26th February 2021
John Geddert: Ex-US Olympics coach found dead after sex charges
By BBC
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A former US Olympics gymnastics coach has killed himself hours after he was charged with sexual assault and human trafficking, officials say.
Michigan's attorney general confirmed the death of John Geddert, hours after outlining 24 charges against him.
Geddert was head of the women's gymnastics team in 2012 and worked closely with team doctor Larry Nassar.
Nassar was sentenced to up to 300 years in jail in 2018 for abusing more than 250 girls from his position.
The widespread abuse revelations have caused intense scrutiny of USA Gymnastics and criticism of how it safeguards athletes.
Geddert, 63, had owned the training facility in Michigan where Nassar had served as the gym's doctor. A number of gymnasts accused him of abusive behaviour when they testified during Nassar's trial.
He was expected to turn himself in on Thursday afternoon but did not appear, the attorney general's office said.
"My office has been notified that the body of John Geddert was found late this afternoon after taking his own life," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel later said in a statement.
"This is a tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved."
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