Corey Feldman will not attend Corey Haim's funeral

Corey Feldman will not be attending his best friend Corey Haim's funeral Tuesday (Mar. 16) in Toronto.

His absence will be out of respect for the Haim family's wish for privacy. Feldman issued a statement Sunday night explaining his reasons for not attending.

"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 his 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."

The 38-year-old actor is urging the media to follow in his footsteps and wait until the memorial service he's planning in Los Angeles.

"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."

The memorial service will be held within the next month, according to Feldman.

"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."

Haim, 38, died Wednesday of a possible accidental drug overdose, though toxicology reports are pending. The '80s teen idol and star of "The Lost Boys" (co-starring Feldman) had battled substance abuse problems for much of his life.


Follow Zap2it's Dish Rag on Twitter and Facebook and follow Zap2itChristine on Twitter for the latest celebrity news and buzz.

More Corey Haim dish:

Corey Haim's belongings on eBay to pay for his burial
Corey Haim dating 'Rock of Love's' Daisy de la Hoya prior to death
Corey Feldman on Corey Haim: 'I Don't Think this was a suicide'
Corey Haim demanded drug-free movie set in final days


Photo credit: Getty Images