American gymnastics coach and gym owner, John Geddert, was recently charged with human trafficking and sexually assaulting a teenage girl. Shortly after being charged, Geddert found dead by suicide.
According to The New York Times, in 2018, Geddert was suspended by U.S.A gymnastics after he was accused of abuse. Following this accusation, charges were filed by the Michigan attorney general, Dana Nessel. According to Nessel, victims coached by Geddert were forced to train and compete while injured, and suffered from self harm, and eating disorders. Additionally, The New York Times explains that Nessel stated, “[Geddert] subjected his athletes to forced labor or services under extreme conditions that contributed to them suffering injuries and harm.”.
After being charged, Geddert was scheduled for an afternoon arraignment. However, Geddert never showed up to the meeting, and his body was later found at a rest area along an interstate highway.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can find a list of additional resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
Original Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/25/sports/john-geddert-gymnastics.html
Source: The New York Times