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Former NBA star Lamar Odom has shared his thoughts on the recent toxicology report following the tragic death of singer Liam Payne at age 31, expressing both sympathy for Payne’s family and a broader warning about the dangers of drug use. Payne, a former member of One Direction, was found to have a cocktail of drugs in his system, including the potent substance colloquially known as “pink cocaine,” according to an ABC News report published on Monday, October 21.
Lamar Odom on Liam Payne’s shocking demise:
In an interview with TMZ, Odom, 44, reflected on his own history of substance abuse, acknowledging that he may have used “pink cocaine” — a mix of methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA — during his struggles. “I’ve done a lot of things,” Odom said. “I’m not ashamed, though, because it’s my testimony.”
Odom, who famously survived a near-fatal overdose in 2015, has been sober for several years and now runs recovery clinics. His experience with drug addiction has given him unique insight into the devastating effects of powerful narcotics. He remarked on the hallucinatory impact drugs can have, explaining that Payne may have been in a confused or altered state of mind before his death. “If [Payne] was in a hallucination state, then who knows what would happen,” he said, noting that he himself had “heard voices” while using drugs, particularly crack cocaine.
When asked whether the drugs in Payne’s system could have contributed directly to his death, Odom was cautious. “To death? I don’t know,” he said. “I was always strong enough to kind of bear down and realize there’s no exception to not being here.”
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Payne’s final moments, Odom emphasized the gravity of the situation and the need for the entertainment industry to confront the dangers of substance abuse. “Drugs don’t discriminate,” he said. “Age, race, color, creed.”
The retired basketball star also expressed his personal sorrow for Payne’s family, vowing to “say a prayer for his family and everyone that he knows.”
Odom’s remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of addiction, especially in high-pressure industries like music and sports, where the temptation to use drugs can often be overwhelming. He hopes the tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for others grappling with addiction, urging those at risk to seek help before it’s too late.