Pennsylvania sex-abuse whistle-blower found dead, apparent suicide
July 06, 2016
A man who was instrumental in exposing a pattern of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been found dead, apparently a suicide.
Brian Gergely apparently hanged himself at his home. "Tragically, the demons he's been dealing with since he was molested finally won out," his lawyer remarked.
Gergely filed a lawsuit against the Pennsylvania diocese in 2003, saying that he had been abused as a 10-year-old. He said that he chose to identify himself, rather than using a pseudonym, to encourage other victims of abuse to come forward.
In March of this year, a Pennsylvania grand jury released a scathing report alleging a pattern of widespread abuse in the Altoona-Johnstown diocese, and a failure of Church officials to investigate complaints and curtail abuse.
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Further information:
- Outspoken clergy abuse survivor found hanged at home (AP)
- Pennsylvania grand jury finds widespread abuse, cover-ups in Altoona-Johnstown diocese (CWN, 3/2)
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