Heart Attack Grill Spokesman Dies at 29

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.