Posted by (son of Jeff Skilling) on February 04, 2011 at 21:15:43:
Son of Jeffrey Skilling found dead
Nephew of famous Chicago weatherman
The 20-year-old son of former Enron President Jeffrey Skilling has been found dead of unknown causes at his apartment in Southern California, police said on Thursday.
John Tyler Skilling, a student at Chapman College, was found dead on Tuesday night by paramedics who broke into his apartment after friends became concerned, Santa Ana Police Corporal Anthony Bertagna said.
"They were supposed to meet him for dinner and he didn't show up and they knew he was despondent over a recent break-up with a girlfriend," Bertagna told Reuters.
"They looked in the window and they could see him lying on the bed."
Bertagna said an autopsy turned up no signs of trauma or foul play, meaning a cause of death would have to await the results of toxicology tests in four to six weeks.
He said there were bottles of prescription medications found next to the body, but no suicide note.
"We don't know yet if it's a possible accidental overdose or suicide," he said.
Skilling's father Jeffrey was convicted of conspiracy, insider trading and securities fraud in 2006 and is serving a 24-year prison term.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is considering his latest appeal after hearing arguments last year.
"JT was a wonderful young man," Skilling's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, said in a brief written statement. "Jeff and his family are heartbroken."