Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Dr. Cyril Wecht, a renowned pathologist known for his controversial stances on high-profile deaths such as the JFK assassination, passed away on Monday. Wecht first gained prominence in 1964 while serving as an assistant district attorney in Allegheny County and working as a pathologist in a Pittsburgh hospital.
Wecht’s involvement in the examination of the Warren Commission’s report on JFK’s assassination led to his lifelong quest to prove his theory that there was more than one shooter involved in the killing. He famously disagreed with the commission’s findings of a single bullet causing the fatal damage to Kennedy and the injuries to Gov. Connally, deeming it “absolute nonsense.”
The pathologist’s views on the Kennedy assassination earned him widespread attention, making him a go-to expert on other high-profile deaths, from Elvis Presley to JonBenet Ramsey. Wecht’s critical analysis of Elvis’ autopsy report led to the reopening of the case in 1994, shedding new light on the King of Rock and Roll’s cause of death.
Throughout his career, Wecht was no stranger to controversy. Accusations of misusing county morgue facilities during his tenure as Allegheny County’s coroner led to a lengthy legal battle and his resignation in 2006 after facing fraud and theft charges. He also ran for US Senate in 1982 but was unsuccessful.
Despite his legal battles and controversies, Wecht remained a respected figure in the field of forensic pathology, often appearing in the media to offer his expertise on high-profile cases like OJ Simpson’s trial and Michael Jackson’s death. His contributions to the field and his dedication to seeking justice in complex cases left a lasting impact.
Dr. Cyril Wecht is survived by his wife, Sigrid, and their four children, all of whom have made significant contributions in their respective fields. His legacy as a trailblazer in forensic pathology and his unwavering pursuit of truth will be remembered by many in the years to come.