George Nichopoulos, the controversial personal physician who treated Elvis Presley, died Wednesday, Memphis’ Commercial Appeal reports. He was 88.
Nichopoulos, also known as “Dr. Nick,” was accused of over-prescribing drugs to Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and other patients, but was acquitted of those charges in 1981.
Nichopoulos told the Commercial Appeal in 2009 that the drugs he prescribed to Presley were “necessities,” adding that he didn’t want to be thought of as having hastened Presley’s death in 1977 at age 42.
Medical examiner Dr. Jerry Francisco determined that Presley had died of cardiac arrhythmia rather than drugs.
He is survived by his wife Edna, their daughters Christine and Elaine, and their son Dean.