I'm not alone it seems. The google search continues to turn up some gazillion results with the same issue. I suspect hardware failure. There are references for the pearl, the old curve the new curve, the bold and the storm.
I am exactly in this situation if it helps any:
My BlackBerry Bold White Screen of Death! xxx8211; Brenda Cares Corner (no, it's not my blog nor do i know them)
A quick survey i conducted btw with a small pool of co-workers surfaced another 5 Bolds that experienced the exact same failure and were replaced under warranty. So it IS a common issue. Thanks RIM.