What happened to informercial star Billy Mays? Cause of death revealed in autopsy in 2009

Billy Mays was a very popular TV face in the early 2000s. He was popular for his energetic voice and exciting way of selling things. People knew him best from the OxiClean ads. He also sold products like Mighty Putty and Orange Glo.

Billy was seen as someone who was full of energy, and he connected easily with the audience. But a wave of shock spread through the entertainment industry when he passed away on June 28, 2009, at the age of 50. It shocked many fans. He had just flown back to Tampa, Florida, the night before, and the very next morning, his wife Deborah found him unresponsive and not breathing.

People began asking: What happened to Billy Mays? At first, some thought he may have hit his head during the flight’s bumpy landing. But later, doctors gave a clear answer.

What did the autopsy say about Billy Mays' death?

As per the reports by ABC News, after Billy Mays passed away, doctors from Hillsborough County looked into what caused it. They revealed that he died of heart disease, which was listed as the official reason. They stated that his heart had thick walls and a few blockages, which are symptoms of heart problems.

The first test showed no signs of drug use. However, a later toxicology report released in August 2009 found traces of cocaine, which may have contributed to heart stress, causing sudden cardiac death. The report also detected small amounts of prescription painkillers, like tramadol and hydrocodone, in his body. However, it was also revealed there was no indication of abuse.

His wife and family strongly disputed the drug claims. They described the findings as “speculative” and commissioned a second independent autopsy by Dr. William Manion. This new examination concluded that cocaine was not the reason for his death, and there were no signs of long-term cocaine use in his system.

Before any test results came out, there were rumors that he died because of a head injury. The day before his death, Billy was on a flight that landed roughly. Some items fell, and one hit his head. He even spoke to a local news station about it, stating:

“It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head.”

But doctors later confirmed that the head bump had nothing to do with his death.

What happened after Billy Mays died?

Billy Mays was declared dead at 7:45 AM on June 28, 2009. But authorities believe he died sometime during the night, after going to bed. His wife found him the next morning and called 911. In the recording, she can be heard saying that his lips were purple and his body felt cold. She also told police that before bed, Mays had a headache and felt unwell.

His business partner and co-star of Pitchmen, Anthony Sullivan, stated:

“He was the best friend a man could wish for.”

According to sources, Sullivan also said Billy was the hardest-working man in television. Even after he passed away, his commercials continued airing, and sales for his products jumped by 20 to 30% in the following weeks. But as time passed, sales started to drop. So the companies behind the products replaced him with Sullivan.

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Later, Sullivan also took over PitchMen and continued the show in Mays' honor. The show, which had premiered just two months before Mays' death, offered a behind-the-scenes look at the world of direct-response marketing.

Till date, Billy Mays is still remembered as one of television's most iconic and beloved pitchmen.

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