Police may quiz Travolta
2009-01-07 12:00
Los Angeles - John Travolta may be quizzed by police over the death of his teenage son.
John and his wife Kelly Preston are facing claims they withheld medication from 16-year-old Jett, who died on Friday after having a seizure at the family's Bahamas hotel.
Although the couple admit Jett had Kawasaki disease - a rare condition which causes the inflammation of the vital organs and blood vessels - it has been suggested they did not accept his frequent convulsions were caused by a mental condition.
After repeated reports Jett was autistic, John denied the claim. He instead insisted Jett suffered from the rare syndrome.
However, the admission has been questioned by some as Kawasaki disease occurs almost exclusively in infants and toddlers.
Doesn't believe mental illness exists
The illness also does not usually result in seizures, and sufferers do not usually have it for years.
Scientologists John and Kelly reportedly followed the rules of their religion, which does not believe mental illness exists and teaches the problem should be resolved using "spiritual healing" rather than drugs.
Church of Scientology International member Tommy Davis confirmed those practicing the religion would not seek conventional treatment for seizures.
"Scientologists seek conventional medical treatment for medical conditions," he said.
"Scientologists use prescription drugs when physically ill and also rely on the advice and treatment of medical doctors. The church does not involve itself in the diagnosis or classification of any medical condition."
However, the couple's lawyers Michael Ossi and Michael McDermott insist Jett had taken strong anti-convulsion drug Depakote to combat his seizures.
Regular seizures
McDermott revealed Jett suffered had which were "like a death" every four days, but when he began taking the medication his fits reduced to once every three weeks.
John and Kelly claim the drugs stopped working and began causing him health problems, including "harming his liver".
The lawyer added the couple decided to stop giving Jett Depakote when he started suffering more frequent convulsions.
Jett had health complications from an early age, and began having seizures as a toddler.
Kelly is said to have put him on a special diet based on the writings of Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard, which she claimed help improve his health. - Bang Showbiz.com
- Bang