Yep, that makes three. Seems like when they start going there are three that die.
Mays was aboard US Airways Flight 1421, which took off from Philadelphia and landed in Tampa. During the landing, a front tire blew out and something apparently struck Mays in the head.
Tampa International Airport accident was on June 27, the day before his death.
That story:
Quote:
Iconic infomercial pitchman Billy Mays died in his sleep early Sunday morning at his home in Tampa, Florida.
Mays' wife found him unresponsive just before 7:45 a.m. Paramedics from Tampa Fire Rescue pronounced Mays dead when they arrived.
There were no signs of forced entry and no foul play is suspected.
The autopsy should be complete by Monday afternoon, but speculation has quickly focused on a blow Mays took to his head during a rough landing in Tampa on Saturday.
Mays was aboard US Airways Flight 1421, which took off from Philadelphia and landed in Tampa. During the landing, a front tire blew out and something apparently struck Mays in the head.
In an interview with television station Fox 13 in Tampa conducted just after the incident, Mays described the landing this way:
"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."
A spokesperson declined comment on the incident, but did confirm that initial reports suggest Mays was not wearing his seat belt during the landing.
On Saturday night, Mays sent the following message to his Twitter account:
"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."
The Discovery Channel released the following statement Sunday morning:
"It is with incredible sadness that we have to report that Billy Mays died in his sleep last night. Everyone that knows him was aware of his larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth. Billy was a pioneer in his field and helped many people fulfill their dreams. He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this time of incredible loss. More information will be distributed as it becomes available."
Wife Deborah Mays asked for privacy in a statement issued through police.
“Although Billy lived a public life, we don't anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days. Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times,” she said.
There is no immediate word on a memorial service for Mays.
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