Famed TV Pitchman Billy Mays Found Dead

Reports confirm that the "Infomercial King" was found unresponsive in his Florida-area home Sunday morning

By Megan Masters Jun 28, 2009 3:35 PMTags
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Billy Mays, the prominent face and boastful voice behind some of television's biggest products, was found dead in his Florida home on Sunday morning.

The Tampa Police Department confirms to Fox News that Mays' unresponsive body was discovered by his wife, Deborah, at 7:45 a.m.

While police do not suspect foul play, Mays, 50, was on board a US Airways flight into Tampa on Saturday, when its front tires blew out during landing. US Airways spokesman Jim Olson said that while some passengers reported a few bumps and bruises, no on was seriously injured.

Deborah released a statement after news of Mays death broke on Sunday, saying: "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."

Mays is widely recognized as the "Infomercial King" for such products as OxiClean, Orange Glo and Kaboom. The advertisement salesman has become a staple on televisions nationwide, always lighting up the screen with his trademark blue button-up shirt, his distinctive beard and his loud, but knowledgeable, sales pitches.

Most recently, Mays became the co-host of his own Discovery Channel series, Pitchmen, alongside fellow infomercial honcho, Anthony Sullivan. The pair appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien last week discussing their forray into what is officially called direct-response marketing.

Authorities expect an autopsy to be completed by Monday afternoon.

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