the Heart Attack Grill owner has passed away

lloydrt
lloydrt Posts: 1,121 Member
edited September 24 in Fitness and Exercise
I just happened to see this on the Yahoo page and remembered seeing this on T.V.......They had this all across America special of the best and worst places to eat across the US.......I remember this fellow very well, and remembered his incredible zest for life. Sad, he was only 29 and left a daughter. It must have been hard on him as well, weighing 575 and being only 29............Lloyd

from

http://www.thirdage.com/news/heart-attack-grill-spokesman-dies-29_3-4-2011


Heart Attack Grill Spokesman Dies at 29
March 4, 2011 11:38 AM
By Nina Sen
Click to Enlarge.The ‘Heart Attack Grill’ spokesman died Tuesday possibly from contracting pneumonia after a bout with the flu.

Blair River, who was 29, gained some fame as the spokesman for the Phoenix-area restaurant ‘Heart Attack Grill.’ River, who weighed 575 pounds, touted the restaurant's unhealthy, high-calorie menu.

The menu consisted of huge hamburgers, milkshakes and fries cooked in lard. Restaurant founder Jon Basso said that River was more than the larger-than-life caricature he portrayed to the world.

"Cynical people might think this (River's death) is funny," Basso told the Arizona Republic. "But people who knew him are crying their eyes out. There is a lot of mourning going on around here. You couldn't have found a better person."

Many criticized the eatery that offers meals in excess of 8,000 calories. A sign in front of the building reads, "Caution. This establishment is bad for your health."

"We are absolutely guilty for glorifying obesity, it's what we do, but if you stop and think about why we glorify obesity and come into the Heart Attack Grill diet center I think you'll get it," Basso said in the same interview.

Basso said River should be remembered as a gentle giant and not someone who represented poor eating habits.

River leaves behind a young daughter.
..

Read more: http://www.thirdage.com/news/heart-attack-grill-spokesman-dies-29_3-4-2011#ixzz1FejjbFYa

Replies

  • RoniDoll
    RoniDoll Posts: 262
    Well gosh I wonder why!!! I saw that resturant on the Food Channel and I felt like I gained 20 lbs just watching!!!
  • pattyisinaz
    pattyisinaz Posts: 20 Member
    This sickens me. The Heart Attack used an incredibly unhealthy man and used them as their spokesperson. Such a gross exploitation of a human being. This establishment is in the city where I live and everytime I drive by there all I can do is just shake my head. Sorry, but back in October when they announced this guy as their spokesperson I was up in arms. I am just beside myself now. :o(
  • McKayMachina
    McKayMachina Posts: 2,670 Member
    Sad story. :( I can't understand why a person would do that to themselves or their family. That poor little girl.

    That place is 20 minutes from me. Early last year I heard about it for the first time. I know there's a lot of controversy surrounding the place, but I think it's a novelty. You can't blame a restaurant for your habits. I would like to try it one day (yes, ONE day) and be pushed out to my car in a wheelchair by a hot "nurse". haha

    I'm not saying I'm going to gorge myself sick. But theme restaurants have a fun appeal.
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    This is just sad.
  • SiltyPigeon
    SiltyPigeon Posts: 920 Member
    He probably would have lived forever if he were healthy.
    Not to say that his weight didn't contribute to his death, however, we should be careful in making assumptions.
  • Awineburg
    Awineburg Posts: 196
    I'm sorry that he died, and only 29 (3 yrs older than me) ugh even sadder. But... I mean, is it a surprise? I dont want to make fun or anything, or take away from this sadness, but he weighed 575 lbs. It was going to happen sooner or later. and he ate at this place a lot? 8,000 calories in one sitting? Sounds awful.
  • reese66
    reese66 Posts: 2,920 Member
    My thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter and family.
  • 6Janelle13
    6Janelle13 Posts: 353 Member
    I feel bad for the man and his family. His death shouldn't be over shadowed by the controversial restaurant that he represented. It should also be noted that his death was from lung disease likely complicated by high weight but not from the infamous restaurant. For his family and friends I will extend my thoughts and prayers.
    For all of us on MFP, I will say no matter what we are responsible for what we put in our body and how we take care of our body. I know my hubby wants to try that place some day but it is for the novelty. Eating at less infamous places more frequently (ie fast food) is far worse than an occasional and infrequent meal from hell, especially when you recognize how unhealthy the meal is.
  • FearAnLoathing
    FearAnLoathing Posts: 4,852 Member
    This sickens me. The Heart Attack used an incredibly unhealthy man and used them as their spokesperson. Such a gross exploitation of a human being. This establishment is in the city where I live and everytime I drive by there all I can do is just shake my head. Sorry, but back in October when they announced this guy as their spokesperson I was up in arms. I am just beside myself now. :o(


    What is there to be "up in arms" about this guy was a grown man .The big bad restraunt did hold a gun to his head and force him to be their spokesman
    Its sad that he died.my thoughts go out to his daughter.
  • capenron
    capenron Posts: 20
    sad sad story
  • KenMontville
    KenMontville Posts: 27 Member
    This is sad. 29 is way to young to die from something so preventable. Perhaps he was a "gentle giant" as described in the story. He would have been equally as gentle with a body weight that would have prolonged his life.

    There but for the grace of God.....
  • eeeekie
    eeeekie Posts: 1,011 Member
    sad, just so sad for all involved. may he rest in peace
This discussion has been closed.

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