Billy Mays Dies at 50

Popular TV pitchman Billy Mays was found dead Sunday morning. According to the Los Angeles Times and Florida authorities, the cause of death was due to hypertensive heart disease.

Mays was discovered dead by his wife at his Tampa home Sunday after arriving from Philadelphia on Saturday. An unidentified caller told 911 that Mays was "cold and unresponsive." A second person then took the phone and reported Mays was dead. According to family members, Mays stated he was not feeling well and went to bed the night before, around 10 p.m.

Head trauma was ruled out after an autopsy showed hardening of the arteries. Apparently, Mays went through a rough landing after his flight from Philadelphia on Saturday where he suffered a bump on the head. He was said to be alright soon after.

Mays was also taking pain medication after undergoing two hip replacements, but autopsy showed no abuse of prescription drugs. Mays's 22-year-old son posted his distress on Twitter, "This feels like one of those times when I would call my dad and say, 'What should I do?' He's still answering but now it's within."

Mays's wife, Deborah, asks the public to respect the privacy of their family and does not plan to make a public statement any time soon. Toxicology and tissue tests will determine the final cause of death which will take several weeks for results.

Mays was 50 years old.