Dr. Cyril Wecht, a renowned forensic pathologist who analyzed the deaths of President John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, JonBenet Ramsey, and others, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Monday.
Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht, who famously analyzed the deaths of President John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, JonBenet Ramsey, Anna Nicole Smith, and others, died peacefully on Monday at the age of 93, according to Pennsylvania officials.
Wecht, the former Allegheny County medical examiner, was known for his meticulous examinations and independent opinions on high-profile cases. He was the first civilian to examine evidence from Kennedy's assassination at the National Archives and discovered that the President's brain was missing. He was also a vocal critic of the Warren Commission's single bullet theory.
Throughout his career, Wecht conducted tens of thousands of autopsies, consulted and testified in countless criminal and civil cases, and authored dozens of books and hundreds of scholarly articles. He also collaborated on numerous film and television projects, including the award-winning films "JFK" and "Concussion."
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described Wecht as "a legendary figure in forensic pathology and criminal justice." He added, "The way he pursued truth and justice is an inspiration."
Dr. Michael Baden, another renowned forensic pathologist who worked with Wecht on the Select Committee on Assassinations for the U.S. House of Representatives, said Wecht was "very smart" and "a good speaker." He also praised Wecht's devotion to his family and his unwavering pursuit of truth.
Born to immigrant parents in 1931, Wecht leaves behind his wife, Sigrid, four children, and 11 grandchildren. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Allegheny County Coroner's Office. He went on to obtain law degrees from the University of Maryland and Pittsburgh University.
Wecht founded the Pittsburgh Institute of Legal Medicine and the Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law at Duquesne University, where he taught for about 60 years. He was also elected as Allegheny County coroner for several terms and later served as the county's first chief medical examiner.
Wecht's legacy will live on through his contributions to forensic pathology and his unwavering commitment to justice. He will be remembered as a brilliant and compassionate man who dedicated his life to unraveling the mysteries surrounding death and injury.
In addition to his work as a forensic pathologist, Wecht was also a talented artist and musician. He enjoyed painting, playing the piano, and writing poetry. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
