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Mays's widow disputes cocaine claims

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The widow of Billy Mays says the late TV pitchman did not use cocaine prior to his death despite claims to the contrary from a medical examiner in Florida.

Deborah Mays said Saturday in a release attributed to her that claims by the Hillsborough County medical examiner's office about the famed pitchman's alleged health condition and drug use were "speculative" and "unnecessary."

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"We believe it contains speculative conclusions that are frankly unnecessary and tend to obscure the conclusion that Billy suffered from chronic, untreated hypertension, which only demonstrates how important it is to regularly monitor one's health," Deborah Mays said regarding the medical examiner's release Friday.

"We were totally unaware of any non-prescription drug usage and are actively considering an independent evaluation of the autopsy results," she added.

The medical examiner's office in Tampa, Fla., said alleged drug use by Mays was a contributing cause in his June 28 death.

Deborah Mays said her husband had been taking prescription pain medication recommended for a hip condition.

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