Lamar Odom’s friend died of flesh-eating infection caused by IV drug use

While friends and family mourn the loss of Jamie Sangouthai, more has been revealed about his cause of death.

Referencing the L.A. County Coroner report, TMZ says Lamar Odom’s best friend went to the hospital with an infected arm. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to stop the “necrotizing fasciitis” infection from spreading to the rest of his body. He died on Sunday at the age of 37.

The Coroner’s report makes it clear Jamie’s infection was directly linked to IV drug use: The report cites “chronic intravenous narcotism” as causing the infection. Dr. Marc Kayem told Hollywood Life that “is the same thing as saying IV Drug Abuser.”

“IV drug abuse can be fatal. It is possible that a very dirty needle could pass bacteria into the bloodstream, or directly into the muscle,” he said. “Necrotitis fasciitis is a very rare infectious disease. IV drug use is a significant risk factor for necrotizing fasciitis… It is an aggressive infection that kills as many as 50% of those who get it.”

A source close to Lamar Odom told Us Weekly Jamie’s death “is a huge wake-up call for him.” The insider added, “He feels like it could have happened to him… It has really shaken him.”