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Former King’s Resort owner and World Series of Poker bracelet winner Leon Tsoukernik is reportedly fighting for his life following a suspected overdose.

Reports indicate that this overdose came as a result of the sedative propofol, the same drug that claimed the life of music icon Michael Jackson in 2009.

Tsoukernik, who last year sold his estimated €400 million stake in the casino he founded, is said to be in critical condition after collapsing at his home in Czechia on Monday. He was rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.

“We handed over the patient to the air ambulance in serious condition.”

According to Novinky.cz, Tsoukernik’s condition is believed to be the result of an “unprofessional intravenous administration of a drug intended for short-term anesthesia.”

Emergency Services Release Statement

Propofol is a potent intravenous anaesthetic used to induce and maintain sedation or general anaesthesia, but when improperly administered, it can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications.

Andrea Divišová, spokesperson for the regional emergency services, said, “I can confirm that we had two crews with a doctor on site. We handed over the patient to the air ambulance in serious condition.”

“The police commissioner has initiated criminal proceedings.”

VIP-Grinders also reported that “that the drug in question is Propofol, a powerful anaesthetic that has several uses but should only be administered by a medical professional.”

The drug gained notoriety after it was linked to the death of Michael Jackson, who reportedly received a lethal dose administered by Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 following the death of the pop star two years earlier.

Police are also investigating the suspected overdose, with police spokesperson Iva Vršecká stating:

“We are investigating possible illegal behavior that may have occurred at an undetermined time in Chodová Planá. There was a 51-year-old unconscious man who was airlifted for medical treatment.

“The police commissioner has initiated criminal proceedings on suspicion of committing the particularly serious crime of grievous bodily harm. All the circumstances of the case are the subject of further investigation.”

Tsoukernik Beats Ivey for $1.2 Million

Leon Tsoukernik, a regular at the highest-stakes poker games, has amassed nearly $5.5 million in live tournament earnings, including two seven-figure cashes.

His first and biggest score came in 2017 when he finished fourth in that year’s Super High Roller Bowl for $1.8 million. Only Stefan Schillhabel ($2.4 million), Jake Schindler ($3.6 million), and Christoph Vogelsang ($6 million) outperformed the Czech star in the elite event.

Two years later, at the 2019 WSOP Europe hosted at King’s Resort, Tsoukernik found himself heads-up in the €100,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Short Deck Super High Roller. Facing one of the game’s all-time greats, Phil Ivey, Tsoukernik defied the odds and emerged victorious, claiming the €1,102,000 ($1,231,519) top prize.

Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

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