EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW: Corey Haim's Close Friend Says "He Was Fighting His Own Demons"
March 11 2010, Published 10:02 a.m. ET
Corey Haim will forever be remembered as one of The Lost Boys and as one of the Hollywood "it" boys in the 1980's, but friends and family members close to the actor know the heartache and struggles he endured. RadarOnline.com caught up with Corey's neighbor and close friend Gary Hays Wednesday afternoon for an exclusive interview to gain some insight into his life and why how it ended so tragically.
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"I knew he was fighting his own demons," Gary said. "There would be times when he would come over, and he knew I was trying to get better, and ask me if I had any pain medication.
"I think after a certain amount of time, you do that much damage to your body... All that goes to your liver and I think it just takes it's toll."
Gary spoke of his own substance abuse and said that Corey had been a source of strength for him and also for Corey's mother, Judy, who is fighting a battle against cancer. "He would take her to the doctor. He couldn't drive because of his Canadian problems with Visas, but he would take her in a taxi," Gary said. "He was always there for her.
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"It was a tragedy... The medical system lets you down, just peels off those prescription pads like it is going out of style," Gary passionately expressed. "Once you get going on it, it's hard to stop."
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Remembering the friend he knew and loved for a long time, Gary described Corey as a "kind, loving, gentle soul" that blossomed into a great friend. "Haim, in the beginning would not do anything for anybody, but as he matured he changed. He would go that extra mile for you."
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Haim was found unresponsive at his Burbank home early Wednesday morning and rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:15 A.M. Los Angeles County Chief Assistant Coroner Ed Winter revealed there were no illegal drugs found at the scene, however authorities did find four prescription bottles of pills inside his apartment.