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Con Men Looking To Make Millions Off Jett Travolta's Death

Sassy Smith — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:06:00 GMT

When parents lose a child, the last thing they need is some despicable person(s) trying to take advantage of their tragic situation. But that's what's happening to John Travolta and Kelly Preston.

Bahamas-based newspaper, The Tribune is reporting that the Travoltas are fighting extortion demands after the death of their 16-year-old son, Jett, according to the couple's lawyers.

It's believed there are two people involved, and "one believed to be a politician." The details of the extortion demands were not disclosed.

A statement was released by attorneys Mike Ossi and Howard Butler, which read, "Regretably in a time of such terrible grief there are often a few individuals who attempt to make false claims in hopes of making millions of dollars. We will never let that happen."

The attorneys also said that they have "the utmost confidence in the Bahamian police and government."

Who would do such a thing? Why would any human want to profit from a child's death? Hopefully they get these two individuals!

Jett Travolta passed away on January 2 in the Bahamas, at the Travolta family vacation home.

Related Posts:

Jett Travolta's Death: John & Kelly Break Their Silence

Update: Travoltas Release Thank You Message

Sassy Smith — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:08:00 GMT

Ten days after the tragic loss of their 16-year-old son Jett, the Travolta family released a thank you message to "The People of Ocala." The letter was published in the Ocala Star-Banner, to show their appreciation for the support the community showed them during their time of grief.

Letter after the jump

The letter reads:

"The enormous amount of love, support and condolence we have received from this community has been most humbling. Comforting words, thoughts and prayers of Ocala's citizens have made an impossibly painful situation, a little less painful.

"The actions of Ocala's community leaders, its law enforcement professionals, our neighbors at Jumbolair and its surrounding communities have offered us the dignity to grieve the loss of our son and Ella's brother in peace. For this we will always be grateful.

"From the people who drove hours to drop off cards and flowers at our doorstep, to the service providers who made Jett's ceremony so beautiful, thank you. Every person who we have encountered has offered to do anything in their power to help us, but add that they feel powerless to do so. We want all of you to know that you have already helped us. By sharing our grief, you lessen our burden. For all of the people who have kept Jett in their prayers, know that those prayers have given us inspiration and strength.

"What we have experienced in Ocala transcends neighborly civility. We have been treated as family. Although we lost a good part of the joy and radiance of our family, your embracing us as a member of your own has helped us to contend with our loss.

"In parting, we want all of you to cherish your loved ones and your friends like there was no tomorrow, to live your lives to the fullest by continuing to help one another, and to be true to yourselves. - Love John, Kelly and Ella."

Related Posts:

Travolta's Friends Show Their Support

John Travolta Cancels Golden Globes Appearance

Karl Erikson — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:38:00 GMT

Understandably, John Travolta has canceled his appearance for tonight's Golden Globe Awards. Still in mourning over the death of 16-year-old son Jett, John is staying home with wife Kelly Preston instead. John was due to present one of the awards in tonight's ceremony. He's also nominated as part of the Best Animated Feature ("Bolt") and for Best Original Song, a duet with Miley Cyrus.

On Thursday, John and Kelly held a private memorial service for Jett in Ocala, Florida. Jett died from a seizure disorcer on January 2.

Frankly, I would have been shocked if John showed up at the Golden Globes. I hope he and Kelly are doing as best they can.

Source | Photo

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Jett Travolta's Family Speaks Out

Celebrity Friends Attend Memorial For Jett Travolta

Sassy Smith — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:05:00 GMT

Family and friends gathered Thursday, January 8, to pay their respects to Jett Travolta, during an emotional memorial service. The teen son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, and brother to Ella Bleu, died on January 2, while on vacation with the family, in the Bahamas.

The 10 minute service, inside a tent on the Travolta family grounds, was attended by 100 relatives and family friends. John, Kelly and Ella, were comforted by many, including some celebrity pals: Lisa Marie Presley, Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood, Sopranos star James Gandolfini, actor Forest Whitaker, Cal Ripkin Jr. and Kirstie Allie.

A female Scientology minister, who was the only person to speak, led the service, which celebrated his spirit and passing into a new life. After the ceremony, John and Kelly walked to a photo of their son, and both kissed it.

Whitaker and his wife Keisha, said in a statement afterwards, "Our families have had a long loving friendship and John and Kelly are amazing parents.

"We've watched each other's children grow and cannot imagine the loss of Jett. He was a bright and beautiful young man and we are honoured to have known him."

Outside the Travolta home, gifts continue to arrive, and adorn their front gate.

Related Posts:

Travolta Autopsy Leak Has the Politicians Hopping Mad

Tom Cruise Appears On The View Instead Of Attending Jett Travolta's Funeral

Jett Travolta's Death: Case Officially Closed

Tom Cruise Appears On The View Instead Of Attending Jett Travolta's Funeral, Because, You Know, Scientology Must Go On

HerBadMother — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:43:00 GMT

Oh, Tom Cruise. What can I say?

Look, I can appreciate that you're all cut up over the tragedy that is the death of Jett Travolta, the child of a couple who are, I assume, friends of yours. Not cut up enough to, you know, put off doing a taping of The View so that you can attend the funeral, but whatever. You're a busy man. If the best you can do is make time to cry on national television (actually attending funerals is, I know, time consuming), then so be it. I won't judge.

But you know, your comments about the role of Scientology in all of this smacked of cultish douchery. When Barbara Walters asked you about Scientologists not seeking medical treatment for certain conditions, you said this:

"That's not true. That's just not true... It's actually just the opposite, where you — they say, 'Look, get your physical, get medication, get your physical illnesses handled."

Right. You knew that she wasn't asking about 'physical' health. The whole controversy over Jett's death and Scientology's stand on certain medical conditions has been about neurological illness. About autism. About what you Scientologists call 'mental illness' and insist only afflict "degraded beings" who in turn require "purification" to cure them of their degradation. Barbara was referring to discussions about Scientology's attitude toward 'degraded' conditions like autism.

But that doesn't matter, does it, Tom? Because is isn't a 'physical' illness, and so Scientology is in no way remiss in demanding that its followers not treat it as such and need not explain itself.

Glad you took the time to clear that up for us. Shame you had to miss the funeral to do it, but we get that you're doing important work. You can just send the family flowers or something.

Click here to watch the video on TMZ.

Source, source

Jett Travolta's Death: Case Officially Closed

Sassy Smith — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:05:00 GMT

The teenage son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, Jett, passed away on January 2 at the family vacation home in the Bahamas. The autopsy revealed that the 16-year-old died from a seizure and now police in the Bahamas have officially closed the case.

Obie Wilchcombe, family friend and local Member of Parliament, told RADAR:

"The pathologists who carried out the autopsy made their report, and the police determined that there was no foul play, no suspicious circumstances."

The Travoltas flew home to Florida on Monday, with Jett's ashes and his memorial was Thursday, January 8.

Wilchcombe added, "I talked to their doctor, Dr. Mark Smith, and he told me they are getting some much-needed rest."

Friends of John and Kelly have expressed their condolences and say that they will find strength in caring for their 8-year-old daughter Ella.

Related Posts:

Jett Travolta: Official Cause Of Death

On Jett Travolta, Howard Stern Gets It Right

Jett's Death: John & Kelly Will Find Strength Caring For Daughter Ella

Sassy Smith — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:01:00 GMT

John Travolta and Kelly Preston, who are grieving the loss of their son Jett, will focus their attention on their 8-year-old daughter Ella Bleu and find strength caring for her.

Friends of the couple say:

Primary Colors director Mike Nichols said, "They're very strong. They have Ella. The have lots of people they love to take care of. And they will. But they have to have time for just plain grief."

Family friend, actress Anne Archer said, "There's probably nothing in the world that is harder for a parent than losing a child,, so for both of them, I just... I just can't imagine anything more difficult. I think what's most important is that friends and family and the community collectively put their arms around them and hold their thoughts for them and help support them through this time."

Paramount CEO and friend Sherry Lansing said that the couple are "two of the kindest, most decent people, and everything is about their family and everything is about their children."

She added, "I cannot begin to imagine the depths of pain that somebody feels when this happens. It's just the worst of anything that could ever happen to anybody."

Kelly's friend, Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli said she is "a wonderful lady, a wonderful mother" and sends his "deepest sympathy." He said, "Their children are everything to them. There are no words to express how sorry I am; I am at a loss for words."

Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chair Amy Pascal said that John is a devoted family man. "He was a father first."

Travolta's Wild Hogs costar Tim Allen said that he and his family wanted to "extend our condolences to John, Kelly and Ella. We know how much they loved and adored Jett and words cannot express how sad we were to hear about his passing."

It's wonderful that the Travolta's have so many people who will rally around them during their time of sadness. Hopefully John's brother Joey Travolta does as well. The two brothers often were at odds over Jett - Joey was convinced that Jett was autistc, a claim with John and Kelly deny.

Joey Travolta is known for his documentary, in which he interviewed 65 autistic youngsters, called Normal People Scare Me. His film was to teach people about austism - which can spark violent seizures. Joey also formed the group "Actors for Autism" which helps those with autism make films.

A friend of Joey's said, "Joey could see Jett in every one of those 65 kids he spoke to. It was so obvious Jett was autistic just from spending five minutes with him, but the cruel fact of their religion meant his parents simply did not accept it."

But regardless of whether Jett was autistic or not, he's gone and I don't believe there's any doubt that John and Kelly worshiped and loved their son more than anything. It's time to let the speculation go - Jett's condition is really no one's business but that of John and Kelly.

The most important thing is for the family to heal and comfort one another during their grieving. Let's hope John's family puts their differences aside and does just that.

Jett's body was cremated in the Bahamas and his ashes will be scattered or buried in Ocala, Florida, near the Travolta home.

[Source|Source]

For our full updated coverage on the passing of Jett, click here.

Saying Goodbye: Jett Travolta's Funeral

Sassy Smith — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:07:00 GMT

We reported earlier that Jett Travolta's funeral would be held Tuesday January 6, in Ocala, Florida, but it's believed the service will be held on Thursday, January 8.

Jett's body was cremated (common in Scientology) Monday, in the Bahamas, and friends say that the Travoltas were too upset to attend the cremation ceremony. The family flew back to Florida to make the final arrangements for their 16-year-old son, who passed away on January 2. His official cause of death has been listed as "killed by seizure."

The memorial is not believed to be open to the public, and held in the afternoon. Several celebrities are expected to attend, including fellow Scientologists, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Jett's ashes will be scattered or buried near the family home in Ocala. The front gate of their home has been adorned with flowers, condelence messages and candles since Jett's death.

John, Kelly and daughter Ella, thanked the public for their support and wrote this about their dear son:

"Jett was the most wonderful son that two parents could ever ask for and lit up the lives of everyone he encountered. We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time we had with him for the rest of our lives. We have received many messages of condolence from around the world and we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. It has meant so much to us. It is a beautiful reminder of the inherent goodness in the human spirit that gives us ahope for a brighter future."

To see beautiful family photos, go here.

[Source|Photo|Source]

To read all of the updated information about Jett's passing, you can read below:

Remembering Jett: Travolta Family Releases Private Photos

Sassy Smith — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:05:00 GMT

The Travolta family, in their time of grief, have released some private photos of their precious son. Jett Travolta, 16, passed away on Friday and John and Kelly are trying to make sense of their loss. They've thanked the public for their outpouring of love and condolences during these difficult days.

More photos after the jump

Jett really was a beautiful boy - look at his eyes, they're gorgeous. He looks just like his dad. So very sad and we continue to send our prayers to the family.

[Source|Source]

To see our full coverage on the tragedy of Jett's death:

Travolta Tragedy - The Handling of Jett's Remains

Whit Honea — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:39:00 GMT

According to ET, the Travolta family had the remains of 16-year-old Jett cremated on Monday.

Officials announced at a press conference that the ashes will be given to John Travolta on Tuesday in time for Jett's funeral service in Ocala.

Unfortunately I know something about teen funerals. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day.

If you're curious about how a Scientology funeral is performed you can visit the official website or E!Online.

For more on the tragic passing of Jett Travolta click here.

Source/Photo

Jett Travolta: Official Cause Of Death

Sassy Smith — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:32:00 GMT

Jett Travolta, teenage son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston passed away Friday and the results of the autopsy performed today conclude that the 16-year-old was "killed by a seizure."

From the Associated Press:

An official with a Bahamian funeral home says Jett Travolta's death certificate says he was killed by a "seizure." Glen Campbell is assistant director of the funeral home handling the remains of John Travolta's 16-year-old son.

He tells The Associated Press that the body is in "great condition" and shows no sign of head trauma, despite police officials who said the teen may have hit his head on a bathtub.

Authorities performed an autopsy Monday but didn't release the results. Campbell said the certificate was based on the autopsy findings, and gave no information on the cause of death beyond the word "seizure."

Jett Travolta's body is now at the Grand Bahama airport en route for burial in Ocala, Florida.

Hopefully these results will help give the family some closure, and they can begin the long process of coming to terms with the loss of their beautiful child.

For updated information on the tragedy, we've complied a post to provide readers with several links:

John Travolta's Son Dies

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Funeral For Jett Travolta In Ocala

Jett Travolta's Death Investigated by Police

Video Statement: It's The Worst Day In The Life Of Mr & Mrs Travolta

New Details: Jett Travolta Died In His Father's Arms

Jett Travolta's Death: John & Kelly Break Their Silence

Travolta Tragedy- Now the Rumors Begin

Did Scientology Kill Jett Travolta?

Whit Honea — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:09:00 GMT

Jett Travolta, the sixteen-year-old son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, passed away last week. It's tragic.

There have been numerous stories coming out about Jett's death. There have been accusations, investigations, rumors and second guesses by media outlets everywhere. It's overwhelming. We've covered them, as is our station, and we are providing this post as an easy way for you to access each story as you see fit. Maybe you want answers, maybe you have something you need to express. The stories are here, sad as they are, and we will update this list as they are published.

As always, our hearts go out to the Travolta family.

Remembering Jett: Travolta Family Releases Private Photos

On Jett Travolta, Howard Stern Gets It Right

Jett Travolta's Family Speaks Out

Jett Travolta`s Autopsy

Travolta's Friends Show their Support

Travolta Tragedy - The Handling of Jett's Remains

Jett Travolta`s Autopsy

HerBadMother — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:34:00 GMT

Jett Travolta`s autopsy is being performed in the Bahamas this afternoon by two pathologists.

Ordinarily, autopsies are conducted by a single local coroner, but in this case, a special US-certified coroner has been flown in to join the Freeport coroner.

According to E! Online, the dual reports are intended to ``ensure accuracy and provide a more thorough analysis of what transpired last week.``

Based on existing reports from Travolta family representatives, the unofficial cause of death was a blow to the head, sustained when Jett Travolta fell and struck his head on a bathtub during a seizure. The official cause of death will be determined by the pathologists, and could possibly be released by the end of the day.

More news as it`s released.

Source

Jett Travolta's Death: John & Kelly Break Their Silence

John Travolta's Son Dies

Did Scientology Kill Jett Travolta?

HerBadMother — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 23:37:00 GMT

Would Jett Travolta still be alive if his parents weren't Scientologists?

As information begins to trickle out about the circumstances surrounding Jett Travolta's death, the inevitable questions have arisen about whether that death could have been avoided. And the number one question in that category is: if Jett Travolta was autistic, and his autism was left untreated because Scientology does not recognize autism as a condition, did the fact that his condition was left untreated factor into his death?

Scientologists believe that all mental illnesses are psychosomatic and that individuals with mental illness or neurological disorder are defective human beings. They teach that the only treatment for mental illness is spiritual healing - or, as Tom Cruise famously suggested for post-partum depression, vitamins - never drugs. They reject the very existence of autism as a condition, but sources close to the Travoltas (including Joey Travolta) have long insisted that Jett was indeed autistic - many forms of which are know to involve violent seizures such as the one that led to his death - and not suffering from the effects of exposure to Kawasaki Disease, as the Travoltas have claimed (a claim widely rejected by KD experts). The Travoltas have long been criticized for refusing to seek a diagnosis and treatment for autism for Jett when, according to many, he was so obviously in need of diagnosis and treatment.

The important thing at the moment, of course, is leaving the Travoltas in peace to grieve the loss of their son. But perhaps this tragedy could serve to remind parents to seek proper diagnoses for their children, even if such diagnoses tell them things that they don't want to hear. Perhaps a life could be, could have been, saved.

John Travolta's Son Dies

Source, source, source, source

Jett Travolta's Death: John & Kelly Break Their Silence

Sassy Smith — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:01:00 GMT

Just two days after their precious son Jett died, John Travolta and Kelly Preston have spoken about their loss.

John Travolta released the following statement, posted on his official website, saying that he and wife Kelly are "heartbroken" by their sudden loss.

"We would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent their love and condolences.

Jett was the most wonderful son that two parents could ever ask for and lit up the lives of everyone he encountered. We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time we had with him for the rest of our lives. We have received many messages of condolence from around the world and we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. It has meant so much to us. It is a beautiful reminder of the inherent goodness in the human spirit that gives us ahope for a brighter future.

With love,
John, Kelly and Ella"

Jett, who was named for his father's love of aviation, was John's "heart."

Travolta had previously said of his son, "He's my first, and he's my heart. And he's a very special boy. He's Daddy's boy. And... we spend a lot time together even though I'm pretty busy. He loves the outdoors and he loves to travel.

"He loves being on the plane. We fly in the ultralight together."

Jett, 16, passed away on Friday, after suffering a seizure at the family's vacation home in the Bahamas. Travolta's friend and lawyer said that John did all that he could to try to revive his son. He died in his father's arms.

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Video Statement: It's The Worst Day In The Life Of Mr & Mrs Travolta

Travolta Tragedy- Now the Rumors Begin

New Details: Jett Travolta Died In His Father's Arms

Sassy Smith — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:10:00 GMT

There were reports that Jett Travolta,16, was last seen going into one of the bathrooms in the Travolta vacation home on Thursday evening but was not found until the next morning. Family friend and lawyer, Michael McDermott sheds light on what really happened.

Michael McDermott, who was vacationing with the family, spoke with RADAR about what happened to Jett and talked of how the Travolta's are holding up after losing Jett. He said that John "cried all night."

"I'm all choked up," said McDermott. "John was red-eyed from crying all night and he said to me 10 minutes ago: 'Be strong!' Then John said: 'We're going to get through this.' Can you imagine the courage and strength of the man?"

McDermott said he wanted to clear something up - it was believed that Jett was last seen going into the bathroom Thursday night and laid there until he was found the next morning, around 10 a.m. and that's just not true.

"John and Kelly had everything possible set up for an emergency in Jett's life. The nanny, Jeff Kathrein, slept 8 feet away form Jett in his room. There was a baby monitor right next to him in his bed. And a chimer attached to the bathroom door announced when Jett was going in there."

He adds, "Short of holding his hand 24/7 they had everything in place. They loved that child with all of their hearts. All this set-up was because he was prone to seizures which could occur at any time.

"Jeff got to him within minutes of his fall we believe.

"We don't know yet whether Jett banged his head on the toilet seat or the bathtub. But there was blood on the floor. We know he slipped and fell. He could have had a seizure. He could have had an embolism."

McDermott explains that the 16-year-old was supervised by two nannies. At the time of the incident, John and Kelly were asleep upstairs in the condo.

"No one was negligent here. The inference that they were out enjoying themselves is just horrible. They came running when Jeff yelled out."

With emotion evident, McDermott said, "John did everything to save his boy's life with CPR - everything he could to revive that child. He was unsuccessful.

"To have his son die in his arms like that, for me, is unimaginable. I'm a parent. He's so broken up. He's not going to get over this for a long time. If ever."

Hours later, John and Kelly sat down with their daughter, Ella Bleu, 8, and had to break the news to her, that her big brother had died.

"I can't imagine how that went. It was the most painful thing they've ever had to do in their lives," said McDermott.

That would be heartbreaking and John and Kelly, while dealing with their own grief, have to stay strong for their little girl.

It's believed Jett will be laid to rest on Tuesday.

Related Posts:

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Video Statement: It's The Worst Day In The Life Of Mr & Mrs Travolta

Travolta Tragedy- Now the Rumors Begin

Heartbroken John Travolta & Kelly Preston In Seclusion

Sassy Smith — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:03:00 GMT

We can barely begin to imagine the sorrow that John Travolta and Kelly Preston are experiencing after the death of their only son Jett, who died Friday morning. The grieving parents are said to be in seclusion in their room since his passing.

Family lawyer and friend Michael Ossi spoke with RADAR and said the Travoltas have not left their room since yesterday.

Ossi, along with many other friends of the Travolta family were gathered at Old Bahama Bay Hotel for a New Year's celebration. Says Michael, "Yesterday was the worst day in John's life. Today's the second worst."

He adds that, although everyone hoped the autopsy could have been performed during the weekend to find the cause of Jett's death, they're not complaining and realize that the local authorities are doing their best.

He said, "The autopsy will take place Monday morning and after that we'll all be leaving." It's believed that the funeral will take place on Tuesday in Ocala.

John and Kelly are in their condo "in deep mourning, griefstricken, taking visits from their friends."

Related Posts:

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Jett Travolta's Family Speaks Out

sweatpantsmom — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:35:00 GMT

Kelly Preston's mom and half-brother are speaking out about the sudden and unexpected death of 16-year-old Jett Travolta.

"I am devastated," a grieving Linda Carlson told Us Magazine. "He was the light of our lives," she said of her granddson.

"He was one of the most special, loving boys. I thank God I had time to spend with him before Christmas."

Preston's half-brother Chris Palzis added, "We're all devastated. It's definitely a bad time. That's all I have to say."

Jett died Friday morning after he fell and hit his head on the bathtub at his parents' vacation home in the Bahamas. An autopsy will be performed Monday. There will be a local showing on Tuesday, and then the body will be flown to Ocala, Florida, to be buried.

Related Posts:

New Details: Jett Travolta Died In His Father's Arms

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Video Statement: It's The Worst Day In The Life Of Mr & Mrs Travolta

Travolta Tragedy- Now the Rumors Begin

Source | Source

Jett Travolta's Death Investigated by Police

Whit Honea — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:05:00 GMT

Police are investigating the tragic death of Jett Travolta.

According to TMZ, who sites sources at the Freeport Grand Bahama Police Department: "Serious Crimes Section is conducting an investigation into the death of Jett Travolta, the 16-year-old son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, but cops don't believe any crime was involved."

The Serious Crime Section is conducting the investigation due to the "high profile nature of the death."

While some reports have Jett's death as a result of either a seizure, a fall in the bath, or a combination of both, a time line has yet to be established. One issue the police are having is that "Jett was last seen going to the bathroom on January 1st, yet his body was not discovered until 10 AM the next day."

I can't say that I care for that sort of language as it implies suspicion where it's pretty clear none belongs. Still, the police need to do their job, and as much as it hurts the Travolta's probably want as much information as they can get.

Our hearts continue to go out to the Travoltas during this incredibly sad time.

Related:

John Travolta's Son Dies

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Video Statement: It's The Worst Day In The Life Of Mr & Mrs Travolta

Source/Photo

Funeral For Jett Travolta In Ocala

Sassy Smith — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:33:00 GMT

Jett Travolta, 16-year-old son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, will reportedly be laid to rest on Tuesday, January 6, in Ocala. The teen passed away Friday, after suffering a seizure at the family's vacation home.

An autopsy is planned for Monday and Michael McDermott, family friend, told the Ocala Star-Banner that funeral arrangements are being made in Ocala. The Travolta family has a home in the fly-in community of Jumbolair Aviation Estates. Travolta parks two large planes on his property, including his Boeing 707. This is the home that they would spend the most time in.

Jett was named in honor of his father's love of aviation. John joked during an interview with Architectural Digest that while other children had sleepoevers in their backyards, his son could have one in his Boeing 707. The plane is named "Jett Clipper Ella" after the two Travolta children. Jett's sister is Ella Bleu, 8.

I can't even imagine what they're going through. And my heart breaks for Jett's little sister, Ella. I'm sure she looked up to her big brother, and now he's gone. So sad.

Related Posts:

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Video Statement: It's The Worst Day In The Life Of Mr & Mrs Travolta

Sassy Smith — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:35:00 GMT

In light of the tragedy that the Travolta family has experienced with the passing of their only son, Jett, the family lawyer, Michael Ossi has issued a video statement, conveying the deep-felt grief that the death of a child brings.

Video link after the jump

Mr. Ossi's statement in part:

"At this point, we know that John and Kelly Travolta's only son, Jett Travolta had a seizure. All attempts were made to revive him but were unsuccessful and he died. Jett Travolta was happy every day of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Travolta were great parents, did all they could to make sure their children were happy and we are deeply saddened at what occurred."

Funeral arrangements are being made in Ocala, Florida, where the family has a home.

To watch the video and hear the full statement, go here.

Statements from family friends are as follows:

Update: John Travolta Son's Death Details & Statements

Sassy Smith — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:38:00 GMT

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.

"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.

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