Corey Haim Died of "Natural" Causes, Coroner Confirms
Credit: Joey Foley/FilmMagic
Corey Haim died of "natural" causes, the Los Angeles Department of Coroner confirmed in a brief report released on Tuesday. Autopsy and toxicology results show that drugs play "no significant contributing factors" in the actor's death at age 38.
PHOTOS: A look back on Corey Haim's life
The coroner lists three specific causes of death: pneumonia, "diffuse alverolar damage" (damaged air sacs in the lungs) and "hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with coronary arteriosclerosis" (plaque build-up in blood vessels and the heart.)
Haim died on March 11 at age 38 after collapsing in the L.A. apartment he shared with his cancer-stricken mother, Judy.
VIDEO: Corey's most unforgettable movie moments
A month after his death, California authorities revealed that the Lost Boys star had obtained over 550 prescription pills -- Valium, Xanax, Vicodin and Soma included -- illegally. In 2007, he told Larry King that he had an "addiction to pretty much everything. I have to be very careful with myself."
But in his last year of life, Haim was "in the best frame of mind that he's ever been in," pal Corey Feldman said recently. Feldman praised Haim's caretaking of his sick mother. "He's been there for her, taking care of her, being responsible."
Haim was laid to rest his hometown of Toronto, Ontario on March 16.
Tell Us What You Think
23I LOVE YOU COREY HAIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!REST IN PEACE....YOU WILL BE 4 EVER MISSED.
My deepest condolences to his mom... At least she will have the peace of mind it was not illegal drugs that took his life... Pneumonia alone can kill... But plaque build-up in the blood vessels and heart are lethal on it's own... My brother was in his late 30's when he had a heart attack and had a 5 way by-pass heart surgery.... What a shame at such an early age....
Corey Haim's autopsy is supposed to be on the show "Issues" tonight. Well, not the autopsy itself but a doctor is going to discuss it withthe host-Jane Velez Mitchell
People should stop defaming and bashing dead Corey. He had a CONGENITAL HEART PROBLEM, thats why he died not drugs. His TOX SCREEN was NEGATIVE. His mother lost a son, peopel should respect her feelings.
I'm sure the drug abuse took a toll on his body. 38 year olds don't just die.
SHAME ON EVERYONE WHO THOUGHT COREY DIED FROM OVERDOSE!!!! A.S.SHOLES!
@Melissa, well said, I coulnd't agree with you more! I loved Corey Haim and it is sad what happened. i am glad that he didn't die of an overdose. But, I am sad he is gone! I wish him and his family nothing but the best. R.I.P-I will always miss you!
Jerry Brown should apologize to Coreys mother because he said that her son ovedosed on drugs and died. He said that BEFORE CORONERS REPORT. Jerry Brown is a vile man. Californians shouldn't vote for him.
"My Name": my uncle passed away due to "heart problems" too. However, his children believe it was a "natural" heart attack. It was caused by drug use. I can pretty much guarantee that Corey died due to the inevitable of long term drug use. People who are "active and healthy" can die from heart attacks because they are over working it. Possibly looking at Corey's passed would be proof enough that the body simply lost it's will to fight.
Sure, being life time drug users has NOTHING to do with your body and organs giving out eventually. Not an overdose, but drug related nonetheless. Sorry, but young healthy adults with no health problems don't just drop dead. Sorry, but that statement is wrong. My husband was 36 when his heart quit. Never did drugs, didn't drink and was very healthy. We found out after his autopsy that he had severe heart disease with absolutely no symptoms. He was a runner and very active and healthy. He was 2 years younger than Corey when he passed. Next time, make sure you know what you are talking about when you post things like this.
Wasn't he a heavy smoker too? Way too young to go.
His cause of death really does not matter. It is none of our business really. There were people who loved him. During the time he was with his mother, their bond must have grown stronger as mother and son. Remember this was someones son. If drugs killed him, do you think that would have made his mothers pain any worse or better, or her love and more or less? Be careful who you put down in life, someday it could be someone you love. Addiction does not discriminate. No one twists their arm to take drugs, addiction is their own fault. However those of you that do them occasionally, can easily slip into it. So be careful what you say.
The drug did play a huge role in his death. Look at the damage it did to his heart and lungs. He died because of his long term drug abuse.
Sure, being life time drug users has NOTHING to do with your body and organs giving out eventually. Not an overdose, but drug related nonetheless. Sorry, but young healthy adults with no health problems don't just drop dead.
Am sad that he died so young but am happy that he didn't die from an overdose. So many, so young, so sad. Sure the drug use may have contributed to his health problems - but at least he was trying hard to be there for his mom. He seemed like such a sweet, tortured soul - hopefully he will be remembered for the sweet more than the tortured.
His past drug abuse affected his health and caused his death. It dont tke a rocket scientist to see that.
I'm sure the drugs didn't help his lungs or heart any so yeah, in a way, the drugs did contribute to his death.
No matter how he passed, it is stil sad. I hope his mother can now find peace. RIP Corey.
RIP, maybe - then why the h3ll would you think we'd care? dumbass.
Sadly, I am not surprised to hear this!