LOS ANGELES - TOM Cruise expressed his shock at the death of John Travolta's son on Thursday and strongly dismissed suggestions that Scientology's teachings may have contributed to the tragedy.

The Hollywood icon, who like Travolta is a devout follower of Scientology, described the death of his friend's son Jett was 'horrific' in a taped interview with ABC television's The View programme.

Cruise, who was visibly shaken throughout the interview, described Travolta and wife Kelly Preston as 'doting parents' who adored their 16-year-old son, who died after suffering a seizure in the Bahamas last Friday.

'It's horrific,' Cruise said in the interview, scheduled to air on Friday.

'It's just horrific. Here you have a man, both of them doting parents, they're wonderful people and ...' 'I remember Jett when he was born, John just adored him, both of his children, and Kelly ... I just don't have the words for it,' Cruise added.

He later rejected claims by critics of Scientology that the religion discouraged followers from seeking conventional medical treatment.

'That's just not true, that's actually the opposite' Cruise said. 'They say, look, 'Get your physical, get your medication, get your physical illnesses handled'.'

A Church of Scientology spokeswoman told earlier this week the church has no teachings on what medical care members should seek and 'absolutely does not prevent people from seeking medical treatment'.

'Scientologists go to medical doctors, use prescription drugs, take painkillers, have surgery when they need it,' spokesman Karin Pouw said.

'There is absolutely nothing in the religion that says it shouldn't be done and the church absolutely does not encourage members not to.

'If somebody's sick, they go to a doctor. If the doctor says to take a certain medication, it's a medical decision; the church is not involved whatsoever,' she said.

Jett Travolta was to be buried in Ocala, Florida, where his family lives on Thursday, according to reports.

The youth was the only son of Travolta, 54, and actress Kelly Preston, 46.

The couple also has an eight-year-old daughter, Ella. -- AFP