Cocaine killed TV pitchman Billy Mays0 comments

By barbra
Posted on 07 Aug 2009 at 5:24pm

Hyperactive pitchman Billy Mays used cocaine days before his heart attack – and it killed him, officials said Friday.

Oxy Clean pitchman Billy Mays hung out in Times Square Friday, June 12, 2009, where he was easily recognized by locals and tourists alike.   Original Filename: _DSC6611.JPG

Oxy Clean pitchman Billy Mays hung out in Times Square Friday, June 12, 2009, where he was easily recognized by locals and tourists alike. Original Filename: _DSC6611.JPG

Mays, 50, suffered from heart disease but his drug use contributed to his June 28 death, the Hillsborough County medical examiner said.

The TV salesman – who hawked OxiClean, Orange Glo, Mighty Putty and dozens of other products – was found dead by his wife in their Tampa, Fla., condo.

Initial autopsy results did not turn up evidence of drug abuse, but toxicology tests uncovered the coke in his system.

Mays got his start peddling products on the Atlantic City Boardwalk hustled his way into becoming a household name, recognizable by his blue shirt and thick beard.

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