Source: C Flanigan / Getty
Lamar Odom’s friends are showing their support for him as he fights for his life in a Las Vegas hospital. The former basketball and TV star is being treated for an overdose after being found unconscious at a brothel following days of partying. At an event in Los Angeles Wednesday night, former Lakers including Magic Johnson spoke to reporters about Odom, saying he’s loved and that what’s happened to him is a tragedy. Thousand of messages from celebrities and athletes are being posted on social media wishing Odom a full recovery.
What happened to Odom? Odom reportedly took ten tablets of a sexual performance enhancer–herbal Viagra–over a span of three days at the brothel, the Love Ranch, located about 50 miles from Las Vegas in Crystal, Nevada. He also reportedly used illegal drugs. Nye County Sheriff Sharon Wehrly says they’re also investigating the brothel to find out what happened and whether they provided any illegal substances to him. Authorities confirmed Odom was breathing when the first responders arrived at the Love Ranch on Tuesday. The caller was a worker at the brothel and told the dispatcher he was using cocaine over the weekend and had taken the drugs. Odom was breathing at the time and had blood coming from his nose. He is currently said to be in a coma. TMZ is reporting he possibly suffered a stroke and likely incurred brain damage during the incident. Wehrly also said Odom could be prosecuted if cocaine is actually found in his system.
The 35-year-old forward last played pro basketball in 2013 but shot to reality TV fame through his four-year marriage to Khloe Kardashian. Khloe has been by Odom’s side along with her sisters Kim, Kourtney and Kendall and mom Kris Jenner. His father has been seen at the hospital and he is the father of two children, which media reports indicate that Kardashian sent a plane for them and their mother. Reverend Jesse Jackson and former team mate Kobe Bryant have both visited Odom as well.
What’s the role of herbal supplements in this overdose? The risks of the herbal Viagra linked to Odom’s hospitalization are well-known to health officials. The Food and Drug Administration has warned about supplements that promise to enhance sexual performance, calling them “a risky proposition.” A recently updated report said such products may contain hidden ingredients and untested chemicals. Odom remains in critical condition at this time and it’s not known if the supplements played a role in this incident.
###(@1067WTLC) ###
kimwellsmedia 101515
Follow me on Twitter @kwellscomm.
Reach out to me with news tips, story ideas and topics for “Access Indy with Kim Wells” by email at AccessIndy@radio.fm.
#WTLCIndyNews tlcnaptown.com
