Corey Haim (1971–2010) was a Canadian actor who became a teen idol in the 1980s before his career was derailed by struggles with drug addiction. He was best known for his on-screen partnership with actor Corey Feldman, with whom he starred in several films, earning the pair the nickname "The Two Coreys".
- Haim died on March 10, 2010, at the age of 38. Initial reports suggested a drug overdose, but an autopsy later determined his cause of death was from complications of pneumonia.
- Following his death, former child actors and other industry figures brought renewed attention to the serious issue of exploitation and abuse that can be prevalent in Hollywood. Haim's legacy is remembered for his boyish charm as a prominent figure in 1980s teen films, alongside the tragic story of the difficulties he faced with addiction and the pressures of early fame.
Haim's own statements about abuse
While Haim never publicly identified an abuser by name, he did allude to his abuse in his lifetime, including during his reality show with Corey Feldman.
- In the 2007 reality series The Two Coreys, Haim spoke directly about being a victim of sexual assault.
- He also told People magazine that his abuse started when he was 14 or 15 and that his much older abuser was an acquaintance of his.
The lasting impact of the abuse
Corey Haim's struggles with substance abuse were well-documented and his death at age 38 in 2010 was initially suspected to be an overdose.
- Many, including Corey Feldman and the LAPD, viewed his drug addiction as a symptom of the trauma he endured from his alleged abuse.
- The final autopsy report listed the cause of death as pneumonia and heart problems, not an overdose.
- No suicide note was found, and the coroner's report stated that Haim was not depressed or suicidal at the time of his death.
