Remembering Billy Mays: Unveiling The Cause And Date Of Death
Did the man with the booming voice, the face of OxiClean and countless other as-seen-on-TV products, really die of a heart attack in his sleep? The sudden passing of Billy Mays in June 2009 sent shockwaves through the advertising world and left many questioning the circumstances surrounding his death.
The initial reports suggested a heart attack, as stated by a medical examiner on that Monday, but further investigation revealed a more complex picture. Mays, the energetic pitchman who could convince you to buy anything, was found dead at his home in Tampa, Florida, on a Sunday morning. Authorities immediately launched an inquiry to determine the precise cause of death, leaving the public and his fans in suspense.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Darrell "Billy" Mays Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1958 |
| Place of Birth | McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Date of Death | June 28, 2009 |
| Place of Death | Tampa, Florida, USA |
| Age at Death | 50 |
| Cause of Death | Heart disease (with cocaine as a contributory factor, according to the initial autopsy report) |
| Occupation | Television Pitchman, Salesman, Advertising Spokesperson |
| Known For | Loud, energetic presentations; Spokesperson for OxiClean, Orange Glo, and numerous other products. |
| Spouse(s) | Dolores Paoletta (m. 1980s, div. unknown), Alice Stewart (m. 1993, div. 2000), Deborah Mays (m. 2003) |
| Children | Billy Mays III (son from previous relationship), Elizabeth Mays (daughter with Deborah Mays) |
| Career Highlights | Started selling wash mitts at Pittsburgh's Allegheny Flea Market, moved to Atlantic City boardwalk, worked with direct response companies like Telebrands, founded Mays Promotions, became a ubiquitous presence on television infomercials. |
| Associated Brands | OxiClean, Orange Glo, Mighty Putty, Kaboom, Zorbeez |
| Reference | BillyMays.net (Fan Website) |
The Associated Press reported that the initial suspicion pointed towards a heart attack suffered during his sleep. This seemed plausible, given the demanding nature of his profession and the high-energy persona he projected. However, the medical examiner stressed the need for further tests to ascertain the definitive cause, leaving room for speculation and concern.
Adding a layer of complexity, CNN later reported that the medical examiner's findings revealed the presence of cocaine in Mays' system. According to the report, this drug use contributed to the underlying heart disease that ultimately led to his death. The low levels detected suggested that the drug was used in the days leading up to his death, but not immediately before, according to Dr. Leszek Chrostowski, who performed the examination.
A toxicology report released on August 7, 2009, further solidified this conclusion, identifying heart disease as the primary cause of death, with cocaine listed as a contributory factor. This revelation sparked considerable controversy and debate, prompting a response from the Mays family.
Deborah Mays, Billy's wife, issued a statement acknowledging his public life but requesting privacy during their time of grief. She indicated that the family would not be making immediate public statements regarding his death, leaving the public to grapple with the conflicting information emerging from various sources.
In response to the toxicology report, the Mays family released a press statement expressing their disappointment with the findings. They questioned the validity of attributing his death to cocaine use, particularly given the low levels detected and the absence of any immediate evidence of drug use prior to his passing.
An autopsy report issued by Hillsborough County, Florida, also cited cocaine as a contributing factor in the death. This further fueled the controversy, as some argued that it unfairly tarnished the legacy of a man who had become a household name and a symbol of American entrepreneurship.
It is worth noting that a second autopsy was commissioned by the Mays family, and its findings differed from the initial report. According to this second examination, cocaine did not contribute to his death. This discrepancy only served to deepen the mystery and uncertainty surrounding the true cause of his untimely demise.
Billy Mays, whose full name was William Darrell Mays Jr., was more than just a television pitchman. He was a master of persuasion, captivating audiences with his booming voice and genuine enthusiasm. He rose to prominence selling household products on television, transforming infomercials into must-watch events.
His career began humbly, selling wash mitts at a flea market in Pittsburgh. He then transitioned to the Atlantic City boardwalk, honing his sales skills and developing his signature style. Eventually, he found his niche in the direct response industry, working with companies like Telebrands before founding his own venture, Mays Promotions.
Mays' success stemmed from his ability to connect with viewers on a personal level. He wasn't just selling products; he was selling solutions to everyday problems. His genuine belief in the products he promoted, coupled with his high-energy delivery, made him incredibly effective at driving sales.
He became synonymous with products like OxiClean, Orange Glo, Mighty Putty, Kaboom, and Zorbeez. His infomercials were ubiquitous on television, making him one of the most recognizable faces in advertising. He elevated the art of the television sales spiel to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
In July 2024, years after his passing, Billy Mays once again found himself trending on social media. A bottle of OxiClean, a product inextricably linked to his iconic legacy, was left at his gravestone. This gesture served as a poignant reminder of his impact and the enduring power of his brand.
Beyond the immediate cause of death, several factors may have contributed to Mays' health issues. He was reportedly a passenger on a US Airways flight that experienced a hard landing, which some speculated might have played a role. However, this remains unconfirmed and largely speculative.
The details surrounding Billy Mays' death remain a subject of discussion and debate. While the initial autopsy report pointed to heart disease exacerbated by cocaine use, the family commissioned a second autopsy with differing findings. Regardless of the specific cause, his passing at the age of 50 was a significant loss for the advertising world and a somber reminder of the fragility of life.
He died of heart failure in 2009 at age 50, after a long career on the boardwalk, HSN, and infomercials. He was found dead Sunday morning at his home in Tampa, Fla. Mays died in 2009 at age 50 from a heart attack at his Florida home, and a subsequent autopsy found that cocaine use was a contributory cause of death that exacerbated heart disease he was.
Television pitchman Billy Mays likely died of a heart attack in his sleep, but further tests are needed to be sure of the cause of death, a medical examiner said Monday. Tv personality Billy Mays' family says report he used cocaine before death is speculative latest U.S. William Darrell Billy Mays, Jr. Mays is believed to have died of a heart attack in his sleep June 28 at his home in Tampa, Fla., but further tests are needed to be sure of the cause of death.
While heart disease was the primary cause of death, a report released Friday by the medical examiner listed cocaine as a contributory cause of death. A report released Friday by the medical examiner listed cocaine as a contributory cause of Mays, who elevated the art of the television sales spiel to a fevered pitch, apparently died of a heart attack, Florida authorities said this morning.
Cocaine use contributed to Billy Mays' death.
Detail Author:
- Name : Prof. Helene Lesch III
- Username : tstreich
- Email : marquis56@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1987-02-28
- Address : 1348 Runolfsdottir Throughway Riverview, ND 49156
- Phone : 1-628-969-8631
- Company : Corwin LLC
- Job : Oil Service Unit Operator
- Bio : Ut deserunt molestias delectus mollitia consequuntur tempora veniam. Ut quia eius consequuntur quisquam atque ut harum.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/chartmann
- username : chartmann
- bio : Sed itaque expedita aspernatur dicta.
- followers : 4568
- following : 2528
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/hartmann2017
- username : hartmann2017
- bio : Sed quo magnam eum quam. Enim eos quasi sapiente labore et suscipit sunt aliquid.
- followers : 3156
- following : 1827
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/carmel_hartmann
- username : carmel_hartmann
- bio : At voluptates accusantium totam ea aperiam. Vitae distinctio modi laudantium omnis corporis. Incidunt et quis consequatur et. Nihil totam rerum et.
- followers : 6055
- following : 402
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/carmel1323
- username : carmel1323
- bio : Rem est sint ab alias quod accusamus.
- followers : 2752
- following : 449
