John Travolta Photos & Pics Archive

Another one of the suspects in the Travolta extortion case is set to be formally charged this morning.

Ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne will face two charges, one of which will be conspiracy to extort.

The details of the case still remain a secret, but Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest told Us that the alleged extortionists apparently asked for "millions" from the Travolta family.

Another suspect, Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater, who was charged with abatement to extort and conspiracy to extort, was released on $40,000 bail Friday.

Bahamian officials have detained two people in connection with a plan to extort money from John Travolta following the death of his son Jett.

Several online media reports say the pair, a local politician and an ambulance driver, hatched a plan to extort money with a photograph of Jett taken at the hospital the night he died.

"We have two persons in custody assisting us in this matter," Bahamas Police Commissioner Raymond Gibson told E! News.

The suspects have been identified as Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater and ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne.

So far no charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

John and Kelly Travolta were allegedly targeted by extortionists shortly after the tragic death of their teenage son Jett.

The details of the plot haven't been revealed, but media reports say officials in the Bahamas are investigating the incident and are questioning one person described as a "politician."

“Regrettably in a time of such terrible grief, there are often a few individuals who attempt to make false claims in hopes of making millions of dollars,” Travolta's attorneys said in a statement. “We will never let that happen.”

The attorneys went on to say they have confidence Bahamian officials will find out who is responsible for this unthinkable act.

In the wake of their son's tragic death, John Travolta and his family have sent an official letter to the Ocala Star-Banner this morning via his attorney, Michael McDermott:

To The People of Ocala

The enormous amount of love, support and condolence we have received from this community has been most humbling. Comforting words, thoughts and prayers of Ocala’s citizens have made an impossibly painful situation, a little less painful.

The actions of Ocala’s community leaders, its law enforcement professionals, our neighbors at Jumbolair and its surrounding communities have offered us the dignity to grieve the loss of our son and Ella’s brother in peace. For this we will always be grateful.

From the people who drove hours to drop off cards and flowers at our doorstep, to the service providers who made Jett’s ceremony so beautiful, thank you. Every person who we have encountered has offered to do anything in their power to help us, but add that they feel powerless to do so. We want all of you to know that you have already helped us. By sharing our grief, you lessen our burden. For all of the people who have kept Jett in their prayers, know that those prayers have given us inspiration and strength.

What we have experienced in Ocala transcends neighborly civility. We have been treated as family. Although we lost a good part of the joy and radiance of our family, your embracing us as a member of your own has helped us to contend with our loss.

In parting, we want all of you to cherish your loved ones and your friends like there was no tomorrow, to live your lives to the fullest by continuing to help one another, and to be true to yourselves.

Love John, Kelly and Ella

It says a lot that, despite going through a very difficult time, John still remembers to be so gracious...

John Travolta will hold a private memorial service for his son Jett today at their estate in Ocala, Florida.

Some reports have said Oprah and John's fellow Scientologist pal Tom Cruise would attend, but Cruise is in New York recording an appearance on The View
and Oprah Winfrey is out of the country.

The small Florida town is preparing for the influx of celebrities who will attend the memorial. Access Hollywood reports the Ocala Hilton is blocking off 17 rooms for the family's guests.

This was the scene yesterday morning as John Travolta's Twin-Jet Gulfstream 2 landed at the airstrip in the Jumbolair community of Ocala, Florida, where the family has a home. News vans, photographers and reporters were all camped outside of the Marion County residence, and the sheriff was there as well.

John, Kelly Preston and their daughter Ella Bleu flew out of the Bahamas on Monday night with an urn containing the ashes of their son Jett, who died on Friday from a "seizure disorder."

The funeral is expected to take place either tomorrow or Friday, and according to The Daily Mail, numerous celebrities are expected to attend, including fellow Scientologists Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, as well as Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey and actress Kirstie Alley.

Celebs everywhere have been offering their condolences to the family, and yesterday fellow Scientologist Lisa Marie Presley responded to the tragedy via her Myspace Celebrity Blog, and in a post titled, "Now Is Not The Time," Lisa Marie writes:

I wished I could be writing you under happier circumstances but I cannot because Two of my very good friends, (John and Kelly Travolta ) the sweetest people in the world have just encountered the worst possible tragedy a parent could be forced to endure, the death of their son Jett.

My heart is crying and bleeding for them.

I personally would not have it in me to bury my own child.

I am writing this because I have noticed that for the most part, people and the media have been very sympathetic and respectful, but there are those certain ones that want to use this horrible tragedy as an opportunity to once again, blame and or attack Scientology?

Folks, as popular as it has been to discriminate and ridicule Scientology and Scientologist's in the recent past , Now is NOT the time...

And that's not all - click after the jump to read the rest of what Lisa Marie has to say!

Photo courtesy Travolta Family Via Rogers & Cowan

The Travolta family has returned to the United States with the remains of their son Jett, reports the AP.

John, Kelly and Ella left the Bahamas last night with an urn containing Jett's cremated remains, says a Bahamian official.

A proper funeral in the family's home town of Ocala, Florida is thought to be scheduled for some time this week but has not been confirmed.

Photo courtesy Travolta Family Via Rogers & Cowan

Although the police initially claimed that Jett suffered a seizure that caused him to collapse and hit his head in the bathroom of the Bahamas townhouse he was staying at, the assistant funeral director at the home where Jett's body was taken has told the AP that the body is in "great condition" and shows no sign of head trauma.

No further details on the autopsy have been made public, other than the cause of death.

Jett's body is currently en route to Ocala, Florida, where the family will hold his funeral.

Photo courtesy of the Travolta family via Rogers & Cowan

Jett Travolta's autopsy has been completed, and a source close to the investigation tells E! Online, "It is not a suspicious death. The body wouldn't already be turned over to the mortuary if there was anything suspicious. There is no foul play."

The autopsy was completed around 12pm local time, and Jett's body is currently at the Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium on Grand Bahama. Bahamian official (and close Travolta family friend) Obie Wilchcombe says that the family has considered a possible viewing tomorrow, but the remains are being prepared for immediate transport back to Florida.

UPDATE: TMZ reports that Jett Travolta's death certificate lists "seizure" as the cause of death, but no word yet on the coroner's report.

A press conference is scheduled for later this afternoon, and we'll bring you more details as soon as we get them.

Photo courtesy Travolta Family Via Rogers & Cowan

The autopsy of Jett Travolta has just been completed, according to TMZ.

The pathologists have not yet filed their report, and of course there's a chance it won't be made public, but the body has already been transferred to Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium in the Bahamas, where the family may hold a viewing tomorrow before bringing him back home to Florida for a proper burial.

Photo courtesy of the Travolta Family via Rogers & Cowan

The Ministry of Health in the Bahamas is now saying that Jett Travolta's autopsy results may NOT be made public!

Bahamian health minister Dr. Hubert Minnis told TMZ that once pathologists complete a preliminary report, it's forwarded to the coroner, who then reviews it passes it along to the family. Even though the case has gained a lot of interest from the public, only the family has the authority to release the findings.

Think they'll share the autopsy results with us, or will it be kept a secret?

Photo courtesy Travolta Family Via Rogers & Cowan

Two pathologists have begun the autopsy to determine what exactly caused the untimely death of Jett Travolta Friday morning. Results could be released as soon as this afternoon.

Eonline reports that a the Travoltas have retained the services a funeral home in Freeport, where they may schedule a viewing of Jett's body tomorrow. Proper burial services will be held in the family's home town of Ocala, Florida.

Stay tuned for more developments...

Photo courtesy the Travolta family via Rogers & Cowan

Although the autopsy won't be conducted until today, new details about Jett's condition have emerged.

TMZ reports that Jett actually had a history of grand mal seizures (which are not associated with Kawasaki Disease) that occurred as frequently as once every four days. The seizures were "extremely serious," according to Travolta's lawyers, and "each seizure was like a death," where Jett would lose consciousness and begin convulsing.

But despite rumors that Travolta and family refused to treat Jett's condition with meds due to their belief in Scientology, Jett had actually been prescribed an an anti-seizure medication called Depakote which he had been taking for "several years" according to Travolta's camp. The meds reduced the frequency of Jett's seizures from once every four days to once every three weeks. Eventually the meds stopped working and the family made the decision to take him off the drug.

Although a seizure may have been what ultimately led to Jett's death, there is no reason to believe the lack of medication is to blame for the boy's untimely passing.

Photos courtesy the Travolta family via Rogers & Cowan

X17 was just sent the following statement - along with some beautiful family photos, above - released by the Travoltas:

We would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent their love and condolences.

Jett was the most wonderful son that two parents could ever ask for and lit up the lives of everyone he encountered. We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time we had with him for the rest of our lives. We have received many messages of condolence from around the world and we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. It has meant so much to us. It is a beautiful reminder of the inherent goodness in the human spirit that gives us hope for a brighter future.

With love,
John, Kelly and Ella

Our warmest wishes are with the family during this time...

This story just keeps getting sadder and sadder.

As everyone knows by now, John Travolta's 16-year-old son Jett has died and more details about the tragedy keep getting revealed every day.

Now Travolta's lawyers Michael McDermott and Michael Ossi (who are also close family friends) gave a joint phone interview to Us Weekly about the sad situation:

A Grieving Family

"Yesterday was the worst day of his [John's] life... John is distraught. He is trying to understand and reconcile this. He is seeking an explanation so that this makes sense to him. And his loved ones are trying to provide that to him."

"Generally a son buries his father, and John thought that would be the way it would go with Jett, not the other way around. This is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to him and he needs to go through a process of healing. John and Kelly are suffering total misery."

Breaking The News To Sister Ella

"John broke the news to Ella. She is heartbroken. She is in disbelief, but it is starting to sink in. She has been asking where her brother is. She was so close to Jett. The whole family were so close. They went everywhere together. If John made a movie, they were all there with him."

Did Jett Die In John's Arms?

"Jett may have still been alive when John administered CPR, and then the EMT took over. Jett was pronounced dead at the hospital. I like to believe John had a chance to say goodbye. He may have died in his dad's arms. I am not certain."

"He was a wonderful boy. He had physical limitations, but when he looked in his dad's eyes, the love was tangible. When he grabbed onto his dad, he did not want to let him go."

R.I.P.

Jett and John together in Paris just a few weeks ago

Kelly Preston's mother Linda Carlson and her half-brother Chris Palzis have opened about 16-year-old Jett Travolta's tragic passing. Linda tells OK! Magazine, "He was one of the most special, loving boys. I thank God I had time to spend with him before Christmas." Chris added, "We're all devastated. It's definitely a bad time. That's all I have to say."

Also, here's an update on Jett's autopsy, which will be conducted on Monday. The Grand Bahamas health minister confirmed to TMZ that two pathologists will complete the autopsy to ensure "a proper evaluation has been made." A U.S. certified clinical and forensic pathologist from Nassau will fly into Grand Bahama on Monday to help perform the autopsy, and if everything goes as planned, we can expect results as early as next week.

The latest development in the death of John Travolta's 16-year-old son Jett has us scratching our heads.

The Police Report

Today, Police Superintendent Basil Rahming said in a statement that Jett, who had a history of seizures, was last seen entering a bathroom in the family's vacation home on Thursday. A "house caretaker" found him unconscious in the same bathroom late Friday morning, and Jett was rushed to a Freeport hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Another police officer, who declined to be named because she was not authorized to speak on the matter, told reporters that Jett apparently hit his head on the bathtub, which may have triggered the seizure.

The Controversy

The police report makes it seem as though Jett went undiscovered for a period of approximately ten to twelve hours, but according to TMZ, Travolta's lawyer and close friend, Michael McDermott, as well as their family attorney Michael Ossi say that the suggestion that Jett was in the bathroom for hours is "absolutely false." They added that Jett's fatal injury was the result of him hitting his head, but they definitely disagree with the amount of time he was in the bathroom before his discovery.

McDermott and Ossi say it appears as though Jett went back and forth from the bathroom to his room and the tragedy occurred "very shortly" before Jett was found on the bathroom floor at 10am by nanny Jeff Kathrein. McDermott said it was a "small window of time," rather than the hours we're led to believe. McDermott and Ossi added that two nannies were present on the trip and Jeff was by Jett's side the entire time. There was even a baby monitoring device by Jett's side and get this - there was a chimer in the bathroom that sounded every time the door was opened.

So with all this, the "small window of time" had to have been a few minutes, right? Why are the police making it seem like it was a few hours? We have so many questions, but after this latest development, we're not quite sure what to believe. This is all so reminiscent of Anna Nicole Smith's death in February of 2007, and we have a feeling this isn't going to be over any time soon. McDermott says the pain Travolta and Preston are feeling right now is (understandably) "unimaginable and unquantifiable."

Jett's Illness

Though there have been rumors for years that Jett was autistic, parents Kelly Preston and John Travolta have always said that Jett suffered from Kawasaki Disease since the age of 2. The illness leads to the inflammation of blood vessels in young children, and Kelly has stated in several interviews that she believes household cleaners and fertilizers made her son sick. Kelly has also said that the detoxification program based on teachings from the Church of Scientology helped improve her son's health.

Despite all the attention being given to Jett's struggle with Kawasaki Disease, NY Daily News reports that experts say it's highly unlikely that the rare childhood disorder is what caused him to have a seizure.

Dr. Stanford Shulman, a specialist in the disease at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, told the paper, "Seizures are not part of Kawasaki disease. If a teenager had a seizure and died, that would not commonly be due to Kawasaki disease."

When Will We Get Answers?

What could have caused this tragedy? According to the Associated Press, the autopsy is scheduled for Monday, January 5, so it looks like we'll have to wait until next week before we'll get any answers. Jett's body will be embalmed on Monday afternoon, and there will be a local showing on Tuesday and later that day Jett's body will be flown to Ocala, Florida for burial.

Our hearts go out to the family, and we'll bring you more details as soon as we get them.

archive photos of Kelly Preston and Jett Travolta from November of 2003