When Famous People Die, It’s Always Mysterious
In the last couple of days we’ve had three relatively famous people die, two apparently for no known medical reason and one from a gunshot wound, which may or may not have been the result of a crime.
Call me a skeptic, or a pessimist or even a hateful misanthrope, but why do they bother lying to us (us being the public) when they know eventually we will find out the truth? Delusional.
First up, Kevin Dubrow, lead singer for the 80’s hair metal band Quiet Riot. QR had a huge hit with “Cum On Feel The Noize” and not much else. But hey, it was the 80’s, it was hair metal, what more do you want? Sadly Kevin was found dead in his Las Vegas home on Sunday afternoon. No known cause for his death was given. Kevin was 52. Certainly no spring chicken, but without a history of serious illness or complicating health concerns, why would anyone expect an otherwise healthy guy to die at 52? With no known cause. Don’t misunderstand me, I realize it takes time to determine *exactly* what caused someone’s death. But there are ALWAYS clues. And with famous people some clues are a little more obvious that others. If ya’ know what I’m sayin, and I think you do.
Next up on the coroner’s roster is Casey Calvert. Casey is the rhythm guitarist for the band Hawthorne Heights and was 25 26 when he died. According to the band’s website, Casey was found dead on the band’s tour bus and that he died in his sleep. They asked the public and media to refrain from speculation out of respect, and stated emphatically Casey was not doing anything illegal. So far news reports are pointing to acute asthma as a possible cause.
Ok, I’ll admit I was only vaguely aware of who Hawthorne Heights were before this. I am old, and old people don’t listen to rock music. Therefore I have no idea what kind of shenanigans this band gets into. I mean were this Amy Winehouse (I can’t believe she’s STILL alive) and they tried to imply she died of natural causes - well - I would gouge out my own eyes. Still…another rock star found dead after the biggest party weekend of the year, something doesn’t add up here. Oh, and 25 26-year olds don’t die in their sleep. Give me a break. Choke on their own vomit? Yes. Slip into a heroin-induced coma? Of course. Have their heart explode from too much cocaine? Sure, that I’ll buy, but sleep to death? Um no.
Casey sadly may have succumbed to an asthma attack. Acute asthma is no joking matter, but otherwise healthy people rarely die from it. Also, if this young many had asthma so bad he could die from it, why would they leave him alone on a tour bus? WAY too many questions.
And lastly, we have Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor’s death to consider. Sean was just 24 when he died last night due to complications stemming from a gunshot wound in his leg. Unfortunately, the wound was to a major artery and Sean lost too much blood and was never able to recover from the shock to his system. Authorities are implying Sean was shot by an intruder in his Miami home, though this has not been officially confirmed, police suspect Sean was shot during an attempted burglary.
Reports have also stated this was the SECOND break-in attempt in the last eight days. Did the robber forget something, or is there more to this story? Sean Taylor was no stranger to the law and was involved in a couple controversial events; an arrest for DUI (he was later acquitted), and an armed robbery charge. Ultimately Sean was able to resolve his legal woes without any jail time.
Many of his teammates have stated a change in the young and talented football player and were shocked to hear about this latest tragedy. In a perfect world, Taylor would not have been at his home in Miami during the attempted break-in, but he had been sidelined due to an injury two weeks earlier.
We won’t know the true story about any of these tragic deaths for weeks to come. Why? Because A.) it takes time to uncover the truth and B.) the PR machine is always running. Behind everyone of these sad stories are people who are twisting and manipulating the truth for their own purposes and in turn creating the kind of ridiculous controversy they proclaim they are trying to avoid. How much you wanna bet none of them died of natural causes?
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There was never an armed robbery charge for Sean Taylor. Check your facts and please stop slandering that man’s name.
Comment by MIKE — November 27, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
Sure Mike, I guess I made it up.
Comment by D — November 27, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
Casey and the band were edge (straight edge), at least thats what they always said they were. They may have been an emo band, but they were known for not living the rock and roll life style. Have some respect and wait for the report before you put ideas into peoples heads that aren’t true. I mean hell people have been dropping because of brain aneurysms and this site finds it odd some one 25 dies another way besides over dosing.
Comment by T — November 27, 2007 @ 5:09 pm
I think it was very disrepcetful the way you wrote about Casey’s death. You are doing EXACTLY what the band asked you NOT to do. Makes me wonder how people like you get hired…….
Comment by danni — November 27, 2007 @ 5:22 pm
How
DARE
you write such shit about Casey
He was 26
and he was the rhythm guitarist/backing vocals
How could you have such little respect for this amazing man
I’ve spent the last few days grieving due to this loss
the band have meant so much to me
And now YOU are tarnishing his memory
it digusts me
it’s sick and pathetic and you make me want to rip my own face off in rage
I’m sure MANY people would agree with me that this is insanely disrespectful to a straight edge man from a straight edge band
People like you make me sick
Go and swivel!
Comment by Alicia — November 27, 2007 @ 5:33 pm
Respectful is not in the description of this site. I should consider that in the future.
And alicia, please get some help. You worry me.
Comment by D — November 27, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
THAT’S HORRIFIC HOW YOU WROTE ABOUT CASEY !
“next up on the coroner’s roster”?
what the fuck is your problem ?!
and yeah he was 26. glad you can do math. 1981-2007.
ohh and casey wasn’t doing drugs, so fuck you.
by the way, i wouldn’t believe everything you
read on wikipedia, considering ANYBODY can go and put
whatever the fuck they want on there. so yeah. congratulations, you’re a fucking retard.
Comment by alexisss. — November 27, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
casey was the guitarist not the bassist! he did not do drugs! on the myspace they have a huge blog about it they are to believe it was an asthma attack and they arent shure till the autopsy report comes back! wait un tiull the autopsy comes back to make up bull shit have some respect and he was 26 not 25
Comment by dylan stanek — November 27, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
Where do you people keep coming from?
Comment by D — November 27, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
YOU OLD BASTARD YOU SUCK ASS GO PLAY IN TRAFFIC OR SOMETHING
Comment by dylan stanek — November 27, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
WHERE ARE WE COMING FROM? WHERE ARE WE COMING FROM? YOU ARE STERIOTYPICAL YOU CANT JUST ASSUME THAT IF YOU PLAY OF LISTEN TO ROCK MUSIC IN THIS CASE EMOCORE THAT ALL YOU DO IS PARTH OR SNORT COKE YOU NED TO STTUDY UP BE FORE YOU POST THIS NONSENSE
Comment by dylan stanek — November 27, 2007 @ 6:37 pm
She’s a b*tch. At least get it right.
Comment by k — November 27, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
HH HAS A HUGE FAN BASE MESS WITH THE BAND YOU MESS WITH THE FANS ALL 5MILLION OF THEM!!!
Comment by dylan stanek — November 27, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
Bring on all 5 million please. Seriously, go get them and bring them RIGHT NOW.
And I prefer misanthrope over bitch. But whatevs, you youngsters do what makes you feel good!
Comment by D — November 27, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
Dear Mr. Lack Of Tact:
Are you freaking kidding? You have zero respect for people who have obviously died less than a week ago, who for a very strong fact could have died have natural causes. You base your theory on NOTHING! And when people die of diseases, drugs, etc. we hear about, so I don’t know what you are talking about saying the media covers those things, because if I remember correctly we pretty much know how Chris Farley died, Kurt Cobain died, etc. etc. You have a right to freedom of speech, but I can also say that you have little to know tact at all in your attempt to make a point. Maybe you should become a defense attorney for murderers…you can display your lack of tact there defending people who will end up straight in jail where they belong. I see thru your type. And please publish the correct info. Casey played guitar. Shows how much you know.
Truly,
A person sad for an accidental death
PS the Coroner Roster could have been omitted..Just shows your distaste even more.
Comment by Allison — November 27, 2007 @ 6:52 pm
type : no tact not “know tact” though knowing tact is important too…because when you know that you are a less ignorant person like Mr. Old Balls here.
Comment by Allison — November 27, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
Uh-oh…”misanthrope”. Is that the feminine or the masculine?
Comment by k — November 27, 2007 @ 7:10 pm
Wow… The kids really come out of the woodwork when they think you’ve insulted their no-talent band. So much passion for someone you’ve never met. If we could only turn this kinda of energy and outrage to good use.
I love that these kids flip out about a one-year discrepancy in age as well as his instrument in the band. But most couldn’t name off state capitals or recognize world leaders. Get a grip. It’s a gossip column.
Comment by G — November 27, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
Casey was 26 first of all. and it is rude that you would go an do something like this. Casey was one of the sweetest guys you could possibly know, and for you to write this about himm?! maybe you shold be the one in his place, if u know what i mean! go on all you HH fans! Casey will live forever in our hearts!
Comment by brandi — November 27, 2007 @ 7:24 pm
and G shut the hell up! and yes i HAVE met Casey before. And obviously you dont know what talkent is, cause Hawthone heights certainley had it. and i dont care if s a gossip column, they should state the facts.
Comment by brandi — November 27, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
I just had to send you an email. I was sent your webpage and was disgusted by the info you had posted on it. Casey Calvert died in his sleep… there is nothing in which you had the right to say otherwise. By the way, 26 year olds do pass away.. it can be heart failure; it can be many things.. it hasn’t been determined what the cause of death was yet. I also work in the entertainment industry and have toured on the same tour with them in the past… and I don’t know when the results will be out, but Casey was not a drug user. I have friends who have lived on the same tour bus with him and they have stated that wasn’t him. I will take their word over your guessing and just plain out slander against his name. That’s right.. I said it.. slander…or libel which ever it is cause you have no proof… just like when Dave Williams of Drowning Pool died everyone assumed it was drugs.. but it was a health condition that caused it to happen. There should be an apoligy written because you have no physical evidence to write that. You do have a right to your opinion… but you need to have some facts in order to back it up. You can say whatever you want and think that it will be good for your website.. all this is doing is drawing traffic to this website… they are trying to become the next gossip site that can become a success… well by doing this type of story will not help cause you just pissed off alot of people.. and by the way, I am not a teenager and I have lots of respect for the media, but not for total guessing
Comment by Billy Boy — November 27, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
Here’s the deal…”fan” is just a shortened term for “fanatic”.
To certain people, bands and famous people come to exemplify their lives. The fans become wrapped up in the music, movies, whatever these famous people put out. They feel that only these famous people can understand them, know where they are coming from, “get” their struggles and triumphs in life. It’s only these famous people who truly know, because the fan connects so strongly with the music/movies/books/whatever that the famous person produces.
And when something or someone comes along to disrupt that “relationship” that the fan has with the famous person, all hell breaks loose. They can’t differentiate between what they perceive as criticism, and the search for what could have happened. They identify so strongly with the famous person that they can’t separate themselves from any perceived slam of the famous person.
It has happened that a famous person has died of what is first believed to be natural causes, but later it is revealed that they had a secret drug habit, or they overdosed on a prescription, or any number of things. It has also happened that what looks like suspicious circumstances turns out to be perfectly normal. Just because other members of the band, or their publicist, or whoever, says that he did not do drugs, doesn’t mean that he did not do drugs, or that this could not have involved drugs. At the same time, it could have been an accidental overdose of asthma medication. I have asthma, and I know how careful you have to be. It could also have been a heart problem, or he choked on something, or it very well could have been a drug. Unless you were right there in the room, you don’t know.
So the fans need to ratchet it down and stop getting quite so worked up over whether the guy was 25 or 26, and stop acting like this is the end of the free world because someone expressed an opinion that is different than what they have built their world around.
Comment by k — November 27, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
While I find all of this vitriol titillating, I have to point out how ridiculous it is to get yourselves all worked up.
This satire, however distasteful it is to you, is based on the premise that every time a celeb dies there will always be someone who will try to spin it into something benign, when often there is a more sinister force at work.
I know its completely difficult to imagine a rock star who did themselves in by doing something they shouldn’t. It doesn’t help that Casey’s bandmates tried to go on the offensive by stating emphatically and without doubt “nothing illegal” had happened. If they don’t know why he died, then they can’t make sweeping statements about his cause of death.
I am sure you are all sad about a beloved icon’s passing, but these are rock stars, not saints.
Hey I was very broken up about Kurt Cobain’s death and dozens before him, and dozens since, but I am also not living under some kind of delusion that life in a rock band is all sweetness and light.
Sorry to be the sardonic bearer of bad news, but many a precedent has been set long before Casey’s passing. Try not to be offended. And for what it’s worth, I hope they find out he really did pass because of some natural cause. Not that it changes anything.
Comment by D — November 27, 2007 @ 9:00 pm
the death of casey calvert is extremely sad, but the points that this author is bringing up are just questions we all are asking. perhaps we have no right to assume the sterotype of drugs or alcohol, but i’ll be honest i did. i don’t go announcing it to the world because first of all i didn’t know him so how in the world is it my place and second of all who cares what i think. if you think calvert died of natural causes then forget anything else you read…thats the incredible thing about reading, you can stop whenever you want. don’t go freaking out to this author…you don’t believe it…great be a fan and wait for autopsy results…until then though, remember it’s okay to not have the same opinion so don’t go freaking out at people different from you.
also, notice how so many people are enraged about calvert’s death and there’s almost nothing about the other two…death is death, all three are tragic not matter the cause…remember that.
Comment by liz — November 27, 2007 @ 9:31 pm
He was 26 when he died! not 25!
Comment by Luke — November 27, 2007 @ 9:32 pm
don’t speculate about things you dont know. casey was a very good friend of mine, and i can attest to the fact that there was no “shennanigans.” casey did no drugs and drank very, very little. so don’t try and push the rockstar image on someone you don’t know.
Comment by Matt — November 27, 2007 @ 10:54 pm
FYI– 26 yr olds can die of natural causes. Some people do have health related problems that can kill them at any moment. Having asthma like he did any number of problems could exist. A teenage track star still in high school died while training– from a heart condition nobody knew about. You should think before you (speak) write especially when you don’t know anything about Casey. I am in my 30’s and have had heart problems since my early 20’s and I do not expect nor do I want anybody to babysit me.
Comment by Melissa — November 27, 2007 @ 11:34 pm
you are a dumb ass,..get a life
Comment by u dont know sh-- — November 27, 2007 @ 11:43 pm
So, question for all those who’s lives are now completely in the dumper because the only person who understands you is now deceased:
Where were you when Elvis died? Or Jimi? Or Keith? Or Mama Cass? Or Richie? Or Buddy? Where were you the day the music died? Oh yeah…mere eggs, not even fertilized yet. All great talents, who died young, and the music world shook…yet the world at large still turned. Bye, bye, Miss American Pie.
My point is this, that when anyone dies young, for whatever reason, it is sad.
Yet…life goes on.
My heart goes out to the family of this young man. It is sad. But as someone else mentioned, there are two other people mentioned in the post, who also died. Perhaps they didn’t connect enough with people, or perhaps the fans didn’t have enough of a relationship with them, to merit such strong emotions? Where is the screaming for them? An entire generation of young music fans are working themselves into a lather over his age and freaking out because of one musician, while people die undeserved and unexplained deaths every day. Yes, it is sad for these people’s families, but gain some perspective, people.
Comment by k — November 28, 2007 @ 12:00 am
um if you dont have a clue who the band is then u should do some research then just osting things what kind of reporter are you if yu really dont have a clue on who hh really is. so the bottom line please get your fact straight. because for some people he was their world and you made him sound like he was a bad person so just think next time.
r.i.p casey
Comment by ohio — November 28, 2007 @ 12:21 am
Wow, I’m utterly disgusted. How can you spout such ignorance and insensitivity? You should be ashamed of yourself.
Comment by Stephanie — November 28, 2007 @ 12:39 am
Wow…to follow the trend, I’m pretty disgusted as well.
I had the pleasure of meeting Casey, as well as the rest of Hawthorne Heights on two different occasions. I’m a concert addict, so I’ve been to at least 100 shows of all sorts, meeting different bands here and there. Hawthorne Heights is one of the most memorable bands that I’ve met because of their amazing personalities and dedication to their fans. I remember Casey changing after one of the shows into a pair of Mario (from all the nintendo games) pajama pants, and just hanging out with everyone having a good time. After only meeting him a couple of times, I could tell that this guy was so full of life and had such a good spirit. Something you may not know about him, is that apparently before he joined the band, he was studying special education to teach kids. He had such a good heart, and you could tell from his smile and attitude and just how he was.
Anyways, I guess what I’m trying to say, is drugs or not (which I totally disagree with, I believe it could have been an asthma attack, or even a silent heart defect, as I’ve known people who have died of those as young as 15 and 16 years old, but regardless we won’t know until the autopsy results come back), he was still a great person and he still died. He was so young, and it’s unfair that he couldn’t have the long life he deserved, but at least he lived it with dignity and didn’t take his time here for granted.
Have some respect for that, because obviously dignity isn’t a word you come across very often. Maybe you should spend some of your time doing something with your life instead of sitting at your computer writing whatever your mind can come up with to create unnecessary drama after the band said to quit with the speculation and rumors out of respect to Casey’s family and friends. If not for yourself, do it for them. I don’t even think you can comprehend what they must all be going through.
Comment by Corinne — November 28, 2007 @ 2:31 am
Oh.
Just another thought…
If you think that Thanksgiving weekend is the biggest party weekend of the year, I think you need to broaden your horizons.
Maybe look up this thing called “St.Patrick’s Day” or “Cinco De Mayo”…oh, and if you haven’t heard of “Halloween” or “New Years Eve”, those may be good ones too!
Comment by Corinne — November 28, 2007 @ 2:34 am
Casey was not the bass player. Get yourfacts straight!!
Comment by Ellen — November 28, 2007 @ 8:41 am
Okay you updated.
Comment by Ellen — November 28, 2007 @ 8:45 am
I have to now say this… Casey may have been the original reason people saw this… but the statements about the other two people are also disgusting. The only information you will get comes from the Law Enforcement Agencies and the Medical Examiner’s Office so to write things that are implying certain stereotypes is just ridiculous. We all understand that the media has the right to write something that pushes the envelope but any mainstream reporter isn’t going to jump as far as you did because they know that it won’t be accepted by the public. There can be hundreds of reasons for people dying at a young age… or even at 52. It doesn’t mean drugs… it doesn’t mean illegal activity, it just means that at the moment in time something occured and until it’s determined the cause… it’s total speculation! Just keep it that way, cause I doubt any of us wants a loved one… family or not… to be hurt by words in which they can not defend.
Comment by Billy Boy — November 28, 2007 @ 10:02 am
Have some respect for the deceased. You didn’t know Casey, obviously. You shouldn’t speculate about his death. When the reason of his death is made public, you’re going to eat your words big time, asshole.
Comment by respect — November 28, 2007 @ 10:59 am
And what tasty words they will be.
Comment by D — November 28, 2007 @ 11:12 am
You guys are giving this dip shit the fuel he needs to run. I came across this website just looking up Casey Calvert and out of the respect for ALL 3 people who have passed away the best thing we can all do is boycott this website and he will eventually run out of fuel and shut the hell up
peace,
out for good
Comment by kathy — November 28, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
Not all musicians are sexed up druggies….times have changed. Just becoase he died at such a young age doesnt mean he died of some sort of drug overdose - so dont assume stupid things like that. You had no right saying that about Mr. Calvert. And he wasnt a ”rockstar”, he was an accomplished musician, who was indeed a very talented, genuine and kind hearted man who died way too young.
And so what if people are takingthis very seriously. They’re die-hard fans who are obviously shocked by his untimely passing. the least you could do is respect his memory by saying something nice and decent to commemorate his memory, or not say anything at all. He may not have been extremly famous, but he did do his part in the world of music and also changed the lives and many people.
Comment by Emily — November 28, 2007 @ 5:09 pm
Lets see Mr. Hendrix…drugs,…Elvis drugs…you rolled off 2 people that have in your opinion have changed the way music was looked at ..Yes Sir but so did this band. For the charts to accept a Metal Band back in the 80’s. It was nothing but pure genius. Every Member of Rock and Roll at some point has had something to offer. You sound like you are jealous of the fact that these stoners druggies where making a impact in society for the worse. Better research all your rock and rollers before you try to set up praise or knock someone. What diffrence does it make when they were born?? Does age make us the all knowing ones?? Nope. Hell Im 40ish and still don’t have life in the bag. Sad to see that people still to this day can get off by knocking people. last note thou If you are this older generation of wisdom..then why all the hate? It would seem someone from the 50 or 60’s would see that this way consumes alot of positive energy!!! Just a thought Why not remember the person for what they did good or how they made people feel when there music was played!! Not what surrounded there death!! Unless you could learn from it!! ahh there is another Idea…
Comment by u dont know sh-- — November 28, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
It shows how much you know for someone who write’s a gossip column. Not all band’s are druggies, or drink everyday. Casey didn’t do that, neither did the rest of the band. You shouldn’t speculate about his death, or anyone’s death for that matter. People of all age’s die from different thing’s and it is possible for a 26 year old, to pass away in his sleep.
You’re completely disrespectful, and disgusting to write such horrible things about someone you don’t know, and a band you never listened to. Most people have met the band, they appreciate there fans, so get used to this. You’re going to get a lot of slack from a lot more people. How can you say this is a gossip column, when you actually just make stuff up, and say horrible rude things.
You’re pathetic!
Comment by Kat — November 29, 2007 @ 11:14 am
wow. i love how i was the 7th one to comment this
piece of crap and since YESTERDAY, 42 people have commented this, mostly about casey.
karma’s a bitch.
just remember that.
i hope casey fcking haunts you, loser.
Comment by alexisss. — November 29, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
alexisss, the hope of Casey haunting this bitch is lost. This fucker isn’t worth Casey’s time.
Comment by MelanieMisfortune — November 29, 2007 @ 5:48 pm
This conversation has become entirely too out of control. Dissenting opinions are fine, disagreeing is fine, heated discussion is fine. But now it’s getting out of hand.
For what it’s worth, most of you are missing the point of the post. It wasn’t to slam anyone, or to cast aspersions on anybody’s character. D said that any number of things could have happened, including dying of natural causes. Unfortunately, most of you overlooked that in trying to promote your own agenda of hatemongering, swearing, and generally promoting the exact stereotype you are railing against.
The point of the whole post was that when someone famous dies, the press and PR people always say it was one thing, when many times (not necessarily in these particular cases) it turns out to be something else. It was a slam against public relations people, not the people who died.
I’d suggest reading comprehension courses, but I’m not sure it would help for those who read only what they want to read.
Comment by k — November 29, 2007 @ 5:59 pm