Travolta Recounts Attempt to Save Son, Acknowledges He Was Autistic

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Sep 23rd 2009 12:42PM

John Travolta described Wednesday how he desperately tried to save the life of his seizure-prone son and made perhaps his first public description of the teen as autistic as he testified in the trial of two people accused of trying to blackmail him.

With his wife, Kelly Preston, looking on inside the Nassau, Bahamas courtroom, Travolta said that he performed CPR on his son after a nanny alerted him the teen had fallen ill at a family vacation home on Grand Bahama island. Jett Travolta later died from a seizure.

"I ran downstairs with my wife to help my son," Travolta said.

Travolta also said -- apparently for the first time in public -- that 16-year-old Jett was autistic, confirming speculation that had swirled for years. The developmental disorder is frequently accompanied by seizures.

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Travolta in Bahamas

U.S. actor John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston, obscured, arrive to the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Travolta described the moments before his son's death in the Bahamas as he testified Wednesday against two people accused of trying to blackmail him with private information about the rescue effort. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

John Travolta Photos

U.S. actor John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Travolta described the moments before his son's death in the Bahamas as he testified Wednesday against two people accused of trying to blackmail him with private information about the rescue effort. (AP Photo/Kris Ingraham)

(FILES)Actor John Travolta smiles at the premiere of "Bolt" in this November 17, 2008 file photo in Hollywood, California. John Travolta arrived in the Bahamas September 23, 2009 to testify at the trial of two local men accused of trying to extort 25 million dollars from him following the death earlier this year of his teenage son.The two-time Oscar-nominee, who starred in the hit films "Saturday Night Fever" and "Pulp Fiction," arrived here under tight security for the trial of ex-senator Pleasant Bridgewater and ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne. AFP PHOTO/Gabriel BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

(FILES)Actor John Travolta delivers a speech during the ceremony to honor movie mogul Michael D. Eisner by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, in this April 25, 2008 file photo. Hollywood star John Travolta arrived in the Bahamas September 23, 2009 to testify at the trial of two local men accused of trying to extort 25 million dollars from him following the death earlier this year of his teenage son. The two-time Oscar-nominee, who starred in the hit films "Saturday Night Fever" and "Pulp Fiction," arrived here under tight security for the trial of ex-senator Pleasant Bridgewater and ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne. AFP PHOTO GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

ASSOCIATED PRESS

This combo pictures shows Former Bahamas' Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater, right, and paramedic Tarino Lightbourne upon their arrival to court in Nassau, Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. A jury was selected Monday for a trial that could see US actor John Travolta take the stand against Bridgewater and Lightbourne, accused of trying to extort $25 million from the movie star following his son's death in the Bahamas. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

Bahamas' paramedic Tarino Lightbourne arrives to court in Nassau, Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. A jury was selected Monday for a trial that could see US actor John Travolta take the stand against Lightbourne and Bahamas' former Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater, accused of trying to extort $25 million from the movie star following his son's death in the Bahamas. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

Bahamas' paramedic Tarino Lightbourne speaks on his cell phone upon his arrival to court in Nassau, Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. A jury was selected Monday for a trial that could see US actor John Travolta take the stand against Lightbourne and former Bahamas' Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater, accused of trying to extort $25 million from the movie star following his son's death in the Bahamas. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

Former Bahamas' Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater, center, arrives to court in Nassau, Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. A jury was selected Monday for a trial that could see John Travolta take the stand against Bridgewater and paramedic Tarino Lightbourne, accused of trying to extort $25 million from the movie star following his son's death in the Bahamas. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)

"He was autistic. He suffered from a seizure disorder," Travolta told the jury when asked about his son's condition. It had been widely believed that Jett was autistic, however the Travoltas had been cautious to never speak publicly about it.

Travolta is the star witness at the trial of two people -- paramedic Tarino Lightbourne and former Bahamian Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater -- who are accused of trying to extort $25 million from the movie star. Both defendants pleaded innocent to extortion charges at the trial that began Monday in this island chain off the Florida coast.

Travolta testified that he and Preston were awakened by a nanny around 10:15 a.m. on Jan. 2, the day of Jett's death. Travolta said when he went downstairs, another caretaker was doing chest compressions and he began administering breathing help.

The actor said Jett suffered seizures every five to 10 days. He said the seizures would last 45 seconds to a minute and Jett typically slept for 12 hours after each one.

The judge dismissed Travolta on Wednesday afternoon but said he would be called back later for further testimony.

Travolta, 55, has kept a low profile since Jett's death. He skipped promotional events this summer for his latest film, "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3." He thanked his co-stars on his Web site for giving him time to grieve.

Travolta arrived at the Supreme Court building in an entourage of sport utility vehicles for his first appearance at the trial. Security was noticeably heavier than previous days, with Bahamian police officers surrounding the courthouse.

A friend of the actor's told PEOPLE that Travolta, 55, "had to dig deep" in order to return to the place of his son's death. "Going back was hard for him," says the friend. "The memories were too painful."

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The Jett Travolta Tragedy

John Travolta and Kelly Preston are mourning the loss of their son Jett, who died in the Bahamas in January.

Getty Images

Travolta Family Tragedy

Kelly Preston, seen here with her late son Jett and daughter Ella, was set to speak in October about dealing with the loss of her 16-year-old boy, but pulled out of the engagement.

Getty Images

The Travolta family is seen here on Sept. 12 in their first public appearance since their son Jett Travolta's death in January 2009.

Eric Charbonneau, Le Studio / Wireimage

In the April 10 issue of PEOPLE, Travolta and Preston appeared on the cover, but it was friends and family discussing how the Travolta's are coping with the tragic loss of their son.

PEOPLE Magazine

Jett Travolta died suddenly in January after falling in the bathroom and hitting his head. An autopsy concluded that Jett died of a seizure.

KCSPresse, Splash News

Jett, shown here in 2004 with his father, collapsed at the family's vacation home and was discovered by the Travolta's nanny.

ShowBizIreland / Getty Images

The entrance of John Travolta's vacation home is shown at West End, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas.

Alan Diaz, AP

Jett was taken by ambulance to Rand Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Jan 2.

Tim Aylen, AP

John Travolta's attorneys Michael Ossi, left, and Michael McDermott talk to reporters at West End, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Saturday, Jan 3, 2009. Of the tragedy, Ossi spoke of Travolta's heartbreak. "He never dreamed of this – their relationship was so close. He always said 'I'm happy as long as my kids are happy.' He is heartbroken ... To bury your son is the worst thing you can ever do."

Alan Diaz, AP

The 16-year-old's death has affected many. Speaking of Travolta's relationship with his son, Bahamian parliament member Obie Wilchcombe told Larry King, "He always brought him along. There was a close affectionate relationship and lots of love. People in the old Bahama community today are in shock."

Tom O'Donnell, WireImage

Travolta and Preston had revealed that their son became sick when he was 2, and was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, an illness that leads to inflammation of the blood vessels in young children.

Michael A. Mariant, AP

Police say the alleged scheme involved a document related to Jett's treatment. It would have released emergency responders from liability if the family refused an ambulance but police said the document did not come into play.

After waiting half an hour for the ambulance to arrive, Travolta testified, he signed the release because he initially wanted his son taken to the airport for a flight to Florida instead of a local hospital.

He did not address why Jett was ultimately taken to a hospital. But an employee of the resort community where the Travoltas have their Bahamas home, Nathan Moody, testified earlier that he looked into using two private planes to fly Jett out but neither was an option on such short notice.

A nine-person jury was expected to hear from a total of 14 witnesses.

Tags: jett travolta, jetttravolta, john travolta, JohnTravolta, kelly preston, KellyPreston

Comments

(247)

Wednesday 23 September

By MIKE

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I HOPE THOSE TWO "BOTTOM FEEDERS" GET WHAT THEY DESERVE AND THE COURT MAKES AN EXAMPLE OF THEM. TWO "GREASEBALLS' TRYING TO MAKE MONEY OFF A TRAGEDY OF THE DEATH OF A CHILD. GOD, IN HIS ULTIMATE WISDOM HAS A "SPECIAL" PLACE IN HELL FOR THEM...

Thursday 24 September

By LisaD

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

i agree that those two dirtbag bottom feeders should rot in hell however i lost a ton of respect for john travolta. the fact that he needed to HIDE that his son was autistic to the rest of the world...for what....maybe its that creepy religion he is brainwashed by....

By JM

Vote down Vote up Report this

WOW...anger therapy in order?

By jm

Anger management in order here?

By Justme

Well Mike, you can certainly tell by alot of these comments on here that those two in the Bahama's are not the only "Bottom Feeders" around!

By cognitogrrl

I agree completely, Mike. I hate that the Travoltas must revisit the scene of Jett's death in order to have the attempted blackmailers prosecuted. I'm a Christian and not a Scientologist, but I'll defend their right to believe as they choose and to keep their late son's mental disorder out of the press. Very few understand what autism is, and from the sarcastic and judgmental remarks of some bottom feeders posting here, I don't blame them.

By Tonja

That could be true. However, Jesus says "it is easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a sewing needle than it is for a RICH MAN to enter the Kingdom of God.

The TRAVOLTA'S ARE EXTREMELY RICH.
Jett is named obviousley for his father's love of his jets that he owns.

By Jody

Have you ever lost a child? By that I mean have a child die? I have, I lost two children, my daughter at age 7, from aplastic anemia, my son, 3 years later, from leukemia at age 8...

By Roy

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I totaly agree with you, its a disgrace.
I hope John and his family can move on from here and concetrate on the child they have left.
RIP Jet.

Thursday 01 October

By grace

Mike I believe things happen for A REASON, God's reason, to teach us a lesson...we do not have to take punishment into our own hands. It is already taken care. My son also was duped into a brainwashing technique cult. he became schyzophrenic because they also do not believe on medication. After 18 years we finally won our efforts to get him out from the Bible belt area. The leader finally got his reward and was put in jail for criminal action on his subjects. My son is surviving a life of correct medication in a board and care and is more productive. Thank the prayers for that is the only positive way to go. gg

By Jonitia Johnson

May God comfort your heart as you return to the place where your son died. I know it is hard adn the pain you feel may not match the pain felt by others who have lost a child. But on behalf of all celebrities who undergo some type of tragedy, John, your strength to testify will hopefully deter evil individual from trying this again. Find the strength an do this for Jett so no other individual who can no longer speak for themself becomes a victim.

By D Mannington

The Man DOES not believe in Christ ... or GOD per se. He is a Whacked out church. However, I feel for his family and he .. maybe God is using this to open his eyes about Our Savour The Lord Jesus Christ.

By Lisa

PAYMYOWNWAY HOW DARE YOU USE THIS TO GET YOUR RACIST THOUGHTS ACROSS!!! TALK ABOUT A LOW LIFE!
GOD BLESS THE TRAVOLTA FAMILY. MAY YOUR SON REST IN PEACE.

By Kat

This response is to "Mannington". I'll admit to being a back slidden Christian, but aren't we all. If you know anything about God's Word you'll know that He isn't using Jett Travolta to punish anyone. The Travolta's religous practices have nothing to do with their son's death and God is not punishing them for whatever their beliefs are. Remember, God is a loving God. We ALL have to answer for our actions and that includes you and your words.

The whole point for any of this communication is to voice opinion on the two individuals who wanted money to keep quiet about the incident of Jett Travolta's passing. The Travolta's have a right, as did Jett Travolta, to keep private medical information to themselves. It is not yours, mine, or anyone elses business. And just because John Travolta and his wife are celebreties doesn't give anyone the right to know thier private business.

REgarding the 2 blackmailers involved in this matter, they deserve the strictest punishment available to them. I can only guess, but my guess would be that they figured the Travoltas would be so grief stricken with their loss that they'd pay for their privacy. Disgusting.

And, although my comment is my sole opinion, unless you've personally experienced the loss of a child, it would be wise to keep one's tongue in check regarding insensetivities. Death is heart wrenching for most of us left behind, but the death of a child, whether young, or older, can be devastating. I doubt that anyone who has first hand experience of this type of loss would speak so stupidly. I had a very close christian friend who made a comment such as yours about my daughter, who passed away very unexpectedly, and I can tell you first hand, that the so-called-wisdom of my fellow "christian" is the type of wisdom that can drive people away from our God instead of pull them closer. Don't think God is going to forget the stupid words we all speak for we are held accountable.

By sherry

Why can't people just mind their own business and leave people alone. He works hard for his money just like everybody else. He looses his privacy and his freedom. People who want something for nothing are just freeloaders. Freeloaders are what makes this country go broke!! Get off your butt and get a job and stop hassling the people who support this country!

By Denise

Be careful with your Christian "tolerance" in making comments about atheists. I Know more honest and good hearted atheists than Christians who pride themselves on tolerance, than attack others, or stab people in the back or gossip about them. Not everyone has to believe in a celestial "Santa Claus" to do good in this world.

By Dawn

Eric you need to get a clue. Just because you see help wanted signs where you are, doesn't mean thats the case everywhere. There is a
reason the unemployment rate in the country is so high. Businesses close, companies cut back and ship jobs overseas. Don't be so ignorant to think that you can't find yourself in the same boat
without a job someday, though with your attitude and lack of common sense you would fit right in at Congress. Anyone who works and qualifies for unemployment pays into the system out of their pay
check when they did work. Let me repeat that because you seem a little slow. People who were working paid into the unemployment system when they were employed. Then when they lost their job, they qualified for unemployment benefits. To qualify for benefits, you have to lose your job without cause. You can not quit or be fired for
not showing up and still collect unemployment. They are not freeloaders you ignorant selfish fool. And despite what your over zealous ego would like to believe, you aren't paying them crap! Maybe
in the backwater town you come from you can support a family with children on $8.00 an hour and still think "ya'll" is appropriate use of the English language. Not everyone is as "fortunate" as you. Think before you speak, I know it might be hard for you, but try it, it has got to be better than the taste of your foot.

By j9

I don't know how anyone can sink so low as to blackmail a grieving family...it just escapes me.

By MARY

ARE YOU REALLY THAT IGNORANT? DENOMINATION OF ONES CHURCH IS THIER RIGHT. GOD IS ALL AROUND US. AND I AM SURE HE KNOWS YOUR VIEWS, WE ALL HAVE TO ANSWER TO HIM. BE VERY CAREFUL HOW YOU SHOW YOUE EXAMPLE OF LIVING WITH CHRIST. UNLESS OF COURSE ARE ATHIEST, AND THEN ...WELL ENOUGH SAID.

By me

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Though this whole situation is tragic, as in any loss of a loved one, it is also interesting to note that the Travolta's have always said that their son DID NOT suffer from autism, but another disease that started with a K...can't remember. Guess he couldn't have autism if he was associated with scientology. Anyway, interesting how a judicial proceeding can bring out many truths.

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