The 38-year-old star collapsed at his home in Oakwood, California in the early hours of Wednesday morning and was taken to St Joseph’s hospital in Burbank, where he was pronounced dead.
Haim, who had long battled prescription drug abuse and made a reported 15 trips to rehab, had complained of flu-like symptoms in the days before his death, according to TMZ.com. In 2001, he was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, California after reportedly suffering a drug-induced stroke.
And as news of Haim’s death spread, celebrities have taken to social networking website Twitter.com to express their grief over the loss of the tragic actor.
Milano, who once dated the star, writes: “Just woke up to the sad, sad news that Corey Haim passed away. RIP sweet boy,” while Smith tweeted: “Lost Boy goes home: Corey Haim, dead at 38. … G’bye, LUCAS. You gave hope to the weird & unlikely.”
Christina Applegate adds: “My thoughts go out to Corey’s family and friends today. So sad.”
Former child star Ralph Macchio also expressed his condolences: “Always so sad and disturbing when the addiction and demons prevail. RIP Corey Haim.”
According to Los Angeles Coroner assistant chief Ed Winter, there were no signs of foul play in Haim’s death. Winter has confirmed four “normal” prescription bottles were found at the actors apartment and “no illicit drugs (were) found at the residence”.
Haim’s cause of death will be released pending the results of his autopsy and toxicology reports.
