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 carmen

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My first ? is why couldn't Travolta admit to son's disorder. Was he ashamed (another scientology characteristic). Also, it sounds as though Jett was also a sufferer of Epilepsy. Autistic children do not suffer those type of seisures on that frequent of a basis. Sounds like he suffered Grand Maul type seisures not synonomous with autisim. I feel for the Travolta's the loss of a child is the worst but reality is what it is and they could help to serve as spokespeople to help other's dealing with this crazy disorder in their children!

By Denise

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I don't understand why John was ashamed of his son having autism and not telling the truth up front. I know people want to protect their family but maybe God gave him an autistic child to help others that may have a child with syndrom. The stats are crazy how many children have this like one out of one hundrend and fifty. Something is going on here. I don't think anyone has a right to judge someones faith and believe in God. I am sure they did all they could with the medical. He is lucky he had the resources to make Jett comfortable for as long as he did. Wow seizures every 5-10 days how sad. I used to work ambulance I can't believe how people are. I used to take care of the patient and try to comfort them and the family. People wake up. Do something nice for someone today for no reason other then to be nice. Make it a better world. Let it start with me and you. Life is short people we are not guarenteed the rest of the day much less tomorrow. Leave a positive imprint in the sand not pain and suffering there is enough of that in this world.

Thursday 24 September

By sue

are you serious???? He lost his son, this isn't acting moran

By BIGROBB2

SPICE MONKEY--WOULD LOVE TO BBQ YOU OVER SOME HOT BURNING COALS--JUST TO HEAR YOU SQUEEK--AS- H-LE

By N

Recently a woman was threatened with jail if she refused to get her son chemotherapy. Her choice because of her religious beliefs was natural medicines and alternative therapies. She was forced to allow the chemical treatment. Jennie Garth has a son that is autistic. She does for him the things that she feels helps him. As I understand, The Travoltas did nothing for thier son medically because of their "religious" beliefs. In this article it is clear that Mr. Travolta would never even accept nor admit that his son was ill. Why are they not being prosecuted for not getting some sort of treament for thier son? Does this not amount to the same as the woman who did not want to give her son chemicals. Does it not qualify as the same kind of "neglect"? Color me curious.

By John

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

xiaomayi30001 we are tired of you people posting your ads that are not to the topic. This is not free advertizing it is a turn off. You are peddling your dating service off the death of a kid. Not cool.

YOU ARE SUCH AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By witch

you are an idiot, hope you never lose a child and if you do then i hope some one calls you a drama queen you big IDIOT

By gericc1

MY SINCEREST CONDOLENCES ARE WITH THE TRAVOTA'S.THE LOW LIFE'S THAT LEAVE THESE RUDE, INCONSIDERATE,HEARTLESS COMMENTS, ARE JUST THAT,LOW LIFES.THE TRAVOLTA'S WOULD NOT LOWER THEMSELVES TO READ THERE TRASH.MUCH LESS BE EFFECTED BY IT.GOD SPEED TO THE FAMILY.

By bgs

I really am very sorry for their loss. His wife had stopped the drugs that helped with seizures and I wonder if she thinks that was a good idea today. Before anyone bashes me and says I don't know what I am talking about you can google it and see her leading a march against drugs for things like seizures. I don't know that Scientology can be very comforting for them at this time.

By Linda Rose

My heart goes out to John and Kelly. This trial is like losing Jett all over again. How sad. How heartbreaking. Maybe the end of the trial will allow John and Kelly to finally put an end to their grief. I know they will never recover from the lose of their beloved Jett, but they must recover for the sake of their daughter and for the sake of each other. God will take care of you. You need to trust He will.

By Frannie

It's ashame that everytime there is a tragic event in a celebrity's life someone is always trying to make money off of it. Let the Travolta's have their privacy.I know they are actors and are always in the public eye, but they are human just like us and have feelings. Just let them mourn the death of their son in peace. Wouldn't we ask for the same.And if they didn't want to reveal their son's illness until now it is their busisness. My heart also goes out to them. May God Bless them and
heal their heart in time.

By margaret

listen I understand that they must be hurting,but when we let ANY religion take over our stafty (not good) god gave man the know how ,we need to put it to good use, and if that means medication to extand the lives of our loved ones then so be it, when we become so fanatic with a religion it's cultish if that's a word and it's spooky,so many autistic children have been given medication to ease their discomforts they have lived long lives. let this be a lesson to us all, I send God's blessing to all, and hope we never have to deal with anything close to this,I have 4 daughters n 9 grands,, I pray for mine n yours, when a religion blocks u from saving the ones u love , people RED FLAG,, MY LOVE ONES COME BEFORE ANY AND I SAY ANY RELIGION, MY OPINION, U PICK LOVE ONES, OR WHAT I READ ON A PAPER OR A BOOK, GOD BLESS

By TraSays

Mr. Travolta and Mrs. Preston never pubicly admitted Jett had Autism, they said it was Kawasaki's Syndrome, I am glad they finally came out and spoke the truth as the Church of Sciientology does not believe in Autism, and many other diseases that may have stigmas attatched to them. RIP Jett

By sherri

It makes me sad to see the pain in this man's eyes. Pictures show so clearly how much he loved his son and his family. Loosing a child is hell enough..having people trying to say you denied him care because of your religion must be so hurtful. I feel so sorry for them that while I'm reading these stupid comments.. it's making ME cry. I can imagine how they feel.

By Ellen

me.....The K you are referring to is Kowasaki Disease..My son had Kowasaki when he was 2yrs. old...It is a horrific disease and children can die from it..However not from seizures as these children do not get seizures but strokes from blood clots and heart damage...The disease inflames and narrows the blood vessels and causes a whole slew of problems such as an extremely high fever of 105 for up to 5 days, rash, sores in the mouth and tung,severe eye infection, severe pain of the hands and feet along with peeling of the skin off the hands and feet, etc...When my son was diagnosed 27yrs. ago the only treatment they were able to give was asprin therapy to ward of blood clots..This disease can also damage the heart valves and for these reason my son was kept on asprin along with having to have echocardiograms of the heart every month for 6 months...Today they have much more to offer these children, so children get better faster and with less problems...My son is now 29yrs. old and thank God with no artery or heart damage...When the Tavolta's stated Jett died from seizures due to his past illness of Kowasaki I knew that there was something else and I knew by seeing Jett he was autistic...Autistic children are likely to have seizures..I tend to believe that the Travolta's only were saying this because of the Church of Scientology...They do not believe in this disease....The Travolta's are good people that deserve our sympathy and not our judgments...They have been through enough...I say this all the time, "There but for the grace of God go all of us.".....God Bless you John,Kelly and Ella...

By Cheryl Miller

To John & Kelly we extend our sincere thoughts of sympathy. No parent should outlive their children. Do not dwell on the events of the days leading to his passing, but let your thoughts move to the happy times you shared with Jett. Allow yourself the opportunity to remember him & smile for having him in your life. Passing into death is really a birth into a new & better world. Those left behind should not grieve as if there were no hope. Life is changed, not taken away. Our dear ones live on in a world beautiful beyond anything we can imagine. Our prayers are with you. Cheryl & Charlie Miller

By gloria

My thoughts and prayers are with the Travolta family. It is very obvious how much Jett was loved. Even though he is gone in body, I am sure he is with his family everyday.

To those of you who wish to trash John, he has ever been in the tabloids, there are never any mean spirited stories about him, why, because he is a good man. He has every right to grieve in private with his family. If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.

By LARRY

TO CLEMBURKE AFTER READING YOUR COMMET YOU ARE THE IDIOT OF THE DAY !!!

By J

This is why pets are more popular than ever. So many people just treat other like trash and pets do not. So if they find these alleged schemers guilty I have a solution to global warming too. Start executing trash like this and that will reduce all the carbon dioxide they exhale.

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