Jun

Television Pitchman, Billy Mays, Has Died

According to Action News 19

“Report: Television Pitchman, Billy Mays, Has Died

Mays is best known for promoting promoting OxiClean, Orange Glo, and other cleaning, home-based, and maintenance products.

Posted: Jun 28, 2009 11:23 AM CDT Updated: Jun 28, 2009 11:23 AM CDT

Posted by Cassie Nist – email

TAMPA, FL (WOIO) – Multiple sources including entertainment website TMZ.com are reporting that longtime television pitchman Bill Mays was found dead in his Tampa home Sunday afternoon.”

According to His Twitter Page the last 5 posts state the following and make us wonder if the plane hard landing had anything to do with his death today? Bet US Air will be interested to find out;

Just had a close call landing in Tampa. The tires blew out upon landing. Stuck in the plane on the runway. You can always count on US Air.about 22 hours ago from txt

Getting ready to fly back to Tampa from Philly. Monday is the big day (HIP REPLACEMENT NO.3) Keep you posted.9:40 AM Jun 27th from txt

Just finished up a brand new oxi-clean show in Jersey. On my way to Princeton to meet with Arm and Hammer and then to Philly and then hi …2:59 PM Jun 25th from txt

Just got done with the Tonight Show. Had a great time. The episode airs tonight9:21 PM Jun 23rd from txt

Just got to Conan’s studio. About to go to the pre-pro meeting.5:47 PM Jun 23rd from txt

UPDATE**

From the BNO Newsroom.

TAMPA, Florida (BNO NEWS) — Television pitchman Billy Mays — who built his fame by appearing on commercials and infomercials promoting household products and gadgets — was unexpectedly found dead inside his Tampa, Florida residence on Sunday morning, police officials told BNO News. He was 50-years-old.

Mays was found unresponsive in his bed by his wife and was pronounced dead by Tampa Fire and Rescue at 7.45 a.m. local time. “There are no signs of forced entry to the residence and no foul play is suspected,” Lt. Brian Dugan of the Tampa Police Department said. The Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to complete the autopsy on Mays’ body by Monday afternoon.

“Although Billy lived a public life, we don’t anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days,” Billy Mays’ wife, Deborah, said. “Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times,” she added.

“My dad didn’t wake up this morning,” Bill Mays’ son wrote on his personal Twitter account. “He’s gone. I’m gonna be strong for him. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers everyone.”

On Saturday, Mays was on board the U.S. Airways passenger plane which made a hard landing at Tampa International Airport. No one was injured in the accident, according to airport officials, but Mays told a local television station that an item fell on his head. “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,” Mays joked. Lt. Brian Dugan called it “pure speculation” to say his death could be related to the plane incident.

“Just had a close call landing in Tampa,” he wrote in his last Twitter update. There is no word on the possible cause of death.