LOS ANGELES — Dr. Amie Harwick, a noted sex therapist, was killed over the weekend after falling from the third story balcony of her Hollywood Hills residence.
Her ex-boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse, an industry photographer, was arrested Saturday afternoon on suspicion of murder in connection to her death.
Harwick had previously obtained a restraining order against Pursehouse, which had since expired. Investigators later learned that she had recently expressed fear about Pursehouse, whom she had last been known to have been in contact with as recently as two weeks ago, KTLA reports.
According to a written statement from the Los Angeles Police Department, officers first arrived on the scene after reports of a woman heard screaming prompted a police response. KTLA 5 reports that upon arrival, officers encountered a man in the street who said his roommate (Harwick) was being assaulted inside the residence. She was soon found after under the third story balcony with severe injuries that LAPD officials describe as being "consistent with a fall."
Harwick was taken to a hospital, where she later died at 1:15 a.m. (PST), hours after the attack.
Further investigation reportedly revealed evidence of forced entry and a struggle.
Pursehouse is currently being held on $2 million bail. Detectives plan to present their case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing on Wednesday.
Harwick first entered the adult industry as a Playboy model before becoming a licensed therapist, specializing in relationships and sex therapy. An accomplished author, her 2014 book, "The New Sex Bible for Women," garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her as a go-to media source for sexual health and wellness advice and information.
She was an advocate for sex workers and collaborated with Pineapple Support to offer free and low-cost therapy options to active adult performers. Most recently, she was scheduled to host an eight-week support group for performers focusing on examining triggers and trauma to gain insight on behaviors and facilitate better well-being.
Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit issued the following statement on behalf of the organization earlier today. "We are devastated to learn of the death of Amie Harwick, a longtime Pineapple Support therapist and a true force for good in this world," said Tanit.
"Amie was one of the first therapists to join our team and conducted regular in-person sessions for sex workers in her Los Angeles office. She contributed to our Pineapple Support Summit in October, worked with performers directly in a series of pioneering workshops, and was in talks with us about developing new projects that could help lessen the mental health burdens faced by performers. She was a friend and ally — funny, kind, intelligent and dedicated. Our hearts are broken."
As clients and friends learned of the news of Harwick's death, some took to Twitter to share their grief.
fucking enraged to hear this news...she was my therapist. ...we spoke in detail about my past history w domestic abuse. She dedicated her LIFE to helping women like me. feels unreal. RIP dr.amie https://t.co/v9AR3Xf4hE
— kelsey darragh (@kelseydarragh) February 17, 2020
"I want everyone to know how badass this woman is," wrote E!'s Kelsey Darragh. "She wore vintage Chanel suits with bright red pumps... she made her space feel warm and feminine... she was the definition of boss bitch. And while she had a 'take no shit' attitude, she was an incredibly empathic and thoughtful therapist."
Performers who worked with Harwick, or others struggling with her loss, are urged to contact Pineapple Support directly.
