Tom Cruise Calls Jett Travolta's Death "Horrific"

• Jan 8, 2009 10:05 PM ET
• by Anna Dimond

Tom Cruise

"Horrific" is the word Tom Cruise used to describe the sudden death of John Travolta's son, Jett.

Cruise commented on the passing of his friend's 16-year-old son during an appearance on The View that's set to air Friday, the AP reports. "John just adored him, both of his children," Cruise said. "It's something that I don't have the words for."

Jett died last week at the family's house in the Bahamas. He had a history of seizures, and was found unconscious in the bathroom. Glen Campbell, an assistant director of the Bahamian funeral home, told the AP that that Jett's death certificate listed "seizure" as the cause of death, but details of his autopsy have not been released.

During his View appearance, Cruise also defended Scientology, which both he and the Travoltas follow. Since Jett's death, there has been public speculation that the belief system's rumored rules against medical care could be to blame — an allegation which Cruise staunchly denied. "Actually," he said, "[it's] the exact opposite."

"They say, 'Get your physical, get your medication, get your physical illnesses handled,'" he explained.  

Cruise also praised John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, calling them "doting parents, just wonderful people." The couple also has an 8-year-old daughter, Ella Bleu.  

A memorial service for Jett was scheduled for Thursday in Ocala, Fla.

Watch the video below.