Mark Fleischman, the former owner of Studio 54 in Manhattan, died today by assisted suicide at a clinic in Switzerland. Previously in June, Fleischman told the media outlets that he plans to end his life in July due to an unidentified neurological illness.
Fleischman, who once ruled New York City’s nightlife and owned the then world’s most exclusive club, had been confined to a wheelchair and couldn’t complete his mundane tasks. He had to seek help from his wife for wearing shoes, getting up, and doing other simple things.
Thus, he decided to take his life by committing suicide and was assisted suicide in Switzerland on July 13, 2022, by Dignitas, a non-profit group.
“I can’t walk, my speech is f–ked up and I can’t do anything for myself,” Fleischman said in a statement to,” The Post.
“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.” He added.
Why was Mark Fleischman assisted suicide in Switzerland?
Mark Fleischman was assisted suicide in Switzerland by Dignitas, a nonprofit assisted suicide group, on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. The group helps assisted suicides with a lethal dose of barbiturates after a lengthy screening process.
Fleischman had been suffering from an unidentified illness which was a degenerative condition. He was in extreme pain and couldn’t carry himself. Therefore, he decided to take his life in a peaceful manner.
Fleischman died today in Switzerland in a clinic while staying near his family and friends in the last moments. The reason why he had assisted suicide in Switzerland is that the act is legal in the country.
Although only the act of supplying material leading to suicide as per the person wishing to die’s request is legal, active euthanasia is illegal in Switzerland.
What was Mark Fleischman’s cause of death?
Mark Fleischman was given a lethal dose of Barbiturates, a central nervous system depressant, by a Switzerland nonprofit group Dignitas on his own request for assisted suicide. Barbiturates made Fleischman’s nervous system stop completely in a fatal manner.
This led to the departure of Mark Fleischman’s soul from this world. The ex-Studio 54 owner was suffering from an unidentified illness that has been worsening his condition since 2016. Old age also played his role and Fleischman’s condition continued to decline even more.
Which disease does Mark Fleischman have?
Mark Fleischman had an unidentified degenerative condition that wasn’t specified. He was diagnosed with this neurological disease in 2016 and neurologists had been trying to figure it out since then. However, they couldn’t diagnose what disease does Fleischman have.
Although Fleischman believed it could be a result of his lifestyle while owning Studio 54. He used to party with the likes of Andy Warhol, Calvin Klein, Halston, Liza Minelli, and Cher.
“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,” Mark told The Post.
The unfortunate condition led to his suffering for years before he was finally put to peace today.
Mark Fleischman also tried committing suicide previously
In an interview with the New York Post, Mark Fleischman revealed that he had been the victim of an unknown ailment since 2016. He also revealed that had been thinking about it for two years.
“I came to the decision slowly. Two years ago, I decided that it wasn’t worth living. I took a lot of Xanax and ended up in the hospital,” said Fleischman.
Fleischman states that he also tried to do it himself after buying a gun. However, the emergency room doctors saved his life. After that, he and his wife Mimi started considering other techniques. They started searching for a place where they could do this legally.
“It’s going to be horrible. He is my partner and we are devoted to each other. So it is the end of a part of me as well. I have to honor what he wants. [But] he is not giving me a choice. He wants to end his life and this is a dignified way to do it.” Mimi said about Mark’s decision.
Mark Fleischman Early Life and his time at Studio 54
Mark Fleischman was born on February 2, 1939, in Long Island, New York. He went to a private school in the city and then attended Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and graduated with a degree in hospitality.
Fleischman bought and took over Studio 54 in 1978. The club originally opened as the Gallo Opera house in 1927. It was an entertainment venue. Later, CBS started to use it as a radio and television studio called Studio 52.
It gained recognition for the celebrity guest lists, strict entry policies, drug use, and open sexual activities. Mark Fleischman took over Studio 54 after his partners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager were raided and charged with tax evasion, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy.
Fleischman bought the club for $4.75 million and then sold it to new owners in 1984. The club finally closed in 1986. Mark also wrote a book titled “Inside Studio 54” where he briefly discussed his life in the club.
In 1994, Mark Fleischman married Mimi Leonard Fleischman. The couple had been married for 27 years after Mark left her for good today. They had been residing in Marina Del Rey, Calif after Mark was diagnosed with the unhealable degenerative condition.
We express our grief towards the tragic conclusion of Fleischman’s story. May God grant enough strength to Mimi to survive the tough times.