A Wipeout contestant death has led to the investigation over Tom Sparks’ stroke – was it due to a pre-existing disease, or is Wipeout too dangerous?

There’s no disputing that people have to get hurt on Wipeout – how could they not? But the Wipeout contestant death is causing people to wonder whether the show will be shut down completely or continue on.

Tom Sparks, a 33-year-old former TV host from California, died on October 19 of an apparent stroke. Sparks was competing in a third season taping of Wipeout.

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office is investigating the cause of death, however his doctors believe the stroke was triggered by a pre-existing disease that causes unnatural blood clotting.

The coroner’s office told CNN: “There’s nothing we can confirm until we look at everything. We don’t want to jump to any conclusions yet.”

The wipeout death happened after the contestant complained of knee pain while running part of the obstacle course challenge.

He was tended to by medics and taken to a nearby hospital, before being transferred later to Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, California.

ABC issued this statement: “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family. This is a tragic loss and our thoughts are with them at this time.”