Jamie Sangouthai, the best friend of NBA star Lamar Odom, died on Sunday reportedly from a heroin overdose. He was 37.

TMZ said in an initial report that Sangouthai was the man blamed for Odom's drug addiction about two years ago. It was noted that he died in an LA hospital where he was taken after a 911 call.

According to a similar Us Magazine article, a source close to Odom said that this is "the worst tragedy for him."

"This is so sad. They were best friends, like brothers. Lamar is going to take this really hard," added the source.

After hearing of the sad news, Odom's wife Khloe Kardashian, who has separated from the NBA player, posted on her Twitter account a broken heart emoji and the sentence "When does it stop? RIP Jamie Sangouthai."  

Kardashian's best friend, Malika Haqq, also gave an Instagram tribute to Sangouthia with a group photo with Odom and Kardashian. "Thru good and bad times life shows us every spirit matters and leaves a print on the hearts of others after they have passed... RIP Jamie Sangouthai #GodHelpUsAll," Haqq said in the photo caption.

It was noted in the TMZ report that Sangouthai was featured in the reality show of Odom and Kardashian and this was where his problems were discussed.

E! Online detailed that Jamie had a close bond with the NBA player which was very much apparent in the couple's TV series. It noted that the friendship started when they were still in high school. The two also had business partnerships later on and they both loved basketball. Sangouthai was one of Odom's best men during his wedding with the Kardashian beauty.

The two men, as per Now Magazine, both grew up in Queens, New York which was the start of their longtime friendship. They also partnered in the clothing line dubbed Rich Soil. And as Odom's friend, Jamie got real close with the Kardashian family.

"In fact, Jamie had been friends with members of the Kardashians for several years. In November 2009, Khloé poked fun at her pal's name while working out together," E! Online remembered.

"Working out with my boy Jamie Christopher Sangouthai. What a name! LOL. Got to get our abs together! Cardio cardio!" she mentioned in her tweet.

In 2008, Sangouthai was diagnosed with digestive disease diverticulitis or the formation of numerous tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel. He was then required to undergo three surgeries. Now Magazine said that Odom helped him in his medical expenses and asked his then Los Angeles Lakers team to send him their well wishes.

This is reportedly not the first time for Odom to lose someone close to him due to drug abuse as his father passed away because of heroin abuse. His mother, on the other hand, died of colon cancer when he was 12.