Wikinews Shorts: January 3, 2009

John Travolta's 16-year-old son dies
Jett Travolta, the 16 year old son of movie stars John Travolta and Kelly Preston, has died in The Bahamas, after he suffered a seizure while on holiday there at the Old Bahama Bay Hotel on Grand Bahama Island.

Jett, who has a history of seizures, died at the scene after striking his head on a bath. He was the eldest of the couple's two children.

Sources

Preliminary report released on Denver 737 crash
The United States National Transportation Safety Board has released an initial report into the December 20 crash of Continental Airways Flight 1404 at Denver International Airport.

The Boeing 737 veered off the runway and skidded 2,000 feet, injuring 37 of the 115 passengers and crew on board. The report notes strong winds of 27m.p.h., gusting up to 37m.p.h., but stated that this should not have prevented a normal, safe takeoff. Investigations are continuing.

Sources

Russian teen's US fashion chain bankrupt with $54.4 million debts
KP Fashion, the United States chain that sells clothing designed by 16-year-old Russian designer Kira Plastinina, has filed for bankruptcy. Papers supplied to the court in Manhattan show the Los Angeles based company has assets of $9.7 million compared to debt of $54.4 million.

Plastinina's father spent $80 million founding the company for her seven months ago and most of the twelve open and two new stores are to go. The company also has outlets in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, and a webstore that is listing 70% discounts. Cyprus-based Lendero is the biggest creditor seeking repayment on a $29.9 million loan.

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International Cricket Council to launch hall of fame
The International Cricket Council has announced plans to launch a cricket hall of fame as part of its centenary year events. All 55 players already on a list by the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations are to be honoured, and more will be added each year.

The current list features 22 English, 12 West Indian, 11 Australian, three Indian, three Pakistani, two South African and one New Zealand cricekters, including 1899 retiree WG Grace. The most recent to leave the sport is Javed Miandad, with no current players on the list.

Sources