TV pitchman Billy Mays was found dead early this morning in his Tampa, Florida home.
Mays, 50, who was known for his ads for products such as Oxy-Clean and Orange-Glo, and most recently the Discovery Channel show “Pitchmen,” was found unresponsive by his wife. The Tampa Fire Rescue pronounced him dead at 7:45 a.m.
Mays was on a US Airways flight that made a rough landing yesterday, and there is speculation that he may have hit his head.
He arrived home around 6:00 p.m. yesterday evening and appeared to be acting normal.
Billy’s wife Deborah Mays issued the following statement:
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.
The Discovery Channel also issued a statement:
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.
August 8, 2009 UPDATE: See shocking autopsy report here.