Wipeout Contestant Death – Contestant Suffered Stroke During Wipeout
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.”
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On December 6th 2009, Darlene Allen wrote:
I went through all of your Christmas show listings and didn’t find “Angel in the Family” with Meredith Baxter. Are they now going to show it this Christmas? Thank you.
On July 17th 2010, Mario wrote:
This show is extremely dangerous. I’m amazed that the producers haven’t been sued by the contestants, regardless of the waivers. No amount of padding can shield you from the twisting/bending injuries that must take place here… ask any orthopedic or chiropractic doctor. Someone is going to snap their neck or back in this show… it’s only a matter of time. Especially given some of the clearly non-athletic contestants on the show. Where are the lawyers when you need them???
On January 6th 2011, Erik 1776 wrote:
We all remember how the roman gladiators killed each as people watched. Most of us felt that was sick. But times have changed as people now do not care about others pain. Only what we can get out of it for ourselves. When a peoples morals go so does their country. Thats true in all history. Shows like that or seeing people hurt on Youtube or jackass tv.Only shows that we as a people,as a country are dieing.Just as Old rome did too. We are in for bad times.when others pain is what we enjoy!