The Official Truth: 5 Shocking Facts About Billy Mays' Sudden Death And Autopsy Report

The sudden death of legendary infomercial pitchman Billy Mays in 2009 shocked millions of fans who adored his booming voice and energetic salesmanship. For years, the public has grappled with various rumors and half-truths surrounding his passing. As of December 18, 2025, the official record remains clear, but the details of the autopsy report reveal a much more complex and tragic story than many realize, finally putting to rest the persistent speculation about what truly ended his life.

This deep dive will cut through the noise, using the official findings from the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner to detail the definitive cause of death and the surprising, often-overlooked contributing factor. We also explore the viral rumor that circulated immediately after his passing, which distracted from the tragic reality of his final moments. Understanding the full context of his death offers a somber look at the pressures and private struggles of a public figure.

Biography: The Man Behind the Megaphone

William Darrell "Billy" Mays Jr. was more than just a salesman; he was an American icon of the direct-response advertisement industry. His trademark beard, enthusiastic delivery, and catchphrases like "But wait, there's more!" made him a household name.

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• Full Name: William Darrell Mays Jr.
• Born: July 20, 1958, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
• Died: June 28, 2009, in Tampa, Florida.
• Age at Death: 50 years old.
• Career Highlights: Mays began his career selling products on the Atlantic City boardwalk before transitioning to the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and eventually dominating the infomercial landscape.
• Famous Products: He was most famous for promoting household cleaning products like OxiClean, Orange Glo, and Kaboom, as well as utility items such as the Zorbeez towel and the Gator Chop.
• Television Appearances: Mays starred in the reality television series PitchMen, which documented his life and work alongside fellow pitchman Anthony Sullivan.

His distinctive voice and tireless energy made him one of the most recognizable figures on television, transforming the perception of late-night advertising. His sudden passing left a massive void in the world of television sales.

The Official Cause of Death: Heart Disease

The definitive answer to "What was Billy Mays' cause of death?" was provided by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's office in Tampa, Florida. The official ruling was death by heart disease.

Specifically, the autopsy report indicated that Mays suffered from hypertensive heart disease and coronary artery disease. This condition, often exacerbated by lifestyle factors, led to a fatal cardiac event. The medical examiner concluded that the immediate cause of death was a heart attack.

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This finding was a shock to many, as Mays presented a public image of robust health and boundless energy. However, heart disease can often be a silent killer, progressing without obvious external symptoms. The official statement sought to provide clarity to the public following the initial confusion surrounding his unexpected passing at the age of 50.

The investigation into his death was thorough, involving a complete autopsy and a detailed toxicology report. These procedures are standard for sudden, unexpected deaths to rule out foul play or other external factors.

The Shocking Contributing Factor Revealed in the Toxicology Report

While the primary cause of death was heart disease, the subsequent toxicology report added a layer of tragedy and controversy to the official findings. The medical examiner's final report concluded that cocaine use was a significant contributing factor to his death.

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The report confirmed the presence of cocaine in Mays' system at the time of his death. The medical community widely recognizes that cocaine can severely stress the cardiovascular system, leading to spasms of the coronary arteries, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. For an individual already suffering from underlying heart disease, the use of a stimulant like cocaine can be—and in this case, was—catastrophic.

This finding immediately shifted the public narrative. While Mays was celebrated for his professional success, the revelation of his private struggles with substance use was a stark reminder of the complexities of celebrity life. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner stated clearly that the drug’s use contributed to the heart disease that killed him, making the official determination a combination of natural causes with a contributing external factor.

The family and friends of the deceased infomercial star expressed their grief and shock, urging the public to remember his legacy as a devoted father and a passionate salesman, rather than focusing solely on the tragic circumstances of his final moments. This detail remains one of the most sobering and least understood aspects of the Billy Mays death story.

Rumor vs. Reality: Debunking the Airplane Luggage Story

In the immediate aftermath of Billy Mays' sudden passing, a bizarre and widely circulated rumor gained traction: that he had died from a head injury sustained when he was struck by falling overhead luggage on a flight shortly before his death. This theory was fueled by a brief interview Mays gave where he mentioned a minor incident on a recent flight.

This rumor, though compelling, was definitively debunked by the official investigation. The autopsy report found no evidence of a fatal head trauma or any injuries consistent with the airplane luggage story. The medical evidence pointed solely to a cardiac event as the cause of death. The persistence of this rumor highlights the public's tendency to seek a dramatic, external explanation for the sudden death of a vibrant public figure, rather than accepting a more complex, internal health crisis.

The truth, as confirmed by the toxicology screening and cardiac evaluation, was far more mundane and yet far more tragic. Mays died peacefully in his sleep at his Tampa home, succumbing to the combined effects of advanced heart disease and the stress placed on his system by the use of cocaine.

The Legacy of the Direct-Response Icon

Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Billy Mays' legacy as the king of the infomercial remains intact. He revolutionized direct-response television, transforming the once-mocked genre into a legitimate and highly profitable form of advertising. His energetic style, often imitated but never truly duplicated, sold millions of units of products like Gator Chop and Zorbeez.

His success paved the way for countless other pitchmen and women, proving that a compelling personality and a genuine belief in a product could captivate a late-night audience. The enduring curiosity about the Billy Mays cause of death is a testament to the impact he had on popular culture. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the private battles that can undermine even the most successful public lives, but his professional achievements continue to inspire those in the world of sales and advertising.

The final, official word from the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner is the definitive account: Billy Mays died from a heart attack, with cocaine use acting as a critical, fatal contributing factor. This truth is a somber end to the story of a man whose life was dedicated to making a loud, unforgettable impression.