How did Wipeout Contestant Tom Sparks Dies recently?”
LOS ANGELES — A contestant who was hospitalized after competing briefly on the game show “Wipeout” died two weeks later of a stroke apparently caused by a rare condition, his father said. Tom Sparks, 33, was participating in the first segment of an obstacle course Oct. 19 when he complained of knee pain, according to Endemol, the company which produces “Wipeout” for ABC. Producers had him stop, Endemol said Thursday. On-set medics examined Sparks, noticed he was short of breath and took him to a local hospital. He was moved to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and underwent several brain surgeries, according to TheWrap.com, which first reported Sparks’ Nov. 5 death. Sparks couldn’t be saved because of the brain damage that had occurred, the Web site said, citing an e-mail to alumni from a faculty member at Sparks’ alma mater.
Newlywed and recent college grad Tom Sparks, 33, died of stroke two weeks after he pulled out from reality game show Wipeout. Sparks competed briefly in the game show. He was on the first section of first course “The Qualifier” when he started complaining of knee pains. The shows medics check him and found that he was having shortness of breath. He was sent to the hospital but not after being interviewed by one of the hosts. He looked like he was in good spirits. Wipeout format is composed of four obstacles with the first and fourth having four sections. Contestants undergo medical examinations before being cleared to participate in the show. Spark’s father said that Tom have a rare clotting disorder which may have caused his death. The family has not contacted Endemol yet. Endemol produced reality and game shows. Among its franchises are Big Brother, Star Academy, Deal or No Deal, Fear Factor and 1 VS 100.
