external evidence that he ever hit his head. I'm not disagreeing with the absence of internal evidence; I wasn't present for the autopsy. I'm just surprised that there wasn't even a tiny lump to show where he was hit.

[Adalena935]

Thanks Adalena. I haven't found any video yet, but maybe it will be out later today. He actually looked dazed to me in the video where he talks about being hit in the head, but that's just my own opinion.

I know that heart disease can cause sudden death, but this seems kinda strange to me. If he was suffering from heart disease, his doc, I'm sure, would have known it. It seems like working on that would have come before all of these surgeries for his hip.

When he was talking to the reporter in the airport he said it was quite a good bonk on the head. That's not what killed him.

It doesn't seem strange to me at all. What happens is IF a person has all that going on in their body and then they get a shock, upset, etal. the adrenalin dump stops the heart. shrug

happened to lots of my family, friends, neighbors and acquaintences. avg abt 1/4 million americans each year. year after year after year.


I have no idea what hid regular docs knew. I know what the med examiner knows. he died of stiff clogged arteries.

my neighbor. out for a walk. dog suddenly hits a wooden fence and suddenly barks loud as she walks by. It STARTLES her.

she drops dead on the sidewalk.

It happens. It's common.

My friend. calls me up. had an arguement with her son. I say; "A, I'm really concerned about your stress level." I say that 3X's. In a row. She does NOT reply.

she drops dead.

It happens. Very common.

My sister. Gets an upset from something that her husband did. he bet too much money on the horses. I know it bothers her. She can't stop the stress or the upset.

she wakes up dead one sunday morning.

very common. It happens all the time.

My friend. Her Mother dies. Her husband argues with her at the bank about money she's supposed to wire her brother concerning burial expenses.

she drops dead while arguing with him walking down the hallway. Not bad arguing, just discussing. But HER MOTHER HAD JUST DIED TOO. That equals STRESS + STRESS O+O more STRESS.He said she just collapsed in mid-bi!ch-fest while walking down the hallway in front of him.

It's common. Happens often. Happens regularly. In America. Every hour, Every day. Every month. Every year. It's a common part of the human condition. As common as babies being born, that's how many people check out.

My friend. Steps off the curb. Bonks her head on a vehicle bumper. The woman accidentally bumped her in the crosswalk. She goes home & dies. NOT from the bump on the head but from the SHOCK of being suddenly frightened by the incident. BECAUSE - she had clogged, blocked, hardening of the arteries just like Billy Mays and didn't know it just like Billy Mays.

She went home. Told her husband she didn't feel well. Went to sleep and her clogged, blocked, hardened artery- conorary system heart STOPPED. she died. In her sleep.

Friend went out fishing with her hubby. On a boat. They had a few beers. They argued. She came home, didn't feel good, laid down, went to sleep and died. Just like Billy Mays did. BECAUSE - she had clogged, blocked, hardened arteries just like Billy Mays did.

I've worked with the public for 50 yrs. Believe it or not, this type scenario is so common it's impossible to count the number of people who have described just this to me over the years.

80,000,000 people in just one country with this disease. That they know of. abt 200,000 die. Those are just the ones they can't get back.

<bolding mine>

Strange, you say? I don't understand how you can call death like this strange. Maybe you've not heard of or known very many people who die from fright or shock or upset with clogged arteries like this. O boy, it's not strange. It's about the least strange thing I can think of. I'm glad to get thru a week not hearing about someone else dropping dead like this.

I've had friends died this way from the stress of having to put their pet down + clogged arteries. killed them. they die. in their sleep. just like billy mays. People may scoff at that but it happens. You won't read it on anyone's death certificate though.

clogged arteries + sudden shock or sudden upset = recipe for disaster. Just like Billy Mays.

You'll never read s/he died from stress on any death certificate, but it's killed plenty of people.


http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4478

[ABC]

You don't even have to go to the bank cause they direct deposit the check every month whether you need it or not. I am not sure I agree with the "stress". We are adults and although some things are not fun, only the death of a close family member or friend is actually real stress, in my opinion.

[Debb]

Perhaps I missed this, but why was he taking Vicodin? Isn't that a prescribed pain med? Why do so many celebs take pain meds?

[Adalena935]

My dad died of a vicodin overdose at age 43. Surprise, the count of pills in his bottle was right where it should have been. The count doesn't mean much, trust me.

The coroner is saying, from what I've read, that there's no external evidence that he ever hit his head. I'm not disagreeing with the absence of internal evidence; I wasn't present for the autopsy. I'm just surprised that there wasn't even a tiny lump to show where he was hit.

Of course the links that have been posted have said it's all Preliminary autopsy. Heck the guy just died yesterday. They haven't had time for the toxicology to be done yet.

Too tragic that so many die from drug overdose as your Father did. IF - that turns out to be the cause of death for Billy Mays too, they'll either announce it as truth or they won't. Who knows?

However, the med examiner said no external and no internal signs of head trauma. live on fox news this a.m. at the press conference regarding the preliminary autopsy.

It seems there might be drugs in the stomach IF the person took the Rx drugs by mouth into the digestive system. Apparently there was no such signs in Billy Mays stomach or digestive system because the medical examiner was very sure he did NOT die of drug overdose.

It's okay for you to think he did, though.

Whether there's a lump or not what's the deal about that? Haven't you evern been hit and got a bump? I sure have. Yes and we're both still alive. So billy mays said he got hit on the head by luggage, told a reporter live on tv in the airport about the knock on the noggen and didn't die from it. so what.

maybe the fright of the rough landing played into his death. fright has killed plenty of clogged-artery people.

I knew 2 men. lifelong pals. They're together as they are every morning. One gets a shock and drops dead. Seeing his friend drop dead right before his very eyes shocks *him* so much, he dies too.

true story.

It happens. Fright, sudden shock, upset. very bad stuff. You'll never read it on a death certificate, though.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/billy_mays_autopsy_062909

Quote from the doc if you read that article. NO INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL HEAD INJURIES. in lieu of much speculation due to mays airport interview about it.

ETA: Look at Mays quote in that article. ALL OF A SUDDEN... IT WAS QUITE A JOLT.....THINGS STARTED DROPPING FROM THE CEILING

if you don't believe it traumatized him, sudden startle response, adrenaline dump into his system. you bet it frightened him. that's what I believe based on what Mays himself, said about the frightful hard landing.

[ABC]

Perhaps I missed this, but why was he taking Vicodin? Isn't that a prescribed pain med? Why do so many celebs take pain meds?
See those folk perform? A lot of physical activity, jumping around for years and years. No doubt their joints hurt. My joints hurt sometime, particulary the hips and I don't spend hours on a stage hooting and hollering . Being a music star is hard work. Those actors do their fair share of moving around too. Billy had two hip replacements and scheduled today for a third. Of course, he had pain. People who spend years on their feet have feet, joint and anyother kind of muscle pain.

[Adalena935]

You don't even have to go to the bank cause they direct deposit the check every month whether you need it or not. I am not sure I agree with the "stress". We are adults and although some things are not fun, only the death of a close family member or friend is actually real stress, in my opinion.

Every healthy born human has adrenaline glands that produce adrenaline into their bodies. Commonly called fight or flight response. One adrenaline gland sits atop each kidney.

It's nature's dictate, not a choice.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adrenaline

Biochemistry. a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla upon stimulation by the central nervous system in response to stress, as anger or fear, and acting to increase heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and carbohydrate metabolism.

[Adalena935]

You don't even have to go to the bank cause they direct deposit the check every month whether you need it or not. I am not sure I agree with the "stress". We are adults and although some things are not fun, only the death of a close family member or friend is actually real stress, in my opinion.

bolding mine>

Are you referencing what I said about my friend?

I said she argued with her husband at the bank about money she was supposed to wire to her brother.

I didn't say she was AT the bank TO wire the money.

They started arguing AT the bank. They arrived home and she was walking down the hallway in front of her hubby. She collapsed. He picked her up and laid her on the sofa.

THE ISSUE they had been arguing about was money to be later wired to her brother.

That was the ISSUE they argued ABOUT.

The place they began arguing about the ISSUE was - at the bank.

My friend. Her Mother dies. Her husband argues with her at the bank about money she's supposed to wire her brother concerning burial expenses.

The finances, living arrangements, recent moves, sales and acquisitions of real estate and other holdings as well as legalities regarding a lot of things to do with their lives (hers, her mother's, her father's, her brother's and her new husband's & his ex-wive's) and burial arrangements were a lot more complicated than you might have assumed. Multiple states of the union involvement.

She was at the bank and that's where she and her current husband began arguing.

the point is the adreanline dump caused her heart to stop. she died.

she had heart problems like billy mays.

[Adalena935]

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/billy_mays_autopsy_062909

Med Examiner pressor Video

[ABC]

bolding mine>

Are you referencing what I said about my friend?

I said she argued with her husband at the bank about money she was supposed to wire to her brother.

I didn't say she was AT the bank TO wire the money.

They started arguing AT the bank. They arrived home and she was walking down the hallway in front of her hubby. She collapsed. He picked her up and laid her on the sofa.

THE ISSUE they had been arguing about was money to be later wired to her brother.

That was the ISSUE they argued ABOUT.

The place they began arguing about the ISSUE was - at the bank.

My friend. Her Mother dies. Her husband argues with her at the bank about money she's supposed to wire her brother concerning burial expenses.

The finances, living arrangements, recent moves, sales and acquisitions of real estate and other holdings as well as legalities regarding a lot of things to do with their lives (hers, her mother's, her father's, her brother's and her new husband's & his ex-wive's) and burial arrangements were a lot more complicated than you might have assumed. Multiple states of the union involvement.

She was at the bank and that's where she and her current husband began arguing.

the point is the adreanline dump caused her heart to stop. she died.

she had heart problems like billy mays.

I was writing about the Social Security check being directly deposited in our bank accounts. I don't believe in an adrenalin dump killing folks unless they are scared to death, maybe.

[Mari512002]

I am going to make a prediction that when he got hit on the head he had a sub dural hematoma and was bleeding inside his head. It is not unusual for this to happen after a hit to the head. It is silent and deadly.

RIP Billy

ITA Eagle.....off to catch up on the thread.

Such a sad week :sad:

[Adalena935]

http://www.stress.org/topic-heart.htm

This says the relationship between stress, heart disease and sudden death has been recognized since antiquity. That it's common following natural disasters such as tsunami's, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes. And other stressors that evoke the natural "fight or flight" response dictated to humans by nature.

100% natural

[Adalena935]

Perhaps I missed this, but why was he taking Vicodin? Isn't that a prescribed pain med? Why do so many celebs take pain meds?

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/billy_mays_autopsy_062909

Med Examiner pressor Video

[Adalena935]

An eye-opener for anyone who thinks old age doesn't start 'til [whatever]. Next time I see a 20's something at the park I'm going to bellow; "..O look george, s/he's 27 years young! :tonguewag:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1162052/Old-age-begins-27--scientists-claim-new-research.html

Old age begins at 27: Scientists reveal new research into ageing

[Adalena935]

Well this is just so sad..50 is so young to just die without any warning..
I guess he could have had a massive coronary..you just never think of that so young..
my dad died this way at 54..got up from bed..went to the bathroom..and fell dead. 911 was there in minutes and worked on him for an hour and never got a pulse..he was dead when he hit the floor they said.
You just never know..
RIP Billy..:rose:

My cousin died at 50 from sudden heart attack. Medical examiner said he died standing up, it was that fast. I guess if you gotta check out that's the preferred method. fast.

I don't mind dying, I just don't want to be there when it happens.

God rest Billy Mays. I saw this great reality show with him recently where he was filming a commercial. The stuff he was hocking to potentially clean shower doors didn't work. They did a lot of takes. He laughed the whole way thru bickering with his director. He seemed like a very light-hearted fellow. LOL

[Adalena935]

Fallen, I think it was a massive heart attack. Folks with subdurals have signs and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, pain and generally show up at the ED, like Natasha Richardson did.

Not always. Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms. A workmate's SIL had a minor bump on a padded visor when another car clipped her rear bumper as she exited a freeway. Her SIL told her to take two asprin and lay down. Her husband found her dead of brain hemmorage 20 minutes later when he got home from work.

I just want people to know that there are not always symptoms. There can or may be, but not necessarily. The bump doesn't even have to be particularly noteworthy. It's sometimes simply where it occurs and what blood vessel is broken or damaged that can cause death.

Most people wouldn't think to goto the ER if they minor-bumped their head on a padded area. This young woman didn't. She only called the SIL because she was troubled over her car fender being scraped and that she'd have to have her vehicle repaired and re-painted on the fender.

[airportwoman]

The spolesman I saw on Fox said there was no evidence of death via a blood clot.

You may be right. I have been home all day, and this was the only thing I've heard of a PE.

A sudden heart attack would make sense too.

[ABC]

Not always. Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms. A workmate's SIL had a minor bump on a padded visor when another car clipped her rear bumper as she exited a freeway. Her SIL told her to take two asprin and lay down. Her husband found her dead of brain hemmorage 20 minutes later when he got home from work.

I just want people to know that there are not always symptoms. There can or may be, but not necessarily. The bump doesn't even have to be particularly noteworthy. It's sometimes simply where it occurs and what blood vessel is broken or damaged that can cause death.

Most people wouldn't think to goto the ER if they minor-bumped their head on a padded area. This young woman didn't. She only called the SIL because she was troubled over her car fender being scraped and that she'd have to have her vehicle repaired and re-painted on the fender.

Death twenty minutes later is a massive hemorrage and clearly she was complaining of head pain as the SIL told her to take aspirin.

[airportwoman]

Perhaps I missed this, but why was he taking Vicodin? Isn't that a prescribed pain med? Why do so many celebs take pain meds?

I'm a pharmacist. Vicodin, and its other brand Lortab and hydrocodone, the generic version, are consistently in the top 5 in prescriptions written and filled. I have some in my house right now, from a broken toe I had a few years ago, and also some cough syrup from when I had bronchitis a while back.

Just because he took Vicodin definitely does not mean he was a drug addict. But if he'd had hip replacements (VERY unusual at age 50!) of course he had chronic pain.

And I haven't heard anything about a pulmonary embolism since that announcement earlier today. If I was wrong, I stand corrected.

[ABC]

You may be right. I have been home all day, and this was the only thing I've heard of a PE.

A sudden heart attack would make sense too.

I though so too about the heart attach but the Coroner said Billy had heart disease but no evidence of a myocardial infarction. As some one else wrote, does look like hardening of the arteries and left ventricle. I thought it was heart related but then I thought that about Danny Gams and then the drug connection surfaced.

[ABC]

I'm a pharmacist. Vicodin, and its other brand Lortab and hydrocodone, the generic version, are consistently in the top 5 in prescriptions written and filled. I have some in my house right now, from a broken toe I had a few years ago, and also some cough syrup from when I had bronchitis a while back.

Just because he took Vicodin definitely does not mean he was a drug addict. But if he'd had hip replacements (VERY unusual at age 50!) of course he had chronic pain.

And I haven't heard anything about a pulmonary embolism since that announcement earlier today. If I was wrong, I stand corrected.
I have more respect for Pharmacist then I do Doctors. I ,too, have some old Rxs in the house cause you never know. I have three Peredium for the middle of the night UTI when you just don't want to get dressed to go to the ED and can wait till morning.

[DesertWalker]

He did have some heart disease (all 50-year-olds do) but it appears that the official cause of death was pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot to the lung.

Who was the reporter who was in Iraq and died from one of those a few years ago because he sat in a tank all day? I've heard of people getting those after long airline flights because they couldn't get up and move around.
NBC's David Bloom died in Iraq from a pulmonary embolism.

NBC News had built a special vehicle, dubbed the "Bloom-mobile," to send pictures of him riding atop a tank through the Iraqi desert. He reported on the sandstorms that briefly delayed coalition forces.

[Ferr]

It is truly sad that Billy Mays passed away weather from a PE or a heart attack. It wouldn't surprise me if he was taking vicodin after 2 hip surgeries and a knee surgery. Both surgeries are extremely painful. I myslef had a total knee replacement at age 50 and it hurt like heck. It also wouldn't surprise me to find he died of a PE which is also common after hip or knee surgeries. DVT's/PE's are the silent but deadly results of blood clotting often following a surgery or even a long airline ride. Also the clots usually pass through the heart before it hits the lungs so clots often cause heart attacks and or strokes. I myself am a sufferer of 4 separate multiple PE episodes. I am very very lucky to still be alive. Unfortunately a lot of people end up like Billy Mays and die from PE's. And whats so scary is we look so healthy on the outside but on the inside we're a virtual train wreck. I send my condolences to Billy Mays family no matter the cause of his death, He was truly an American icon and anyone who had a television knew that voice and face. He will be missed by all. And to the rest of you out there. Help us make others aware of blood clots, the silent but deadly killer and help us find a way to stop the clots.
Billy Mays rest in peace.

[Adalena935]

Death twenty minutes later is a massive hemorrage and clearly she was complaining of head pain as the SIL told her to take aspirin.

How long from head bump 'til death, though?

<my bolding> Your implication is that she died 20 minutes after the accident.

[Adalena935]

It is truly sad that Billy Mays passed away weather from a PE or a heart attack.

snipped for space. Yes blood clots are horrible. My sis has also suffered from that. But the Medical examiner dispelled that rumor regarding Billy Mays. no blood clots in his case.

I didn't mind him so much altho I got tired of the commercials being rerun. My husband couldn't get to the mute button fast enough. His yelling got tiresome. The guy knew how to make money, no doubt about that. I bought one of his products early on. It didn't work. Cheep stuff at the dollar store worked. all mo.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/billy_mays_autopsy_062909

Med Examiner pressor Video

[msgatorslayer]

Billy Mays' funeral set for Friday in Pittsburgh

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/6/30/490769.html?title=Billy+Mays'+funeral+set+for+Frid ay+in+Pittsburgh

[kitty1182]

I have vicodin in my house too..Got a script when I fell at the campground a couple months ago...Didn't take it all and still have a refill on it..
Prayers for this family...So sad.....:sad:

[CindR]

He did have some heart disease (all 50-year-olds do) but it appears that the official cause of death was pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot to the lung.

Who was the reporter who was in Iraq and died from one of those a few years ago because he sat in a tank all day? I've heard of people getting those after long airline flights because they couldn't get up and move around.

All 50 year old's do NOT have some heart disease.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/92/4546.html

Researchers reviewed the medical records of 3,564 men and 4,362 women participants in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, all of whom were free of cardiovascular disease at age 50.

[CindR]

I have more respect for Pharmacist then I do Doctors. I ,too, have some old Rxs in the house cause you never know. I have three Peredium for the middle of the night UTI when you just don't want to get dressed to go to the ED and can wait till morning.

I'd take a doctor over a pharmacist any day.

[Adalena935]

All 50 year old's do NOT have some heart disease.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/92/4546.html

Researchers reviewed the medical records of 3,564 men and 4,362 women participants in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, all of whom were free of cardiovascular disease at age 50.

Right. Only 11% of the US population has heart disease.

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/heart.htm

Heart Disease
(Data are for the U.S.)

25.1 million = 11%

Number of deaths: 631,636
Deaths per 100,000 population: 211.0
Cause of death rank: 1


*obviously if all 50 yr olds had it, no one would ever live to their 90's 100's and beyond as they do. It's the number one killer among diseases, but only a small percentage of the population die from it or even suffer from it. The vast majority live and die without ever having heart disease (regardless of age). Can't usee the broad brush there.

Maybe the statistic that it's the #1 killer disease throws people off to believe everyone must eventually have it. not so.

[Adalena935]

There's some good data and info to be found on the net about heart disease. diet, exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, rest. just small changes can avoid problemo's. There are no guarantees for anyone born alive on planet earth.

But just because there's no guarantees (yes, you could be flattened by a large truck while crossing the road for example :rolleyes:), doesn't mean people should ignore small changes they couild make to help themselves stay healthy and have a more quality life.

It's not fun to be sick even if a person does manage to stay alive through help from medical science. It's not just living, but how well will you live that counts for a lot too in my opinion. Also published in medical journals.

http://www.plos.org/cms/node/307
Fearsome foursome factors of longevity

. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/n/a/2008/01/08/international/i072645S59.DTL
Healthy Habits Can Mean 14 Extra Years

Note that doesn't say it's guaranteed. It's an average of what's possible though.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/CardiacHealth/story?id=3958995&page=1

Childhood Obesity Linked to Future Heart Disease

*nobody gets clogged arteries and thckened heart muscle tissue walls in one day or even one year. It's an accumulation over many years and includes many factors.

My friend's voice saying; "..sigh...Well....I guess I could take off this apron and get out of the kitchen and go for a walk once in awhile...sigh.."

That was 2weeks before she dropped dead. It was too late after her lifetime of bad habits. She knew her family history of heart disease and she proceeded to do everything to exacerbate the problem.

I told her I didn't care what her wt was, only that I loved her and didn't want to lose her. I will always miss her and her words ring in my ear daily as I continue the path of life without the dearest friend anyone could ever hope to have. Her family misses her. Her children and grandchildren are more the lacking for the loss of her. She had many many friends who miss her and who's lives suffer because she's no longer here. Dead just like Billy Mays.

It hurts a lot of people and for a long time. People often say it's their life but it's not just their life that's harmed. She's had 3 grandchildren born after her death who will never know the coolest, funnest most caring, giving, intellegent, loving person who ever lived.

It's so easy to eat well, do small exercise regularly, don't smoke. It's not a huge effort by one, but it *is* a huge loss for many if ignored. So many people brush it off as a joke. It's not a joke to die like Billy Mays. He has small children who will never know him. Older children who lost their father too. Weren't they in their 20's? Children need their parents for a long time.

[Adalena935]

Here's a good link to the ME's video press conference and also the 911 call. Tragic. His poor family and poor him. Also, best of Billy Mays informercials link. He had the pitchman gift.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/6/29/490457.html?title=Police+release+911+call+in+TV+pi tchman%27s+death

http://www.jaxobserver.com/2009/06/29/billy-mays-iii-remembers-his-dad-on-florida-radio-show/

Billy Mays III Remembers His Dad on Florida Radio Show

ETA: He had the one adult son and one 3 year old dtr. His son said he sounded tired and nervous about his pending surgery.

[Adalena935]

Wow his 3rd hip surgery this year as per his son.

[msgatorslayer]

Wow his 3rd hip surgery this year as per his son.

My Dad went through this. He had his done at St. Joseph's hospital, in Tampa.

First time, his broken hip was reparied. It broke, again. Another surgery to fully replace it was scheduled. When the surgeon got in there, he found an infection. {I read somewhere that Billy was worried an infection would be found at his next surgery} The area was cleaned out and a 'spacer' was placed. After a 6 week cycle of high powered antibotics, he finally had his 3rd, and last surgery.

He was prescribed Oxycotin for pain, each time. The whole ordeal, between surgeries and recoveries, was about a year long.

[Mel]

Thanks Adalena. I haven't found any video yet, but maybe it will be out later today. He actually looked dazed to me in the video where he talks about being hit in the head, but that's just my own opinion.

I know that heart disease can cause sudden death, but this seems kinda strange to me. If he was suffering from heart disease, his doc, I'm sure, would have known it. It seems like working on that would have come before all of these surgeries for his hip.

i agree with you...my husband had both knees replaced & at one point, they wouldn't do the surgery until he had a stress test...something about a 'fishy' EKG....all ended up ok, & he had the knees replaced..

[Adalena935]

My Dad went through this. He had his done at St. Joseph's hospital, in Tampa.

First time, his broken hip was reparied. It broke, again. Another surgery to fully replace it was scheduled. When the surgeon got in there, he found an infection. {I read somewhere that Billy was worried an infection would be found at his next surgery} The area was cleaned out and a 'spacer' was placed. After a 6 week cycle of high powered antibotics, he finally had his 3rd, and last surgery.

He was prescribed Oxycotin for pain, each time. The whole ordeal, between surgeries and recoveries, was about a year long.

Yes, I've known several people who've gone that route too, including a neighbor. There was a person who posted here regularly yrs back who's husband got an infection between hip surgeries.

I've thought as some others that they should have detected his heart problems prior to surgeries, but obviously it didn't catch their attention. What a pity. Reading about sudden death from heart attack because of this thread topic, I've read that a lot of doctors say the first signs of trouble can be sudden death. So sad.

It just makes you feel so bad it wasn't caught in time. I agree that 50 is way too soon to die.

[Adalena935]

i agree with you...my husband had both knees replaced & at one point, they wouldn't do the surgery until he had a stress test...something about a 'fishy' EKG....all ended up ok, & he had the knees replaced..

I agree. It seems to me that EKG is standard procedure prior to surgeries. All I can figure is in Billy Mays case nothing raised a red flag to the medical team. I guess the heart has to be specifically acting up at the time the EKG is given and apparently sometimes problems just don't show up.

I know of several people who died the next day or within a few days following a stress test and they were told their hearts were in good shape with no problems. Sad but medical science can't provide all the answers.

One friend of mine was having chest pains to the point of concern enough for him to travel quite a distance to a highly touted medical center to be checked out. He spent several days in their facility and was told he was in fine health. He dropped dead getting out of his shower the following morning. 52 years old. Don't misunderstand. It's not the doc's fault. It's that they just can't know everything all the time. A doc told me once that the only thing they know for sure is they don't know anything. That about put it in perspective for me. They work very hard on research.

I read a book written by a doctor yrs ago who gave stress tests as a specialist. He wrote the book about his patients who had died on the treadmill during stress tests.

I think I read a statistic that about 30% are saved now a days from cardiac arrest from modern medical science advances. So many people are saved that it gave me the impression that the number seemed higher than that.

I read about that condition Billy Mays was said to have had and it's said there is usually genetic factor involved, or can be. I hope his son gets tested. His little daughter too. Photo of what condition Billy Mays is said to have had. From what I can read, plaque buildup in the artery causes stress on the heart muscle. The heart muscle grows thicker toward the inside until the chamber is constricted.

The human body is a wonderful machine. Complicated, though.

http://www.echoincontext.com/int2/skillI2_02.asp

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

[Adalena935]

My Dad went through this. He had his done at St. Joseph's hospital, in Tampa.

First time, his broken hip was reparied. It broke, again. Another surgery to fully replace it was scheduled. When the surgeon got in there, he found an infection. {I read somewhere that Billy was worried an infection would be found at his next surgery} The area was cleaned out and a 'spacer' was placed. After a 6 week cycle of high powered antibotics, he finally had his 3rd, and last surgery.

He was prescribed Oxycotin for pain, each time. The whole ordeal, between surgeries and recoveries, was about a year long.

I hope your dad is doing better now. It's unbelievable what the human body can tolerate. The poor man. My heart really goes out to him. Glad it's all behind him and I hope he has nothing but good day from now on and lots of them.

[Adalena935]

Here's some info about the "Pitchman" marathon Discovery Channel is having. Geezo, Billy Mays seemed like the most upbeat positive guy. I guess a marathon is planned to run all day. Drat, I have to work. It would be fun. Whew, what a gift. Pitchman is an art. I'm fond of Cathy Mitchell. I didn't dislike Mays. Good looking energetic happy guy. God rest his soul. Hope he's hocking in a better place. Sending all good thoughts to his family and loved ones. Not everybody's got that gift, but he sure did. I know the people who worked with him will miss him so much too.

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/pitchmen/pitchmen.html

[Lavinia]

I love George Carlin's views on society's fear of the truth. Especially about being old. nobody's old anymore. We shipped them all away. We only have senior citizens. If anyone's fortunate to have lived to be old we're terrified of them. We say "..oh look Jan. That man is 90 years young.

Look at the fear of aging that reveals about us as a society. I hate that.

50 is old. For Billy Mays and nearly 1/4 of Americans it's the end of the line. I wish people would stop recoiling from reality. Hopefully everyone would live to be 50. If they do happen to be that lucky, what's wrong with saying they're 50 if they're 50. 50 is not young. It's not middle age for the vast majority of people. It's old. There is no shame in being any age. There is no shame in being old. Old is good. Personally I love it. Hope to do a lot more of it I like it so well. The alternative stinks in my opinion. I don't see anybody anxious to join Billy Mays and 1/4 million others in

Actually technically we begin to age after 25. It was just on tv a documentary about that the other week. The cells quit referbishing themselves after age 25. and we begin to age. There is nothing wrong or shameful in that.

the reason so many people die like billy mays did is we (ie; society in general) love to wallow in denial about our own human nature. And it's killing us.

Millions of babies die each year before they reach kindergarten age. They're not lucky. OLD is lucky. Old is good. Young dead people should be recoiled from, not the other way around.

I'm old. Old is good. I hope to have a lot more old days. Real old hopefully. Very old. Extremely old. My Mother's nearing 100 years old. She's not complaining. She's going on tours and enjoying more and more of life. Life is good. Old is good. She's not sitting around wishing people would lie to her about her age. She already knows she's old. She doesn't care. She's glad to be alive today and every day.

They should start pitching that.

http://www.focusedperformance.com/2008/06/george-carlin.html

George Carlin - You can’t be afraid of words that speak the truth.

Adalena, you have officially sent me into a tailspin of depression. I will be sending you a bill for my Prozac RX. :tonguewag:

[Pretty Leaf]

http://www.cnn.com/HLN/

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

Wow, I would have never "thunk it".


RIP Billy.

[MrsBeesley]

I hate to hear that.

[SavannahStar]

I hate to hear that too. :sad:

[airportwoman]

That is really shocking. He just didn't seem the type, whatever that might be.

Will we NEVER learn? :thumbdown:

[aproudmom]

http://www.cnn.com/HLN/

:ohmy:No way would never have thought that..but guess we never know what goes on in others life's

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/08/07/florida.mays.cocaine/index.html

[CFMom]

Some people will never learn.:thumbdown:

[flipflop]

Billy's Wife Angry Over 'Speculative' Report

Posted Aug 7th 2009 6:00PM by TMZ Staff

Billy May's Billy Mays' widow is "extremely disappointed" with the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office -- accusing them of sending out a "speculative" report that's damaging her husband's image.

Moments ago, Deborah Mays released the following statement:

"We are extremely disappointed by the press release released by the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office. We believe it contains speculative conclusions that are frankly unnecessary and tend to obscure the conclusion that Billy suffered from chronic, untreated hypertension, which only demonstrates how important it is to regularly monitor one's health.

Given the hectic nature and pace of Billy's life, especially during the past 10 months of his exhaustive travel across the country, it was not surprising to hear that hypertension was the cause of his death. We were totally unaware of any non prescription drug usage and are actively considering an independent evaluation of the autopsy results."


http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/07/billys-wife-angry-over-speculative-report/

[tiptop]

Billy's Wife Angry Over 'Speculative' Report

Posted Aug 7th 2009 6:00PM by TMZ Staff

Billy May's Billy Mays' widow is "extremely disappointed" with the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office -- accusing them of sending out a "speculative" report that's damaging her husband's image.

Moments ago, Deborah Mays released the following statement:

"We are extremely disappointed by the press release released by the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office. We believe it contains speculative conclusions that are frankly unnecessary and tend to obscure the conclusion that Billy suffered from chronic, untreated hypertension, which only demonstrates how important it is to regularly monitor one's health.

Given the hectic nature and pace of Billy's life, especially during the past 10 months of his exhaustive travel across the country, it was not surprising to hear that hypertension was the cause of his death. We were totally unaware of any non prescription drug usage and are actively considering an independent evaluation of the autopsy results."


http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/07/billys-wife-angry-over-speculative-report/


The alleged coke use doesnt surprise me at all. Holy cow, from reading the above......."given the hectic nature and pace of his life........" well, many turn to speed in times like this. It's so unfortunate but not surprising IMO.

[SavannahStar]

Billy's Wife Angry Over 'Speculative' Report

Posted Aug 7th 2009 6:00PM by TMZ Staff

Billy May's Billy Mays' widow is "extremely disappointed" with the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office -- accusing them of sending out a "speculative" report that's damaging her husband's image.

Moments ago, Deborah Mays released the following statement:

"We are extremely disappointed by the press release released by the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office. We believe it contains speculative conclusions that are frankly unnecessary and tend to obscure the conclusion that Billy suffered from chronic, untreated hypertension, which only demonstrates how important it is to regularly monitor one's health.

Given the hectic nature and pace of Billy's life, especially during the past 10 months of his exhaustive travel across the country, it was not surprising to hear that hypertension was the cause of his death. We were totally unaware of any non prescription drug usage and are actively considering an independent evaluation of the autopsy results."


http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/07/billys-wife-angry-over-speculative-report/


I actually like her statement, a lot, especially the first paragraph.

Well, our media thrives on sensationalism.

I say let the man rest in peace, no matter what his personal habits were.

[Lavinia]

DANG. It wasn't just cocaine:

Official documents show that Vicodin, Oxycodone, Xanax, Valium, benzoylecgonine (byproduct of cocaine) Ethanol—alcohol—and temazepam (anti-anxiety) were also in Mays’ system.

radaronline.com

[Mr. Moto2]

DANG. It wasn't just cocaine:

Official documents show that Vicodin, Oxycodone, Xanax, Valium, benzoylecgonine (byproduct of cocaine) Ethanol—alcohol—and temazepam (anti-anxiety) were also in Mays’ system.

radaronline.com

Billy Mays had problems with his hips. He was scheduled to have his third hip replacement surgery in two years. Billy said he had lots of anxiety about the upcoming surgery. He was probably in constant pain too. I don't know if all those drugs were legally prescribed to him, though.

[Lavinia]

Billy Mays had problems with his hips. He was scheduled to have his third hip replacement surgery in two years. Billy said he had lots of anxiety about the upcoming surgery. He was probably in constant pain too. I don't know if all those drugs were legally prescribed to him, though.

That's a lot of different anxiety drugs... I would be surprised if they all came from the same Dr. (Plus coke doesn't exactly help anxiety.) I just hate that I had to tell my 11 year old about this because he liked BM. But, I took it as a way to explain how good, regular people can get sidetracked. It's not just a bad, poor people's disease.

[Mr. Moto2]

That's a lot of different anxiety drugs... I would be surprised if they all came from the same Dr. (Plus coke doesn't exactly help anxiety.) I just hate that I had to tell my 11 year old about this because he liked BM. But, I took it as a way to explain how good, regular people can get sidetracked. It's not just a bad, poor people's disease.

Real life isn't always fit as neatly as the persona does. Rush Limbaugh comes to mind.

[Lavinia]

Real life isn't always fit as neatly as the persona does. Rush Limbaugh comes to mind.

Yeeeesss. Rush DOES come to mind, lol. Seriously, you just never know. See the thread where we're discussing the Mom who killed her child, three nieces and 3 men in the other vehicle... You just never know.

[Cornblossom]

Billy's Wife Angry Over 'Speculative' Report

Posted Aug 7th 2009 6:00PM by TMZ Staff

Billy May's Billy Mays' widow is "extremely disappointed" with the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office -- accusing them of sending out a "speculative" report that's damaging her husband's image.

Moments ago, Deborah Mays released the following statement:

"We are extremely disappointed by the press release released by the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office. We believe it contains speculative conclusions that are frankly unnecessary and tend to obscure the conclusion that Billy suffered from chronic, untreated hypertension, which only demonstrates how important it is to regularly monitor one's health.

Given the hectic nature and pace of Billy's life, especially during the past 10 months of his exhaustive travel across the country, it was not surprising to hear that hypertension was the cause of his death. We were totally unaware of any non prescription drug usage and are actively considering an independent evaluation of the autopsy results."


http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/07/billys-wife-angry-over-speculative-report/some times the wife is the last to know.......IMO

[Rucky*Ron]

I actually like her statement, a lot, especially the first paragraph.

Well, our media thrives on sensationalism.

I say let the man rest in peace, no matter what his personal habits were.

You're right. What does it matter now anyway. These autopsy reports should be covered under HIPPA laws.

[barskin&co.]

That is really shocking. He just didn't seem the type, whatever that might be.

Will we NEVER learn? :thumbdown:

What we must learn is that there is, in fact, no "type."

[MrsBeesley]

You're right. What does it matter now anyway. These autopsy reports should be covered under HIPPA laws.

I wish they were, too but HIPAA doesn't cover them. They are a matter of public record.

[Lavinia]

What we must learn is that there is, in fact, no "type."

That is for sure. We would get a lot more funding for treatments, if not a cure, if people understood there really is no "type" and there is every "type".

[need2no]

"We are extremely disappointed by the press release released by the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office. We believe it contains speculative conclusions that are frankly unnecessary and tend to obscure the conclusion that Billy suffered from chronic, untreated hypertension, which only demonstrates how important it is to regularly monitor one's health.

Billy was about to have hip surgery again so we know he was recently seen by a doctor. I'm curious why his hypertension wasn't being treated, and why a surgeon would be willing to perform this surgery on him before getting the condition under control. :shrug:

[need2no]

I wish they were, too but HIPAA doesn't cover them. They are a matter of public record.

Sadly death ends your right to privacy.

[Mr. Moto2]

Real life isn't always fit as neatly as the persona does. Rush Limbaugh comes to mind.

Aw heck. I meant to say, "Real life doesn't always fit as neatly as the persona does." I guess I was in a Rush. haha

[Mr. Moto2]

Yeeeesss. Rush DOES come to mind, lol. Seriously, you just never know. See the thread where we're discussing the Mom who killed her child, three nieces and 3 men in the other vehicle... You just never know.

I've read the thread. That's just unbelievably sad.

[February]

Nice thread. He wasn't attacked and belittled like MJ.

[Katt2]

You're right. What does it matter now anyway. These autopsy reports should be covered under HIPPA laws.


I understand one's right to privacy but when you break the law, in this case, buying and using an illegal drug, you face the same public scrutiny as one who is arrested for the same thing.

Billy seemed to be an upright person who lived a clean life but apparently he had his hidden demons that caused him to over medicate.

[msgatorslayer]

"We are extremely disappointed by the press release released by the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office. We believe it contains speculative conclusions that are frankly unnecessary and tend to obscure the conclusion that Billy suffered from chronic, untreated hypertension, which only demonstrates how important it is to regularly monitor one's health.

Billy was about to have hip surgery again so we know he was recently seen by a doctor. I'm curious why his hypertension wasn't being treated, and why a surgeon would be willing to perform this surgery on him before getting the condition under control. :shrug:

ITA - My Dad had 3 hips surgeries over the course of a year. In Tampa. Possibly the same hospital and the same Orthopedic center.

Each time, he underwent pre-op surgery first. His heart and lungs were cleared for the surgery.

[R~O~S]

:ohmy:No way would never have thought that..but guess we never know what goes on in others life's

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/08/07/florida.mays.cocaine/index.html


I think the ME is being highly speculative & releasing this information as fact when it's conjecture is unprofessional at best and potentially libelous.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzoylecgonine

Benzoylecgonine is used as the main pharmaceutical ingredient in the prescripition drug Esterom, a topical solution used for the relief of muscle pain.

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Benzoylecgonine

Benzoylecgonine (ecgonine
Ecgonine

. Small amounts may be traced back to certain OTC (over the counter) medications, after having been metabolised in the liver.



http://www.springerlink.com/content/u6q477x07w678670/

There are many causes other than illicit drug use which can produce positive analytical results. These include environmental exposure, ingestion of medications containing the drugs or medications which metabolize to the target drugs, and consumption of food products containing the drug. Additional laboratory tests and a thorough medical review will ascertain the source of the drug detected and eliminate misinterpreting a clinical false-positive result to implicate that individual as an illicit drug user.

Regardless of whether he's going on blood, urine or liver tissue tests, the potential for the by products of cocaine to show in any of those test from sources other than cocaine are real, and the ME is only working with the body, which is not enough information to make the determination cocaine was the source.

[giraffe]

http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/12/dispute-over-billy-mays-autopsy-results/

The medical examiner who performed the Billy Mays autopsy is under
fire for allegedly screwing up the report -- and the man pointing the finger is one of the most famous forensic experts on the planet.

Famed medical examiner Cyril Wecht tells TMZ -- the people who performed Mays' autopsy were wrong to almost immediately list "heart disease" as Billy's official cause of death.

According to Wecht -- who personally reviewed the autopsy and toxicology report -- the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner should have pointed to "acute combined drug toxicity" as the cause of death.

Wecht claims the M.E. jumped the gun when they published the report and "chose to ignore the combined cumulative affects of the drugs in his system as the cause of death ... this was bad toxicology work".

[ABC]

Even a good man like Billy May can't rest in peace when his life is over. SAD but in truth autopsy results are not covered by HIPPA and anyone's can be found on the internet. I was shocked to find that out, eleven years ago when a friend died. Something that I would have throught as personal to a person as could be is in fact, public fodder. Can't even die in peace. Two - three autopsy, retest after retest, exhume bodies for a second or third autopsy. Here are the Medical Examiners with reams and reams of education and experience and some folks want to second quess them. Awful. At least Anna Nicole and Daniel are being left alone and at peace since Michael Jackson died.

[frances1]

Am I the only who's creeped out by the continuation after death of Billy Mays' commercials???? I mean, who authorizes that, his wife? I just would think that death is a valid deal breaker for a contract.

[desmom]

What is the difference in watching one of Billy Mays informericals and watching Jerry Orbach, Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Farrah Fawcett, David Carradine, Natasha Richardson...............

[Silver & Go]

he's hollaring...not making much sense.

The others we can pretend are with us.

[bearwds]

If I recall, May's widow gave consent to continue broadcasting commercials with special emphasis on the new product, "Jupiter Jack".

A.J Khubani, president of "Telebrands", had a conference call to Roger Pliaks, attorney for the May's family. According to report, "family is looking for a continuing stream of revenue".

www.dailyfinance.com


bear

[bchand]

Yep it's probably a continuing source of income for his family. If they're ok with it, I don't mind.

I just love it whenever I hear Harry Kalas's voice on a commercial. He was a long time Phillies announcer who died recently.

[AJandTam]

Am I the only who's creeped out by the continuation after death of Billy Mays' commercials???? I mean, who authorizes that, his wife? I just would think that death is a valid deal breaker for a contract.

A bunch of commericals creep me out. I hate all of the "DRUG" commercials. This is why I love my modern technology. Now we record all of our tv programs on our DVR and never watch those blasted commercial.

[lovebites**]

Why would you be creeped out - there are lots of deceased people on TV and in the movies?

[WillowInFlight]

Of course she did, I imagine she gets a kick back from every one that is shown. No big deal, it's not like we knew him. Well not really. :laugh:

[ViennaGal]

There is little doubt she gets royalties just like MJ's family gets every time a song is played and any other deceased singer.

[msgatorslayer]

2nd autopsy report out on cause of Billy Mays' death

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/10/15/533595.html?title=2nd+autopsy+report+out+on+cause+ of+Billy+Mays'+death+