Dr. Cyril Wecht Obituary, Death: Renowned Forensic Pathologist and Former Allegheny County Coroner Dies at 93
Dr. Cyril Wecht, a nationally renowned forensic pathologist and former Allegheny County Coroner, passed away on May 12, 2023, at the age of 93. Wecht was born in 1931 to immigrant parents in rural Greene County and spent his early years in McKees Rocks and the Hill District. He attended Fifth Avenue High School and later earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1956.
Wecht’s illustrious career in forensic pathology spanned decades and involved him in some of the nation’s highest-profile criminal cases. He was famous for his work on the JonBenet Ramsey, Anna Nicole Smith, and President John F. Kennedy assassination cases. After serving three years in the Air Force, Wecht earned a law degree from the University of Maryland and began his career in forensic pathology.
In 1970, Wecht was elected county coroner, and in 1980, he was elected commissioner, after serving as deputy coroner since 1965. He consulted on the Manson family and Robert F. Kennedy murders for years and was reelected coroner in 1995 while testifying and consulting on JonBenet Ramsey’s murder. Wecht’s expertise and findings occasionally made him an iconoclast or defendant, but he remained dedicated to uncovering the truth.
Wecht was a critic of the Warren Commission’s “official” assassination report and argued that it would be difficult to address questions about President Kennedy’s assassination without his preserved brain and microscopic slides of bullet hole tissue. He reported that these were “missing” from the archives, making international news. Wecht’s work on the Kennedy assassination case was instrumental in shaping the field of forensic pathology.
In addition to his work on high-profile cases, Wecht was a prolific author and published twelve novels. He also led a Las Vegas play about legendary criminals, showcasing his creative side. Wecht married Sigrid Ronsdal in 1961 and had four children, including Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht.
Throughout his career, Wecht was recognized for his expertise and contributions to forensic pathology. He was credited by many attorneys with boosting forensic pathology in investigations and trials. Wecht’s legacy will be remembered for his tireless pursuit of truth and justice, and his impact on the field of forensic pathology will be felt for generations to come.
Wecht’s family and friends remember him as a dedicated professional, a loving father, and a passionate advocate for truth and justice. His passing leaves a void in the field of forensic pathology, but his work and legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations.
In conclusion, Dr. Cyril Wecht’s passing marks the end of an era in the field of forensic pathology. His contributions to the field and his work on high-profile cases will be remembered for years to come. Wecht’s dedication to uncovering the truth and his passion for justice inspired countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to shape the field of forensic pathology.
Dr. Cyril Wecht’s life and career serve as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. His contributions to the field of forensic pathology will be remembered for generations to come, and his legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations.
Wecht’s family and friends will deeply miss him, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the contributions he made to the field of forensic pathology.
In memory of Dr. Cyril Wecht, his family and friends will continue to celebrate his life and legacy, and his contributions to the field of forensic pathology will be remembered for years to come.
Dr. Cyril Wecht’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations. His contributions to the field of forensic pathology will be remembered for years to come, and his dedication to uncovering the truth and his passion for justice will never be forgotten.
