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January 6, 2009
Jett Travolta Mourned
"Extra" was on the ground at the Travolta family home in Ocala, Florida as John's plane touched down, as the family returned home after the tragedy in the Bahamas.
Reports are surfacing that the sprawling estate will be the site of Jett's funeral, which may be as early as tomorrow. "I think it's quite likely they would have it there," Splash News tells "Extra." "The family spends a lot of time there -- it's quite likely they would want Jett's ashes to be close to them." Friends of John and Kelly, including Tom Cruise and Oprah Winfrey, are rumored to be heading to Ocala to mourn.
Neighbors of the Travolta family in Ocala have been vocal with their support. "People love them here -- they do get out." said Dave Schlenker, the entertainment editor for the Ocala Star-Banner. "They never turn away an autograph -- they've been very good to this community."
John's Hollywood comrades have also expressed condolences on the loss. "Our prayers and our love are with them," Lisa Rinna tells "Extra" of Jett's death. "I can't even talk about it -- it's so horrific and it's just tragic."
People magazine's JD Haymen tells "Extra" that John shared an intractable bond with his son. "He really reached him on a level that no other person could. He was their son, first and foremost, and that's how he was treated. It didn't seem important to them to talk about what other obstacles he was facing."
On Jett's death certificate, the cause of death was listed as a seizure. "Extra" doctors weighed in on the subject -- suggesting that the fatal seizure may have been epileptic. "Describing something as a seizure disorder is less disturbing than epilepsy, where it really means the same thing in most cases," Dr. John Stern tells "Extra."
Some medical professionals still question whether or not Jett suffered from autism. "In general, people with autism are at greater risk for epilepsy," says Stern.
Keri Bowers, who worked with Travolta's brother Joey on a documentary about autism, denies reports of a rift between the brothers. "Absolutely not true," she said. "This has never been, to my knowledge, anything that was ever an issue between them, absolutely not."
Another "Extra" Lifechanger, Dr. Armand Dorian, tells "Extra" that many things can trigger a seizure, such as "not being on the appropriate medication, not on the appropriate dose, or not taking the medication if you have a seizure disorder."
Funeral plans have not been announced.
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NEXT: Wednesday: Funeral Plans |
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I feel so sad for John and his family. It is awful to lose a son and to have people trying to blackmail them. These people are suppose to be professionals and supposily a friend of John’s. I have found out in life that so much is about MONEY. It is a shame. Money can not replace the love you have in your heart for someone but to try and obtain money from the Travolt’s during a time like this is so disgusting. My heart hurts for this family. John if you read this, don’t let anyone make you feel less than a wonderful dad. We as parents are not perfect. We try to do the absolute best that we can with hopes our children will feel loved, secure and supported. Please do not take this as you made any mistakes raising your son. People on the outside do not have a clue and they should not say a word. It appears you were a very loving parent and any child would be so lucky to have a dad like you. My girls hearts ache because their dad was not in their lives. I don’t know how you will do it unless you start a crusade in your son;s memory but I pray for all of you. I am so sorry that you have to be put through all this besides the heartbreak of losing your son. Just keep on Keepin’ on. Your wife and daughter are there and need you too. Joel Osteen is wonderfully inspirational. I hope your sorrow grows a little less day by day. God Bless YOU ALL. Take Care of YOU and YOUR FAMILY and know many people think highly of you. Don’t let the people who want to break you win! You are gentle hearted but try to be strong.