'Lost Boys' star Corey Haim dies after apparent overdose

(Warner bros)

Corey Haim, a 1980's heartthrob whose Hollywood career was derailed by wild parties and drug abuse, died Wednesday aged 38 in Los Angeles after an apparent overdose, police said.

The Canadian-born actor, as well known for his off-screen indulgences as his brief reign as a teen idol in films such as "Lucas" and "The Lost Boys", was pronounced dead at a medical center in the Los Angeles suburb of Burbank.

"It was an apparent overdose," said Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Frank Albarren, adding that the drug or medication used was unknown.

Haim's mother, with whom he shared his apartment, alerted the emergency services overnight, according to assistant chief coroner Ed Winter.

"As he got out of bed, he felt a little weak, and... went down to the floor on his knees," Winter said. "She called paramedics. They responded, transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced (dead) at 2:15 this morning."

Haim is best known for a string of film roles in the 1980s especially the 1987 Joel Schumacher vampire hit "The Lost Boys" and "Lucas" in which he appeared alongside Charlie Sheen and Winona Ryder.

He rose to fame alongside fellow "Lost Boys" star Corey Feldman and the two later collaborated on a reality television show "The Two Coreys," which was scrapped in its second season.