Just a week ago, former professional basketball player Lamar Odom awoke to tragic news: his best friend Jamie Sangouthai had died from drug-related activity. 

The news devastated him and his estranged wife, Khloe Kardashian – who even missed her niece North West's second birthday party due to the tragedy. 

However, it has now emerged that further sadness has befallen the duo: another close friend of Lamar's, Bobby Heyward , died on Saturday. Initial reports also suggest that drugs were responsible. He was aged 30.

Just four days ago, Bobby had paid tribute to Jamie on Instagram. In what would be his last post before his death, he said: "#RIP To my big brother Jamie who always brought light into any room he walked into."

He also included the hashtag #BandOfBrothers. The accompanying image shows Jamie and Bobby together, along with Lamar.

A source tells Us Weekly that Odom is now "beside himself" and that he remained close to Mr Heyward right up until his death.

Bobby also made contact with Khloe last week shortly after Jamie died. He was apparently keen to offer his support: the 30-year-old reality TV star is said to have taken the news particularly badly.

Jamie, a former classmate of Mr Odom, appeared several times on episodes of Khloe & Lamar, a Keeping Up With Kardashians spin-off which aired for two series in 2011 and 2012.

He also acted as a best man at the Odom-Kardashian wedding in September 2009.