Travoltas thank Ocala for support

OCALA, Fla., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- John Travolta and Kelly Preston have written a letter thanking the people of Ocala, Fla., for their support following the death of their son, Jett.

The 16-year-old boy died Jan. 2, reportedly of a seizure, while on vacation with his parents and 8-year-old sister, Ella, in the Bahamas.

His body was cremated and his ashes brought to Ocala by his parents who held a memorial service for him at their home in the town's Jumbolair community last week.

People.com said attorney Michael McDermott published a letter from the Travolta family in the Ocala Star-Banner newspaper.

"The enormous amount of love, support and condolence we have received from this community has been most humbling. Comforting words, thoughts and prayers of Ocala's citizens have made an impossibly painful situation, a little less painful," the letter said.

"The actions of Ocala's community leaders, its law enforcement professionals, our neighbors at Jumbolair and its surrounding communities have offered us the dignity to grieve the loss of our son and Ella's brother in peace. For this we will always be grateful."

The Travoltas also thanked fans from other places who dropped off cards and flowers at their doorstep.

"Every person who we have encountered has offered to do anything in their power to help us, but add that they feel powerless to do so. We want all of you to know that you have already helped us. By sharing our grief, you lessen our burden," the family said.