Billy Mays, the renowned television pitchman famous for endorsing products like OxiClean, Orange Glo, Kaboom, and Zorbeez, was celebrated for his iconic beard, distinctive attire, booming voice, and passionate salesmanship. He also ventured into the world of reality TV, co-starring in the show “PitchMen” alongside his friend and fellow salesman, Anthony Sullivan.
The Day Before His Untimely Demise
On June 27, 2009, Billy Mays boarded a US Airways flight from Philadelphia to his Florida home in Tampa, where he lived with his wife and two children. The flight experienced a turbulent landing due to a blown tire, causing some luggage to fall from overhead compartments and strike Mays on the head. In a jovial response, Mays humorously claimed to have received a “free haircut.”
Remarkably, Mays felt no immediate discomfort and did not seek medical attention upon landing. Instead, he returned home and spent the evening with his family before retiring to bed around 10 p.m.
The Morning of His Passing
Tragically, the following morning, June 28, 2009, Mays’ wife, Deborah, discovered him unresponsive in bed. She immediately dialed 911 and administered CPR, but her efforts were in vain. Billy Mays was declared deceased at 7:45 a.m., just weeks shy of his 51st birthday.
Initial autopsy reports from the Hillsborough County medical examiner indicated that Mays had suffered from hypertensive heart disease, with heart disease being the presumed cause of death. The report notably found no signs of head trauma or drug overdose.
The Cocaine Controversy
However, several weeks later, the medical examiner released a revised report attributing cocaine as a contributing factor to Mays’ demise. This report asserted that Mays had used cocaine in the days leading up to his death, aggravating his heart condition. Additionally, the report identified painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and alcohol in his system but did not cite them as direct causes of death.
The Mays family vehemently disputed these findings and enlisted an independent expert, Dr. William Manion, a pathologist from New Jersey, to review the autopsy results. Dr. Manion concluded that cocaine was not a significant factor in Mays’ death and found no evidence of chronic drug abuse.
He revealed that Mays had used cocaine a few days before his death but not on the day or night leading up to it. Dr. Manion also noted Mays’ mild obesity, a history of smoking, and a familial predisposition to heart conditions as more likely contributors to his fatal heart attack.
In response, the Mays family issued a statement expressing their dismay over the medical examiner’s report, asserting that Billy Mays was not a drug user, and emphasizing his role as a loving husband and father who diligently provided for his family. They hoped that people would remember him for his positive contributions to society rather than the negative allegations put forth by the medical examiner.
The Enduring Legacy of Billy Mays
Despite the controversies surrounding his death, Billy Mays continues to be a highly recognizable and influential figure in the world of direct-response advertising. His infectious energy and persuasive infomercials played a pivotal role in popularizing numerous products and brands. Mays also served as an inspiration to countless salespeople and entrepreneurs, admired by fans and respected by peers for his professionalism and integrity.
Billy Mays’ legacy endures as the infomercial maestro who could sell anything with his booming voice and catchy slogans. His life remains a testament to success, innovation, and entertainment within the realm of direct-response advertising.
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