CTV News | Pitchman Mays had cocaine in system, says autopsy

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Pitchman Mays had cocaine in system, says autopsy

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Friday Aug. 7, 2009 6:07 PM ET

Energetic TV pitchman Billy Mays had cocaine and several other substances in his system when he died in June, an autopsy has found.

Officials at the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office in Florida say that Mays likely took cocaine a few days before his death.

Mays died of a heart attack while sleeping in his home in Tampa, Fla., on the night of June 27. Mays' wife found him the next morning.

Though the official cause of death was blamed on heart disease, officials say that cocaine was an aggravating factor.

Meanwhile, TMZ.com reported that the bearded, 50-year-old salesman also had several other substances in his system when he died, including:

  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
  • Oxycodone (painkiller)
  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Nordiazepam (Valium)
  • Temazepam (anti-anxiety drug)
  • Alcohol

Mays gained fame for his spirited television pitches for products like Orange Glo, OxiClean and Mighty Putty.

With files from The Associated Press

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