Death of ‘Wipeout’ contestant under investigation
(CNN) — The death of Tom Sparks, a 33-year-old former TV host from California who was participating as a third-season contestant on ABC’s reality show “Wipeout,” likely was caused by a pre-existing condition, but the Los Angeles County coroner’s office is still examining all possibilities.
A source close to the production company that produces “Wipeout” for ABC said that Sparks began to complain of knee pain while running through the first part of an obstacle course challenge during taping on October 19.
Although Sparks was in good spirits, the spokesperson said, producers pulled him from the course. Medics realized he was also experiencing shortness of breath and sent Sparks to a hospital close to “Wipeout’s” set.