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The 'Wipeout' obstacle course has ended tragically for one of the show's contestants.
According to the Wrap, 33-year-old Tom Sparks, a recent graduate of USC's journalism program, suffered a stroke last week while participating in the show. Several brain surgeries were performed; however, the damage was too severe, causing Sparks to pass on November 5.
While it would be quick to jump on the show as being the direct cause, the Wrap points out that Sparks suffered from antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), a disease that causes unnatural clotting of the blood. The disease is reportedly undetectable by any physical exam.
Sparks was competing on the show with his wife, whom he recently married. He was also said to have just completed a marathon.
This latest tragedy follows a handful of recent reality-related deaths that will surely have pundits questioning the legitimacy of the reality world. The Wrap has also demonstrated 11 former reality contestants (or reality-related contestants) have committed suicide over the last few years. Clearly, producers want to shy away from this version of reality -- but it's proving to be a difficult task.
Here are some of the more recent, high profile reality deaths:
-- In 2005, Najai Turpin shot himself just weeks before he was to appear on NBC's 'The Contender,' a reality show about up and coming boxers.
-- In August 2009, Ryan Jenkins, who was set to appear on VH1's 'Megan Wants A Millionaire' as a contestant, was sought for questioning pertaining to his wife's murder. He turned up dead in a hotel room days later.
-- Brian Lee Randone, former contestant on Fox's 2000 show, 'The Sexiest Bachelor in America,' was recently arraigned for killing his girlfriend.
'Wipeout' Contestant Dies After Suffering On-Set Stroke - Inside TV
Used to watch this show, but got sick of it. They needed to show the female host more then I would have watched it more.
According to the Wrap, 33-year-old Tom Sparks, a recent graduate of USC's journalism program, suffered a stroke last week while participating in the show. Several brain surgeries were performed; however, the damage was too severe, causing Sparks to pass on November 5.
While it would be quick to jump on the show as being the direct cause, the Wrap points out that Sparks suffered from antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), a disease that causes unnatural clotting of the blood. The disease is reportedly undetectable by any physical exam.
Sparks was competing on the show with his wife, whom he recently married. He was also said to have just completed a marathon.
This latest tragedy follows a handful of recent reality-related deaths that will surely have pundits questioning the legitimacy of the reality world. The Wrap has also demonstrated 11 former reality contestants (or reality-related contestants) have committed suicide over the last few years. Clearly, producers want to shy away from this version of reality -- but it's proving to be a difficult task.
Here are some of the more recent, high profile reality deaths:
-- In 2005, Najai Turpin shot himself just weeks before he was to appear on NBC's 'The Contender,' a reality show about up and coming boxers.
-- In August 2009, Ryan Jenkins, who was set to appear on VH1's 'Megan Wants A Millionaire' as a contestant, was sought for questioning pertaining to his wife's murder. He turned up dead in a hotel room days later.
-- Brian Lee Randone, former contestant on Fox's 2000 show, 'The Sexiest Bachelor in America,' was recently arraigned for killing his girlfriend.
'Wipeout' Contestant Dies After Suffering On-Set Stroke - Inside TV
Used to watch this show, but got sick of it. They needed to show the female host more then I would have watched it more.