Station Pulls Sweeps Story after Subject of the story is Found Dead
KSDK (St. Louis) was set to do a sweeps piece on Jamie Hart's remodeling business on Monday.
Before the story aired, Hart was found dead in his home.
Cops have found no signs to indicate foul play and are waiting on the results of toxicology tests.
KSDK officials decided to hold the story, which was set to air Monday night in a segment hosted by Mike Rush that investigates scams, government waste and questionable business practices.
Rush could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Hart's business had a contentious history. In August 2010, Hart sued the St. Louis Better Business Bureau, claiming the organization targeted him because Hart had complained that the watchdog group was treating him unfairly.
Hart said the group lowered his grade, on an A-to-F scale, without sufficient reason. When he complained about it, he argued, the group lowered it further. Hart asked for at least $500,000. The BBB denied wrongdoing, and the suit was dismissed four months later.
On Tuesday, KSDK spokesman Jeff Winget would not discuss the substance of the story the station planned to air.
During the 10 p.m. Monday broadcast, anchor Mike Bush said: "The man who was the subject of a 'Five On Your Side' investigation scheduled to air tonight has been found dead in his Town and Country home."
So far the station has decided to kill the story (sorry for the pun).