A young actor who became a teen idol during his time as a Hollywood star, has died of unknown causes.

Corey Haim, a 1980's screen figure, has died at the age of 38 in Los Angeles.

Haim died early Wednesday at hospital after being taken there when he felt flu-like weakness.

His mother called paramedics but he died on arrival at the hospital.

An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

Haim gained stardom after appearing in movies such as "Lucas" and "The Lost Boys."

He was known to be a drug abuser who acknowledged his struggle on numerous occasions.

He once told Larry King he had been a chronic drug user after having tried his first marijuana cigarette while working on "The Lost Boys."

He said after that he tried cocaine and crack.

Haim eventually went into rehabilitation and was put on prescription drugs, but said he would always be prone to relapse.

The Toronto-born actor only made a few appearances after his career peaked and had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing medical expense debts and more than $200,000 in state and federal taxes.

It is believed his current assets only include a few thousand dollars in cash and some royalty rights.