Travolta family says thanks to people of The Bahamas

By ANGELO ARMBRISTER

Freeport News Reporter

angelo@nasguard.com

Amidst controversy surrounding breach of confidentiality related to information on the death of the late Jett Travolta, the teen's famous family yesterday released a statement of thanks to the Bahamian people for their love and support.

In a letter from the Travolta family released by his attorney Michael J. McDermott, the family thanked the present and former Prime Minis-ter as well as the individuals and agencies that handled their son's case, in what they described as a caring and professional manner.

"We have always believed that a person's true character reveals itself in the most difficult situations. For us, the loss of Jett on the morning of January 2 was the most difficult situation we could envision," the letter read.

"The character, love and true friendship of the Bahamian people became immediately apparent during our time of crisis. From the Prime Minister and the former Prime Minister, who immediately expressed the condolence of the Bahamian people, to the management, staff and employees of Old Bahama Bay who fiercely protected us from further hurt, at a real cost to themselves."

The letter also commended the police and medical professionals "in charge of the official investigation who executed their responsibilities in a private and dignified manner" as well as the EMTs, Rand Memorial Hospital personnel and the coroner whose pain was as evident as our own."

"Of special note was the assistance of Keith McSweeney and his associate of the Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium," the letter noted. "The grace and accommodation extended by these gentlemen at this most difficult time will always be appreciated. All actions taken by both men were at our direction and pursuant to our express request."

The letter, addressed addressed to the people of The Bahamas, went on to say that "the love, sympathy and protection as a member of your family, which was extended to us during this most trying of times, will never be forgotten."

"We remain as one, with the people of the great island nation of the Bahamas. Thank You. Love, John, Kelly and Ella," it read.

The Travolta family – Jett, his sister, eight-year-old Ella Bleu and parents – were vacationing in Grand Bahama at their Old Bahama Bay at Ginn sur Mer home for the New Year's holiday when the 16-year-old reportedly fell ill and died.

According to police, Jett had a seizure, fell and hit his head in the bathtub. He was pronounced dead on Friday, January 2, at the Rand. The family arrived in Grand Bahama on Tuesday, December 30, and had planned to stay until January 9.

While an autopsy report revealed that the actor's son died as a result of a seizure disorder, Health Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis took exception to information being leaked out to the international media surrounding the case and the autopsy report.

Minister Minnis last week revealed that the two Rand Memorial Hospital employees who allegedly released classified information surrounding Jett's passing have been suspended.

The suspensions come hot on the heels of the termination of a funeral home assistant director earlier last week.

Information regarding the Travolta tragedy was being reported by international news teams who also interviewed local residents, including the two Rand employees and a private funeral home employee.

Appalled, Dr. Minnis had blasted those individuals over the reports, pointing out that they did not bode well for the country and could have far reaching consequences.

He called the reports disturbing and noted that The Bahamas is a tourist destination and celebrities come here to maintain their privacy and once Bahamians breach that confidentiality it could cause serious "trauma" in the future.

Dr. Minnis promised that there would be an investigation into the alleged actions of the Rand employees and the matter would bee dealt with properly.

© 2009 The Freeport News