Staff Photographer
Actor John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston said they were “heartbroken” over the death last week of their son Jett, 16, who was found unconscious during a family holiday in the Bahamas.
“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,” the family said in a statement Sunday.
“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,” the statement said, signed: “With love, John, Kelly and Ella.”
Jett Travolta had a history of seizures since he was a toddler and his father’s attorney said he may have suffered a lethal one on Friday.
The youth was the only son of the 54-year-old film star — also a trained jet pilot — and actress Preston, 46. Their daughter Ella is aged eight.
The precise cause of death was not known.
He was last seen on New Year’s Day when he went to use the bathroom at the family’s residence at the Old Bahama Bay Resort on Grand Bahama island, Police Chief Superintendent Basil Rahming said.
“He was discovered in the bathroom in an unconscious state around 10:00 am” the next day by a caretaker.
“Arrangements are being made to have an autopsy performed, in order to determine the exact cause of death,” the police chief said.
A burial was planned after an autopsy in Ocala, Florida, where the family has a home.
Health complications
Travolta has denied reports that his son was autistic, saying he suffered from Kawasaki Syndrome.
US media has said the teen was plagued by health complications from a young age.
Kawasaki Syndrome, also known as lymph node syndrome, is a febrile illness that affects many organs, including the skin and mucous membranes, lymph nodes, blood vessel walls and the heart.
It was first described in 1967 by Dr Tomisaku Kawasaki in Japan. The condition mostly affects children under the age of five and although found worldwide, its highest incidence is in Japan, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
In more serious cases, the syndrome can lead to an inflammation of the blood vessels.
Travolta is famous for starring in the films Grease, Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction. — AFP