HOLLYWOOD HILLS—The former fiancé of actor Drew Carey, Dr. Amie Harwick, 38, was found dead on the balcony of her apartment in Hollywood Hills on Saturday, February 15. Harwick was a former Playboy model and a sex and family psychologist.
Authorities were called to the scene after they received a call of a woman screaming at the residential building. Upon arrival on the scene, Harwick was discovered with serious injuries after apparently falling from her balcony. She was transported to a local hospital where she died.
Harwick’s ex-boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse, 41, of Playa Del Rey, was arrested for her murder and his being held on a $2 million bail. She recently had a restraining order filed against her ex, fearing for her life.
Authorities indicated that the crime scene showed evidence of a struggle and forced entry into Harwick’s home. Evidence also include Pursehouse on surveillance video entering and leaving Harwick’s apartment. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner revealed blunt force trauma to Harwick’s head and torso as the cause of her death.
Harwick worked at Bally’s Total Fitness as a fitness director and is known for her fitness video, “Fit Rock.” She wrote The New Sex Bible for Women, and earned a Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University, where she majored in clinical and family psychology.
In a recent post on Facebook, Dr. Harwick recommended a book called “Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered.” Harwick was previously engaged to actor and game show host Drew Carey, who released the following statement via Twitter:
“I hope you’re lucky enough to have someone in your life that loves as much as she did.”
“The Price is Right” halted production on the show as a result of Harwick’s unexpected death. A petition was started via Change.org to get justice for Amie by Diana Farias. The petition already has over 32,000 signatures. The following statement was posted on the website:
“Domestic Violence is a serious concern for everyone. I recently lost a wonderful friend, Dr. Amie Harwick. She was murdered as a result of poor laws not protecting the victims and treating the offenders. I refuse to let her death be in vain. She was a Doctor in the Mental Health Field and advocate in the community. We need to do the same and advocate for Amie. JUSTICE 4 AMIE !
Amie had a restraining order in place against a violent ex boyfriend from a decade ago. The restraining order expired. Well two weeks ago, this ex boyfriend went to an event that she was at and harassed her. He began to stalk her and on Valentine’s day attack her, in her own home while he laid in wait for her to come home. This man for years clearly needed treatment. She should have never had to be in this situation like so many other victims. The process to get a restraining order is very difficult and traumatic.”
The case is still under investigation and will be presented and filed with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Written By Anita Brown and Donald Roberts
