‘Wipeout’ Contestant Dies: Pre-Existing Condition Possible Cause

The L.A. County Coroner's office confirms to ET that a contestant who participated in the reality series "Wipeout," Tom Sparks, has died. A source tells ET the 33-year-old was admitted to the hospital approximately two weeks ago after complaining of knee pain during the taping of the popular ABC show.

ABC and the company that produces "Wipeout," Endemol, released a joint statement to ET: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family. This is a tragic loss and our thoughts are with them at this time."

According to the Idaho Mountain Express, Tom's father Bill Sparks says doctors think Tom's stroke was likely caused by a pre-existing disease that causes unnatural blood clotting called antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS).