LOS ANGELES — Corey Feldman will not be going to Toronto to attend his best friend Corey Haim's funeral this Tuesday.
The 38-year-old former child star issued a statement Sunday night confirming he will stay in L.A. to respect the Haim family's wish for privacy.
"In the days following my best friend Corey Haim's death, I have spent much time with his mother Judy, who has always been like a mother to me," Feldman said in a statement. "I would love nothing more than to be by her side at Corey's funeral, however due to their strong religious beliefs, and need for privacy, the family has decided to make Corey's funeral on Tuesday a small, private affair."
Instead, Feldman will help plan a public memorial in L.A. He also urged the media to avoid Haim's funeral.
"Understanding the recent media attention and to be respectful of the family's wishes, I have decided not to attend," Feldman said. "Instead I will remain in Los Angeles quietly mourning and planning his memorial. As a sign of respect I am asking the media to honor Corey Haim by making the same choice."
Haim, 38, died after collapsing at his mom's LA apartment on Wednesday. He had been living with his mother and helping to take care of her as she battled cancer.
Although prescription drugs were reportedly found in the apartment, Haim's cause of death has yet to be confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office.
Feldman, who starred in Goonies and Stand By Me as well as The Lost Boys and License To Drive with Haim, said the L.A. memorial will take place in the next few weeks.
"I am working with a few people who were close to Corey to put a memorial together within the next month," Feldman said. "At that time, the media will be invited to honor and celebrate the legacy he has left behind, along with friends, fans, and the rest of the Hollywood community."
brett.clarkson@sunmedia.ca
