Scott Kurtis, the son of renowned TV host and producer Bill Kurtis, was found dead on his father’s Kansas cattle ranch on July 21, 2009. He was 38 years old. His death was believed to be the result of complications from schizophrenia, a mental disorder that he had suffered from since his teenage years. Here is what we know so far about Scott Kurtis cause of death and his life.
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The Discovery of Scott Kurtis’ Body
According to NBC Chicago, Scott Kurtis was found dead early Monday morning by his sister Mary Kristin Kurtis, who was also a caregiver for him. She had gone to check on him at his cabin on the Red Buffalo Ranch, a 10,000-acre property owned by Bill Kurtis in Sedan, Kansas. The Chautauqua County Sheriff Perry Russell said that the case was being handled as an unattended death, and an autopsy was being conducted to rule out foul play.
The Struggle with Schizophrenia
Scott Kurtis had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when he was in his mid-teens, according to his stepmother Donna LaPietra. She told the Chicago Tribune that Scott Kurtis had also suffered from heart and thyroid ailments related to the disease. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and impaired cognitive functions. LaPietra said that Scott Kurtis had a “lonely life” and a “very sad illness” that limited his social interactions and opportunities. She also said that she and Bill Kurtis had known for a while that often schizophrenics do not live past the age of 40.
The Life and Legacy of Scott Kurtis
Despite his condition, Scott Kurtis had a passion for music and art. He played guitar and piano, and composed songs and poems. He also enjoyed painting and drawing, and had a collection of his artworks at his cabin. He had attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for a year before moving to Kansas. Scott Kurtis had worked and lived on his father’s ranch for the last 10 years of his life. He helped with the cattle operations and the organic grass-fed beef business that Bill Kurtis had established. He also loved nature and animals, especially horses. Scott Kurtis was remembered by his family and friends as a gentle, kind, and creative soul who had a good sense of humor. He was survived by his father Bill Kurtis, his mother Helen Kurtis, his stepmother Donna LaPietra, his sister Mary Kristin Kurtis, and his half-brother John Kurtis. A memorial service was held for him on July 22, 2009 at the ranch.
Conclusion
Scott Kurtis cause of death was a tragic loss for his family and the community. He was a talented and compassionate person who had battled with schizophrenia for most of his life. His death also raised awareness about the challenges and stigma faced by people with mental disorders. His father Bill Kurtis, who is best known for hosting and producing several A&E Network shows such as Investigative Reports, American Justice, and Cold Case Files, has been an advocate for mental health issues and research. He has also dedicated a portion of his ranch to conservation efforts and wildlife preservation.
