Friday, January 02, 2009

Jett Travolta Dies


According to TMZ, Jett Travolta died today in the Bahamas. According to a statement from Rand Memorial Hospital, Jett died while on vacation with his family. Right now, there has been no word on the cause of death and I don't want to speculate. I also don't want to get into the whole game of whether he was autistic or not. I would really like to know how this happened though.

72 comments:

mooshki said...

TMZ says it was a seizure at home. :( So tragic.

mooshki said...

And by 'home,' I mean the hotel they were staying in.

FrenchGirl said...

it's too sad.I'm so sorry for his familly! He died too young!

Anonymous said...

am reading that he had a seizure and hit his head on the bathtub in his room. This is just tragic - my heart goes out to their family.

JJ said...

Wow, this is very sad. You think JT will acknowledge his 'specialness' now?

maggiemei said...

Wow. How sad.

Gawker is saying that their lawyer confirms it was a seizure, and that he couldn't be revived.

Julie said...

He supposedly had a seizure in the bathtub and hit his head :(

CB said...

God, that is so awful My thoughts and prayers to them all. Why don't we leave the speculation about everything related to that family; whether it's Scientology, autism or "specialness" and remember that this is an unimaginable tragedy for them. The cattiness & gossip regarding this family can resume on a later date. Right now, let's show a little respect.

sandman said...

it had nothing to do with the blow dryer his dad handed him in the tub.

Damned Fallacy said...

The only important thing is that if this is true, a young man has lost his life and that's a tragedy. No matter what else is true about Travolta and Preston, this was their son and they have to be devastated. My heart goes out to them.

Judi said...

From Radar but nothing new yet:
http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/

Very sad.

Rubie said...

I agree that this is a time for respect. As a parent I can't imagine the horror of this. So terribly sad.

West End Girl said...

Hope Jett's in a better place.

jlb said...

That's just really sad - doesn't matter who his parents are, that family lost something that can't be replaced.

Beca said...

How awful. what a terrrible way for them to start the new year. my heart goes out to the family. regardless of any opinions anyone may have on travolta, scientology, etc, no one deserves this.
=(

Unknown said...

They're going to get a lot of flack for this. Sympathy for Jett but blame and finger pointing to the parents.

Emobacca said...

Scientology is going to take it in the ass for this one

Beth said...

That is really sad. I'm a Travolta fan (his performances, not the "religion"). My sympathies to the family.

Damned Fallacy said...

People is reporting it now as well.

Anonymous said...

Very very sad. Probably preventable. RIP Jett.

Maja With a J said...

That's really sad. I agree, let's leave their religious beliefs out of it - they just lost a child.

lmnop123 said...

Yahoo News has also picked it up. My condolences to the Travolta family.

twunty mcslore said...

Poor kid. God, this sucks. So many deaths around the holidays. Be thankful for your health and your loved ones because you never know.

Molly said...

omg, what a tragedy. second death from a seizure related accident this year (hunter tylo's son died earlier this year). there's nothing worst than the loss of a child.

Serena said...

I agree we should let the Travoltas grieve, but just a FYI, former Scientologists who had epilepsy, have said they were told to get off their meds. in order to be Scientologists.

Reese said...

CNN says that John Travolta claimed that his son suffered from Kawasaki Syndrome, which causes heart problems. Whatever happened, very sad.

KellyLynn said...

Poor kid.

Unknown said...

A parent's worst nightmare. It's so weird because I just watched John's reaction to Heath Ledger's death, and he seemed on the verge of crying though he didn't know Heath.

Whoever said fingers would start pointing is right. Read this:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rumor-control/spinning-the-travoltas_b_50373.html

ItsJustMe said...

This one REALLY shocked me. So, so sad. RIP, Jett.

Leah said...

This is the worst nightmare come true for parents of a child with a seizure disorder. I will be praying for them.

Unknown said...

I heard he had Kawasaki's (one of those diseases you always hear about as the potential diagnosis on House along with Cushings)

Ms. said...

Wow. Poor kid. BTW, that's an old photo of Jett. He's taller than Kelly in a photo posted on huffington. And yes, the finger pointing has begun. I can't believe the nerve of that restaurant manager's comments about their parenting of Jett when his interaction with the family consisted of comping John and his daughter a meal...

==========
off topic - it was confirmed today that Dr. Dre's 20 year old son, Andre Young Jr., died from an overdose of heroin and morphine.

captivagrl said...

I hope the family is allowed privacy as they grieve. They must be heartbroken.

fogcitykitty said...

Those poor folks. I have an autistic and epileptic 14 year old and I know how I'd feel in their shoes. I would feel like I had died as well.

That said, my son takes his meds. I don't want to speculate, but if Scientology kept them from giving their son his medication, it should be a strong lesson for the rest of that group.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, HH, their religious beliefs can't be kept out of it, not when they are likely responsible. Seems harsh to point out, but he had a treatable condition that was probably not being treated. That is cruel. I haven't had a child die, but I do suffer from seizures due to an illness and have religious parents who didn't believe in medication and prolonged my illness. Maybe thats why I was so quick to point out why their religious beliefs might be to blame. Its just cruel to deny someone medical treatment. Let them believe in Thetans all they want but allowing people to suffer? unforgiveable.

shakey said...

Ms, that restaurant manager committed suicide. Felt lost about being unable to help his autistic child, I believe.

Over 10 years ago, my friend's wife met Kelly and Jett in a Toronto playground. She said Jett was adorable, and Kelly was very kind and down to earth. And very loving towards her son. I know he was just a wee guy back then, but they were happy at one point.

I hope Jett is at peace, and no matter what went on, what didn't, I hope they can work through their grief together. (Who knows, maybe this will be the catalyst to get them out of there.)

Anonymous said...

The tragic thing is that this child (and yes, he was a child, even at 16, because he so obviously had some problems other than heart damage from a previous case of Kawasaki disease) was practically hidden by his parents. I understand protecting your children, but they dangle the little girl out there for everyone and they always seemed to hide Jett away. Imagine living with the feeling that perhaps your parents are ashamed of you.

I read a copy of the report from the local law enforcement who said he had gone into the bathroom on the previous evening around 9:00 pm and they found him at 10:00 the next morning. Didn't anyone notice he was missing in all that time?

It's a horrible tragedy, and even more horrible when you think it just might have been preventable, with medication for those seizures and a little more attention to where he was at any one time.

hotchacha said...

WHOA!

Ugh... soooo sad.

LilyGrace said...

This is sad. I cannot imagine a parent that loves thier child ever getting through this.

That said, I read a report from the island authorities that states that the boy went to the bathroom on the evening of the 1/1 and was not discovered until late morning on 1/2.
That is very strange. Most parents check on the kids at night. Especially if there is a health or special needs concern, you may be more inclined to check on the child. And why is the daughter not with them. She is only 8. It was a family vacation, and I have not seen her mentioned yet. I take all my kids with me on vacation, especially the younger ones. The whole situation is odd.
May he rest in peace. God Bless

Leah said...

swoods, I read about the timing and thought it sounded strange as well.

Our son has seizures, in his sleep and awake. Every night, hubby and I sleep in shifts, because one of us checks on him every two hours. If the guy mentioned in the TMZ article was supposed to be Jett's attendant, then he should have checked on Jett at least once -- if not twice -- in that 11 hour period of time.

People with seizure disorders -- especially those with additional special needs -- should be monitored when they are in the bathroom because they could seize, fall and/or drown, and die. I am floored that the attendant didn't do that.

Anonymous said...

This is awful, no doubt about it, but I do agree that you can't turn a blind eye to the role Scientology played in this. I agree with the poster who said that it is cruel (and inhumane) to deny medical treatment to children just because you follow some whacked out "religion." Want your kids to follow your beliefs? Let them decide at 18. If this kid wasn't on anti-seizure meds, then shame on John Travolta, Kelly Preston, and Scientology. The fault of his death lies with them. Go ahead and tell me I'm inappropriate or heartless, but I'm not going to let them off that easy.

Ms. said...

@shakey
Thanks for the update. I didn't realize these were old quotes on the huffington post website. I thought the guy made them after the death was announced.

That said, I'm irritated that hp would pull out these quotes now. That's irresponsible reporting.

Kiersten said...

This could have definitely been avoided. And I completely agree with ea73. I refuse to let them off easy.

jax said...

wow,sad all around. was he bathing alone?

RIP.

Moosefan said...

May their son be at peace and my something good- autisim education, seizure disorder awarness,etc-come out of this horrible tragedy.

Molly said...

ms, the hp article is dated june 1, 2007.

jax, he must have been bathing alone if he hit his head and was lying there from night until morning, which begs the question, why wasn't anyone monitoring him more carefully?

of course the timeline may be mere rumor. you know how rumors fly when a tragedy occurs.

Pookie said...

ea73: brilliantly said.

xenu and his minions have blood on their hands as far as i'm concerned.

rip little jett.

BlahFrickinBlah said...

It is quite strange that there is that crazy time line from the night before until late the next morning with a child who has special needs like Jett did. If you have ever seen footage of him out and about, it is very obvious that he has something wrong with him medically/mentally. I have never experienced a child with autism or retardation but no matter how old they are...would you not be concerned with them getting a bath w/o checking on them if they are gone a certain length of time? They had a caretaker with them so that is a minimum of 3 adults who could have checked on the kid.

As for the kawasaki disease, that is not associated with any of the signs of autism at all. It's an infection that if left UNTREATED can cause damage to the heart and arteries. No mention of brain damage but whatever. I wonder how it was treated for the kid or if he was even treated at all for it. Scientology is so jacked up about medication, who knows what they are able to take. That cult is just fucked up. God bless that poor kid.

jax said...

gee thanks for the explanation on that...i meant why was he bathing alone?

his caregiver, who by the way is the same dude kissing travolta on the plane steps from the notorious airport picture, didn't see him for almost 13 hours? what kind of caregiver lets 13 hours lapse?

what exactly was he busy doing?
and with who?

mabel said...

Perhaps this will be the undoing of Scientology?

What a tragedy. But how can he go into the bathroom at 10:00 p.m. and nobody know where he is for 12 whole hours? Where was everybody? Didn't anybody check to make sure he wasn't out all night at 16?

Serena said...

I'm guessing the caretaker was another scientologist and not an actual nurse. But I could be wrong.

Helga Þórey Jónsdóttir said...

i worked with epileptic autistic people for years and i can tell you that they are never left to sleep without a baby monitor.
never, never, never.

Helga Þórey Jónsdóttir said...

i can't stress it enough how intenseley these people are watched in their lives.

Molly said...

gee thanks for the explanation on that...i meant why was he bathing alone?


yea, and you expressed that by asking, "was he bathing alone"?

sorry i'm not a fucking mind reader. i answered the question you asked, not the one you meant. try complete thoughts next time.

Jasmine said...

syko- my thoughts went to that exactly. When i read that his caretaker found him this morning my first thought was why didnt they check on him sooner? Even if he had a caretaker wouldnt his parents (at least one of them) check on him at all between last night and this morning? Strange. And sad.

Heather said...

The autism rumors have never been confirmed, so he may not have even been autistic.

How many people check on their 16 year olds in the bathroom or overnight? If he was indeed NOT autistic, then there would have been no reason to do any of the above. 16 year olds are perfectly capable of showering and going to bed on their own.

This is all speculation at this point. Was he autistic? Did 12 hours lapse? None of us know and conjecture, at this point, does nothing.

PotPourri said...

Older seizures in autism kids are this dangerous. However, most autism kids usually outgrow their seizures. He was supposedly severly autistic though.

PotPourri said...

Older seizures in autism kids are this dangerous. However, most autism kids usually outgrow their seizures. He was supposedly severly autistic though.

jlb said...

If Travolta & Preston honestly believed their son was not autistic or in need of special care, then they most likely would not have bothered checking up on him.

Effing Scientology. Helluva price to pay for a belief. No difference between them and the mormons who won't allow their children blood transfusions.

B626 said...

The word 'caretaker' makes me think of dogs and lawns.
Just the fact that this boy needed a caretaker at age 16 says something was reeally wrong.
Scenario:
New years Eve, too much partying by all, it wouldn't hurt just this once to pass out late and
go back to job duties when awakened the next morning late with a killer hangover.Bad timing!
Kelly needs to give that
'caretaker'his last kissoff and send him on a plane to far far away for good.

Molly said...

becki, i hate the word caretaker, but i wonder if they used it because the word 'nanny' isn't appropriate for a 16 year old.

i'd love to know how they immediately determined he had a seizure and hit his head against the tub. that seemed like a quick explanation for a situation where nobody was there to see what happened.

i predict j.t. will go on oprah to discuss this within the next few years and we'll hear all about how she called him as soon as she heard the news and flew out to be with him the next morning and blah blah blah....

you know, 'cuz it's always all about oprah.

Helga Þórey Jónsdóttir said...

becki, i don't think the caretaker should not be held responsible if he/she is playing by the rules set by the family. when working so intimately with a family it's very hard to have your own opinion, believe me i know, i was an au-pair and it was horrible. the kids got a treat every night after dinner, regardless if they ate it or not. there's nothing you can do if it's within legal limits.

watcher said...

Re jib at 10:44pm said "Effing Scientology. Helluva price to pay for a belief. No difference between them and the mormons who won't allow their children blood transfusions."

Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in blood transfusions.

My understanding is that the Mormon Church does not interpret scripture to mean that blood transfusions are prohibited.

Robyn said...

While I do not pretend to be an expert, I will tell you that having a family member with Autism I can tell you right away that from the picture alone that enty posted he deff seems to have some form of it. You notice how he is walking only on the pads of his feets? like tippy toes? Well part of Autism is sensory issues, sometimes very severe, and one CLASSIC show is how they sometimes will only walk on the front of their feet, not using the heel...

I would like to pretend that scientology plays no part in this, but they've admitted he has a seizure disorder, though they refuse to admit the autism, and we all know scientology does not believe there is anything wrong with your brain that would require medication....

the simple truth is that his parents naiveness and their misguided beliefs in scientology killed their only son.

biteme said...

Wow this is very sad.

If he has a history of seizures, I am surprised that he not monitored more, just in case.

Sounds like he had quite a few medical/health problems over the years.

I had a friend who had a seizure while in the tub and died from it but she was an adult.

jlb said...

lmao - watcher I mean to say morons and it came out as mormons (otherwise I probably would have capitalized it).

jax said...

"sorry i'm not a fucking mind reader. i answered the question you asked, not the one you meant. try complete thoughts next time."

last time i checked this was Enty's blog so why the fuck do you assume i'm asking you anything? i notice you do that a lot here....yet still have the balls to trash everyone, even the ones TRYING to be nice to you.

ignore my commnets as i have tried many times with yours. i'm fucking over it little Miss Perfect.

Molly said...

yea, my mistake for trying to engage a bitchy fucktard like you.

Anonymous said...

Come on, you guys! (Molly and Jax,I mean.) I have laughed out loud at things you both had written. How about you just don't engage each other anymore...for the sake of us kids? ;)

noel said...

Nah keep going!!!

B626 said...

If the Travoltas haven't blocked it already, go to www.x17online.com
to see Jett with his family walking from a building to a van.
They are all papparazzi impaired but it takes both parents HOLDING HIS HANDS to get him to the van.Getting in the van is even a worse nightmare. The look on John's face in the van at the cameras catching Jett's obvious motor ability impairement-
is shame?anger?So hard to tell the truth from the beginning when it strays from Scientology doctrine.

triunfopark said...

For whatever it's worth, Jett was autistic.
The Travolta's have kept this and John's homosexuality as much of a secret as they could.

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