Mark Fleischman, the owner of legendary New York City nightclub Studio 54, died by assisted suicide in Switzerland. He was 82 years of age.
As the second owner of Studio 54 (from 1981-1986) after Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager were imprisoned in the early-1980s for tax evasion, Fleischman partied with the likes of Andy Warhol, Calvin Klein, Halston, Liza Minelli and Cher. The lifestyle may have taken a toll on the business owner.
“I liked to be high. So I would do drugs and drink. Possibly, this [health condition] is because I drank a lot and did drugs,” he told The Post.
After getting sick in 2016 Fleischman was incapable of walking on his own and his speech was impaired . Doctors were unable to diagnose his undetermined degenerative and in a June statement to the New York Post, he said:
“I can’t walk, my speech is f–ked up, and I can’t do anything for myself.” “My wife helps me get into bed and I can’t dress or put on my shoes. I am taking a gentle way out. It is the easiest way out for me.”
Launched in 1998, Mark worked with Dignitas, a non-profit organization devoted to helping people commit suicide when their health is failing. Dignitas members reviewed his medical records and had conversations with him.
“The more I think about it, the more I want to do it,” said Fleischman. “I am flying direct to Zurich from LA. There will be no last party.”
After suffering for years, Fleischman decided to travel to Switzerland and take his final drug: a lethal dose of barbiturates. Former business partner, Daniel Fitzgerald told BBC News that Fleischman died.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Shaan Hurley