Gossip: Billy Mays

A Florida medical examiner reported that TV pitchman Billy Mays had heart disease caused or aggravated by cocaine use. Before his death he had also taken several painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs.

Hyperkinetic TV pitchman Billy Mays died partly as a result of cocaine use, said a Florida medical examiner last week. Mays, who was 50, had heart disease caused or aggravated by drug use, said the report. Before his death he had also taken the painkillers hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol, as well as anti-anxiety drugs alprazolam and diazepam. Mays’ family said they were “extremely disappointed” by the report and would consider an independent evaluation.

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