The Tragic 1998 Death Of Ray Combs
According to People, Ray Combs' time on "Family Feud" came to an end in 1994 when he was replaced by Richard Dawson, the host of the show's original run. Despite making nearly $1 million a year, Combs' life was in a bad state. Being replaced on "Family Feud" was hard on him, he endured chronic pain from spinal injuries that resulted from a car accident, and his marriage to Debra Jo Loomis was on the rocks. She knew he was at a low point. While she was on a call with Combs, she said, "I could hear pills pouring out," and that he said "'tell the kids and my parents I love them.'" Debra immediately called 911 and he was rushed to the hospital. Combs, however, was let go that morning, and jumped out of the car when Debra was driving him home. Combs later arrived his family's home, ranting and raving; he had to be escorted by the police to the hospital again for closer observation of his behavior.
Unfortunately, the next morning Combs hung himself with a knotted sheet and died by suicide. His body was found in a closet of the Glendale Adventist Medical Center on June 2, 1996, thus cutting short the life and career of a man with so much comedy left to give to the world.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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