Update: John Travolta Son’s Death Details & Statements
As we reported earlier, 16-year-old Jett, son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston passed away Friday, January 2. Basil Rahming, chief police superintendent said that a caretaker at the Travolta vacation home found the teen unconscious in one of the bathrooms after he hit his head. He was taken by ambulance and pronounced dead at a Freeport hospital.
*Updated here* with more details from family friend and lawyer - Jett died in his father’s arms.
Jett was last seen heading into the bathroom on Thursday and according to police spokesperson Loretta Mackey, he may have hit his head on the tub. It’s unclear if the injury caused the seizure. An autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death.
Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport, would not release any further details due to privacy.
Statements from family friends are as follows:
“The Travolta family has become like family to us at Old Bahama Bay and we extend our deepest sympathies to them,” said Robert Gidel, president of Ginn Resorts, the property’s owner.
“He’s broken up. He just had to tell Ella a minute ago,” family friend and Tampa-based attorney Michael McDermott said Friday. He had just arrived in the Bahamas, where he had planned to join the Travoltas and a small group of their close friends to celebrate the new year. He did not know about the incident until he arrived that afternoon.
His voice cracking with emotion, McDermott called it a tough scene and noted “Kelly’s very quiet.”
“Just say a prayer for them,” he added. “That’s all you can do at this point.”
McDermott said Friday one of Travolta’s close associates was “making funeral arrangements in Ocala.”
Jeremy Thayer, the developer of the Jumbolair community north of Ocala where the Travoltas live, said he and wife Terri learned about the tragedy via phone earlier in the day.
“It breaks Terri’s and my heart,” Thayer said. “He was just such a handsome, handsome, beautiful boy.”
Thayer described Jett as a fun-loving teen who loved the outdoors and could often be seen riding his bike or a golf cart around Jumbolair.
The news also came as a blow to Mary Acevedo, a shift manager with Denny’s in Silver Springs. The Travolta family eats at the restaurant often, she said, and “are truly the nicest people.”
She called Jett a “good kid” and noted the entire family was a joy to have in the restaurant.
“The whole family is just so down to earth,” Acevedo said. “(John) just acts like one of us. Half the time, people don’t even realize they’re there. But when people notice them, he’s willing to sign autographs.”
The Travoltas also frequented Tony’s Sushi in southwest Ocala.
Contacted late Friday afternoon, owner Tony Li was a bit shaken as he had just seen the news on TV. He said he last saw the Travolta family, including Jett, at the restaurant about two months ago.
“Terrible accident,” he said. “He was really nice. He liked to eat. He liked to eat.”
Li said the staff always made Jett’s favorite, fried rice and shrimp tempura, just the way he liked it — the tempura not to crunchy.
How unbelievably sad and our hearts and prayers go out to the Travolta family during this most difficult time.
[Source]
Related:
im so sorry for your lost,may the lord have him in his arms and give peace to this family for the rest of heir days. god bless you all truly sorry.
I am really sorry to hear about your loss. I know that that is no comfort at all. But i will pray for you guys. Your son is an angel now watching over us.
JOHN AND KELLY & FAMILY, WHEN JETT PASSED ON HE WENT INTO THE LORDS ARMS, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTOOD, HE KNEW THE LORD AS HIS PERSONAL SAVIOR. JOHN, HEAVEN IS A REAL PLACE, AND IF YOU KNOW THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR, THATS WHERE WE GO. WHAT WE HAVE HERE ON EARTH IS VERY TEMPORARY. I MET A MAN WHO EXPERIENCED HEAVEN, HE DIED AND CAME BACK AND NOW HE GOES ALL OVER AND SHARES HIS STORY. HIS BOOK IS CALLED 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN BY DON PIPER. I HOPE IT GIVES YOU SOME COMFORT!!! HE IS A WALKING TESTIMONY!!!! God Bless!! Cathy
catandlou@mchsi.com
Dear John, Kelly, and Ella Bleu, I am so sorry for your loss.What a handsome beautiful young man John he looks just like you. I guess God must have needed another angel. I know how horrific seizures can be I take convulsive seizures. Seven years ago I had one in my bathroom and hit myself on the tub I was in the hospital for ten days. I feel your pain no matter what people are saying about you all I can see the love in your family, I hope someday the void left in your life will be lifted. I know life will never be the same for you but know when the sun shines on your face it will be the love of your son Jett keeping you warm. May God be with you in your time of sorrow. Love you always your fan Marisa from Pennsylvania.
@ Vanessa W – You are so right.
When you lose a parent are an orphaned,
when you lose a husband or wife your widowed,
But when you lose a child it has no name.
I am very sorry what happened. I have you in my prayers. Jett finished his mission here. I pray that the Lord will comfort your family. May God Bless you John and Kelly… Give Ella lots of love…
May God bless John, Kelly and Ella. Jett was a beautifull boy who will be missed. Your family has touched not only America but also us in Canada. May God give you strength throughout this difficult time. God Bless you, Sheri
My prayers are with you. There is no pain greater than the loss of a child. John and Kelly, you are an inspiration to many. You have only shown the world what many have forgotten, that integrity and family is most important no matter who you are, and I thank you for that. Please do not waste time on guilt, you know in your heart that your beautiful boy could not be loved more than he was and still is. You could not of changed Jetts fate, that is in the hands of a much higher power than all of us. John, you are a good man and father which is sadly so hard to find today. Kelly, from one moms heart to another be strong.I have a feeling you will be the to get your family through all this pain. If your little girl see’s mommy’s ok she will be ok too. My deepest sympathy, Lucia
May God Bless you and your family in your time of Loss, my prayers and the prayers of my family are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hold on to all your precious memories. I lost my brother over a year ago and this story gave me some comfort.
The Dragonfly
Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.
Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friends would be gone forever.
Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He made a promise to return and tell his friends what he had found at the top.
When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.
So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed.
Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!
~Author Unknown~
My heart goes out to John, Kelly and Ella Travolta. It’s the most terrible thing to happen to a parent especially, and may God give them the strength to heal and come out of this terrible tragedy. God keep and God bless..
I am so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful son.It seems even though you are famous people,you seemed to be so down to earth and your love was plain to see for each other,and your children.Be strong,so many have you and all your family in their hearts. Heather,Nova Scotia
This is a very sad time for the Travolta family. My heart and prayers go out to you and I hope that the Lord will help you thru this time of suffering. I have children, myself, and do know how it is to suffer and worry about them. I have done that for 33 years, esp. the worrying. My prayers go with you both, and your little girl, and god speed.
You will be seeing this child in Heaven, someday, and he will greet you when you go to be with him.
Love you all-Elaine from Lindsay, CA
I personally understand the Trovolta’s not wanting to give their son the seizure medication. I had a cousin who suffered from extreme seizures. Her mother did the opposite of the Travolta’s. She faithfully gave her the seizure medication. My cousin went into liver failure and died waiting for a liver donor. I say to the Trovolta’s pray for strength. When that’s not enough, Pray some more There’s nothing too great for God.
May God bring you and your family peace in this trying time. Its heartbreaking to hear such news especially when a child is the victim of these circumstances. Words are not enough to bring peace to your family only the creator our Lord can console and guide you may you find a path to the Lord and be saved by his grace. God Bless
KBgreeneyes111………..Words are inadequate to express such agony, when losing a child has happened, by any means or in any way…… Because I have always enjoyed seeing John and Kelly’s performances, over the years, and because I have seen their generosity in giving to others, that has taken place over the years, I have enjoyed seeing them whenever they turned up on T.V. or appeared in movies……..John and Kelly are very gracious people and I have never seen John without a smile on his handsome face (unless it was called for in a movie role)……That is, except for the time he honored two firemen, who were 9/11 heroes and he had tears in his eyes, rolling down his cheeks, as he placed ribbons of honor around each of those men’s necks……… Of course, that moved me to tears, as I am sure it did all who watched that particular Oprah show. He, also, gave them a ride in his airplane, along with other tokens of appreciation for the bravery they had shown…..Now, it is time for John and Kelly to be brave. He is a man among men and the world is a better place for having John Travolta and his family in it. Losing Jett, is going to haunt them (and some of us) for the rest of their lives…..Losing a child in ANY way, is beyond heart-breaking. But, losing a child in the way Jett was lost, has got to leave them questioning what they could have done that would have kept that from happening……Hopefully, they will get grief counseling and learn to accept that there was nothing they could have done to make a difference in that situation……They have little Ella Blue to help them through this. She will help them to have a focus. …………..Good-bye, Sweet Jett, you have left us all too soon. John and Kelly, I know that you know there are many more broken hearts in the world and one bright star less today, than there were yesterday, because of your loss… KarenB.
KBgreeneyes111………..Words are inadequate to express such agony, when losing a child has happened, by any means or in any way…… Because I have always enjoyed seeing John and Kelly’s performances, over the years, and because I have seen their generosity in giving to others, that has taken place over the years, I have enjoyed seeing them whenever they turned up on T.V. or appeared in movies……..John and Kelly are very gracious people and I have never seen John without a smile on his handsome face (unless it was called for in a movie role)……That is, except for the time he honored two firemen, who were 9/11 heroes and he had tears in his eyes, rolling down his cheeks, as he placed ribbons of honor around each of those men’s necks……… Of course, that moved me to tears, as I am sure it did all who watched that particular Oprah show. He, also, gave them a ride in his airplane, along with other tokens of appreciation for the bravery they had shown…..Now, it is time for John and Kelly to be brave. He is a man among men and the world is a better place for having John Travolta and his family in it. Losing Jett, is going to haunt them (and some of us) for the rest of their lives…..Losing a child in ANY way, is beyond heart-breaking. But, losing a child in the way Jett was lost, has got to leave them questioning what they could have done that would have kept that from happening……Hopefully, they will get grief counseling and learn to accept that there was nothing they could have done to make a difference in that situation……They have little Ella Blue to help them through this. She will help them to have a focus. …………..Good-bye, Sweet Jett, you have left us all too soon. John and Kelly, I know that you know there are many more broken hearts in the world and one bright star less today, than there were yesterday, because of your loss… KarenB.
John, Kelly, And Ella,
As you come together as a family to face this loss, hold each other close, listen to each other, no two people grieve the same,encourage talk about Jett, say his name often, for he will live on in your hearts and precious memories, Don’t beat yourselves up, you could’nt have prevented this, God knew this would happen, and Im sure he knew that as a family you have the strength to survive this, I do, as a parent, understand this kind of loss, I lost my 33 yr old son on 3-18-08, prayers will continue for all of you, From my Heart,God Bless, Linda Larrabee, From Maine, Ps below, I wrote this at the end Of my sons Obit,
When The wind blows
I will hear you Whisper
When the birds sing
I will hear your laughter
When the sun shines
I will remember your smile
When the moon rises
I will whisper Goodnight
Written by; Linda Larrabee
Well fisrt thing’s first, Maybe med’s would have been the rt. way to go. But it’s there child that pass away, And writing all these harsh e-mails , Is hurting the travolta’s. So why don’t we all feel for them at there time of need. Only God will judge if there was any wrong doing, This is there religion,
Tommy Dio
My heart goes out to the travolta family. I myself lost siamese twins nearly seven years ago and there is no pain like losing a child. My husband and I have always liked John his talent is immeasurable, i am so sorry that such an icon and his family has to suffer this terrible tragedy. As a mother myself my heart goes out to Kelly as when you have carried this child for nine months even before birth the bond that is built is extremely strong and it is devastating when it is taken from you. May Jett look over you and guide you everyday his spirit will always be with you love to you all and your all in my thoughts and prayers
Jett was very special to you John and Kelly, and you loved him very much, but he left for a reason. Be strong, he is in heaven now, and he is happy. It is a wonderful place to be. It was time for him to go. God gave him to you and now he wants him back. Jett finished his mission here. I pray that the Lord will comfort your family. God Bless you.
D.V.
I just want to say to Both John and Kelly that my heart goes out to you both. I could never imagine your pain. I have lost Adam in 2006 ,my granddaghter’s dad and it was the most terible pain to feel. He was like one of my boys. John just remember that Jett now has those wings to fly like the angel he is.
Sincerely, Patti Hendricks
Desertrosevintage
I too am very sorry for their loss and as McKenzie F said -there is going to be a resurrection – at Acts 24:15, Luke (the writer/Apostle) said – “and I have hope towards God” (* whose name is Jehovah), “which hope these men themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection…”
Read John Chapter 11 – death is likened to sleep.
Regarding the name Jehovah see:
* Ex. 6:3, Pr. 18:10, Isa. 12:4, John 17:26, Ro. 10:13
so sad my prayers go out to the Travolta family.r.i.p Jett I know you will be missed deeply
An Angel on loan,
Has now earned his wings,
Now his voice rises high,
With God’s chorus he sings.
His life was a wonder,
Beautiful and Blessed,
Your hearts are now heavy,
Burdened by this test.
Remember the laughter,
The good times not bad.
Take time to cherish,
The time that you had.
Life is always on loan,
The end lingering near,
But with God’s loving hand,
There is nothing to fear.
Celebrate his life,
He is always close by,
Tell him “I love you”,
To hear an Angel sigh.
My Heart goes out to John, Kelly, and their daughter.
Me & My husband send our sympathy to the Travolta family.
Please know you have so people that share this sorrow with you. May God be with your family. Our prayers are with you.
This is so sad but please do the family a favor: no more headlines declaring him as John Travolta’s son. He was John AND Kelly’s son. While Kelly is a celebrity in her own right she is his mother and I can’t help but think of her every time I see that headline.
Let’s all hug our kids a little more tightly tonight and say a prayer for their family.
kelly and john there are no words to comfort you at this time,may each day break bring its own source of healing power
My deepest sympathies to the Travolta family. Such a loss! Your family is in my prayers.
My sympathy to the Travolta family during this very tragic time. I will keep them in my prayers. May beautiful memories bring them comfort.
Even as a parent, I can never begin to understand the extent of your pain right now. I sympathize with you, may his soul rest in perfect peace. I am a big fan of Travolta.
A love for a child is never broken by a parent or loved ones due to death but it can feel like a loved one’s heart breaks frequently when faced with the death of a child.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who are experiencing the grief and pain of a death of a child.
Dr. Terrie Modesto
http://www.drterriemodesto.com
Very sad news. May God be with this family. Our prayers to the Travolta family.
As a big fan
As a big fan of
john travolta and a family person as well i’d like to send my prayers to the travolta family.i’v got your back
I am a grandmother & guardian of my 8 year old grandson Michael who has a seizure disorder. I came “as the Drs. said…a pinpoint of loosing him” when he was 4 yrs. old due to fluid on his brain. This unconcievable loss to the Travoltas is heartbreaking & my prayers are with them. It hit close to home for me & I am so very, very sorry for their loss. May God see you through this most difficult time.
PLEASE LET THE FAMILY KNOW, THEY ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS… KATHY CARTER-OKIVE
I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS VERY SWEET AND HUMBLE FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS, I ALSO IMPLORE EVERYONE, TO PLEASE SAY SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR THIS YOUNG MAN AND HIS FAMILY… I BELIEVE THAT THIS FAMILY IS STRONG AND LIKE SO MANY BEFORE THEM-YOUR INNER BELIEF SYSTEM AND GOD WILL GUIDE YOU ALL THRU THIS SAD EVENT. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT FOREVER YOUR LIFE WILL BE CHANGED… PLEASE KNOW YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT SHARE THIS SORROW WITH YOU… GOD BLESS YOU, KATHY CARTER-OLIVE
I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS FAMILY IN MY TOUGHTS AND MY PRAYERS… I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT NO PARENT ,SHOULD EVER HAVE TO BURY THERE CHILD. THIS IS A VERY SAD DAY FOR ALL OF AMERICA, AS THIS FAMILY IS A WONDERFUL AND KIND HEARTED FAMILY. PLEASE EVERYONE KEEP THEM IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS…
Our family sends our most heart felt and warmest prayers during this most difficult time. Children are truly a gift and we are blessed to have them in our lives for even a moment in time.
That is terrible, my prayers and thoughts are with the family.
I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR TRAGIC NEWS. I AM A FAN OF BOTH YOUR MOVIES, ESPECIALLY JERRY MCGUIRE AND DOMESTIC DISTRUBANCE. I HAVE THREE BOYS OF MY OWN ONE TURNING 16 ON MONDAY. I COULDN’T IMAGINE WHAT YOU MUST BE GOING THROUGH. I KNOW EVEN WITH YOUR FAME YOUR STILL HUMAN WITH REAL EMOTION AND I COULDN’T IMAGINE HAVING TO GRIEVE IN THE PUBLIC EYE….. I COMMEND YOU. PLEASE WITH MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ACCEPT MY PRAYER FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AS WELL AS YOU OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS. MAY GOD SHINE HIS FACE UPON YOU…. KELLY GHILONI FROM JOSHUA TREE, CA.
I am so so sorry for their loss. They are in my prayers. Please stay strong. Death is only for a little while. then we shall have the ressurection and we will see him again in a little bit. just think, he is sleeping. he will soon again wake up. Jehovah will help you through this if you pray to him.
Please give my love and sympathy to the Travolta family. Although I do not know them personally, it just feels like a family member who is in mourning and I need to be there to provide comfort and prayer.
Father God, I lift up this family to you in their time of grieving and ask that you give them peace in the midst of their storm. May you comfort them in only the way you can and give them godspeed in overcoming this terrible tragedy. We thank you for your grace and mercy in the name of Jesus. Amen.