Most Americans know John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston—both famous actors. So we can all join in our thoughts and prayers for his family at this time. Son Jett, 16, died suddenly Friday while the family was on vacation.

Authorities believe he had a seizure, then fell and hit his head on the bathtub. He was in the family’s vacation home in the Bahamas. Jett, who has a history of seizures, was found unconscious by a maid. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. An autopsy is still pending, but Obie Wilchcombe, a member of Bahamas’ parliament notes that the country’s health ministry is “very, very quick to resolve things.”

Wilchcombe also said that his parents, “spent a tremendous amount of time with Jett…There was a close affectionate relationship and lots of love.” This relationship was seconded by Travolta’s attorney who said “There was unspoken communication between the two… It’s just so hard.” Travolta and Preston also have an 8-year-old daughter, Ella Bleu.

When Jett was just 2, he had a close brush with death, as well. Suffering from Kawasaki disease, his parents led him through a detoxification program they believe saved his life. After that, his parents became, “obsessive about his space being cleaned. We constantly had the carpets cleaned,” Travolta said in 2001. Their practices stemmed from their faith in Scientology, which both Travolta and Preston practice.

Those of us who have never lost a child can only sympathize. Those who have shared this unspeakable pain can empathize and do their best to support the family with respectful prayers and thoughts. Our hearts go out to you.

The worst possible thing that could happen to a parent has happened to actor John Travolta. His son, Jett, age 16, lost his life after having a seizure and falling and hitting his head late Friday morning.

Travolta, his wife Kelly Preston, son Jett and eight year old daughter had been vacationing at their Bahamas home since Tuesday.

Jett’s body was discovered by a caretaker and soon after was taken to Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport, where he was pronounced dead. He had a history of seizures.

I find it hard to comprehend how a person is able to go on after the untimely loss of a child. There will be huge spaces in the hearts of Travolta, Preston and their daughter, as well as in those of other family members and friends. I’m sure that my heart is one of many that go out to them in this incredibly difficult time.