The City of Toronto has denied reports that it is paying for actor Corey Haim's funeral.
A U.S. report over the weekend cited Haim's mother Judy Haim as saying Toronto will foot the bill for the funeral service. On Monday, a spokesperson for the family vehemently denied the claim to Toronto radio station, 680 News.
The city remained mum over the weekend, saying it does not typically comment on private applications for financial assistance. But after rampant media speculation, city officials issued a statement Monday morning saying taxpayers will not be covering funeral costs for the Toronto-born actor.
"The City of Toronto has never received an application for assistance with the funeral costs for Mr. Haim," the statement said. "Given the number of (media) reports, the city has chosen to confirm the facts in this matter."
Steeles Memorial Chapel, the Thornhill-area funeral home holding a private family service for the actor on Tuesday, is reportedly helping cover the funeral costs.
John Fuchs, a chapel employee, said he can't comment on the matter.
"Everything is confidential," he told ctvtoronto.ca Monday morning. "I can't disclose that information."
When asked if the chapel provides financial assistance to families that can't afford to bury their loved ones, Fuchs said the government has legal programs in place to help every single person that qualifies.
However, he also said that the chapel helps families "in any way" to help support them during the difficult process.
"We help families with all of their problems when they lose a family member," he said.
Late last week, a celebrity memorabilia site named Startifacts.com, came forward with an offer to donate $20,000 towards the costs of Haim's funeral.
Haim's best friend and fellow child star Corey Feldman said he would not attend the Toronto funeral to respect the family's wish for a private affair.
"I have spent much time with his mother Judy, who has always been like a mother to me," he said in a written statement released to the media. "Understanding the recent media attention and to be respectful of the family's wishes I have decided not to attend."
Feldman said he will remain in Los Angeles to plan a public memorial for Haim.
Corey Haim was born and raised in Toronto before catapulting to stardom after starring in the Hollywood blockbuster, "The Lost Boys." He last lived in Toronto in 2008 but the recovering addict was living with his mother, who is battling cancer, in Burbank, CA. when he died on March 10.
The 38-year-old actor had been sick with flu-like symptoms in the days prior to his death. Several bottles of prescription drugs were found in Haim's room. His official cause of death is pending the coroner's final report.
