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Who was Jamie Sangouthai?
Jamie Sangouthai was a close friend of former NBA star Lamar Odom and a frequent guest on the reality show Khloe & Lamar, which featured Odom’s marriage to Khloe Kardashian. Sangouthai and Odom had been friends since high school and shared a passion for basketball. Sangouthai was also Odom’s best man at his wedding to Kardashian in 2009.
How did Jamie Sangouthai die?
Sangouthai died on June 14, 2015, at the age of 37, at a Los Angeles-area hospital. The cause of his death was not a drug overdose, as initially speculated, but a rare and deadly bacterial infection known as necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease. According to the L.A. County Coroner, Sangouthai contracted the infection from intravenous drug use, which weakened his immune system and allowed the bacteria to enter his bloodstream and destroy his soft tissue. The infection spread rapidly throughout his body and caused organ failure.
What is necrotizing fasciitis?
Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs when a type of bacteria, usually Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, infects the skin and underlying tissue. The bacteria release toxins that kill the tissue and cause it to decay. The infection can spread quickly and cause severe pain, swelling, fever, and shock. If not treated promptly, necrotizing fasciitis can lead to amputation, sepsis, and death.
How common is necrotizing fasciitis?
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare disease that affects about 700 to 1,200 people in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The risk of getting necrotizing fasciitis is higher for people who have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer, or who have wounds, cuts, burns, or insect bites that expose the skin to bacteria. IV drug users are also at increased risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis, as they may inject contaminated substances or use unsterile needles.
How is necrotizing fasciitis treated?
Necrotizing fasciitis requires immediate medical attention and aggressive treatment. The main treatment is surgery to remove the infected tissue and stop the spread of the infection. Antibiotics are also given intravenously to fight the bacteria. In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, may be used to enhance the healing process. The recovery from necrotizing fasciitis depends on the extent of the infection, the overall health of the patient, and the timeliness of the treatment.
How did Jamie Sangouthai’s death affect his friends and family?
Sangouthai’s death was a devastating blow to his friends and family, who mourned his loss and remembered his life. Odom, who had been struggling with his own substance abuse issues, was reportedly heartbroken and inconsolable by the news. He said that Sangouthai was like a brother to him and that his death was a wake-up call for him to get sober. Kardashian, who had filed for divorce from Odom in 2013, but had not finalized it yet, also expressed her grief and condolences on social media. She posted a picture of herself, Odom, Sangouthai, and another friend on Instagram, with the caption: “Life doesn’t get easier but I promise you that life will make you stronger. Rest in peace Jamie.” Sangouthai’s family and classmates also launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the funeral expenses and bring his body back to his hometown of New York. They described him as a loyal, generous, and funny person who loved his mother and basketball.
Conclusion
Jamie Sangouthai’s cause of death was a tragic and shocking reminder of the dangers of drug addiction and the importance of seeking help and treatment. His death also highlighted the rare but deadly disease of necrotizing fasciitis, which can strike anyone who has a compromised immune system or a skin injury. Sangouthai’s life and legacy will live on in the memories of his loved ones and fans, who hope that his story will inspire others to overcome their challenges and live their dreams.
