The chief of rheumatology at Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare's Bone & Joint Institute has been found dead, days after he was arrested on child sexual exploitation charges, Connecticut State Police have confirmed.
According to local news outlets, including WTNH and Connecticut Post, police were called to Litchfield, Conn., March 13 after an unresponsive individual was reported. John Magaldi, MD, was pronounced dead on the scene.
His cause and manner of death have not been made available, but an initial investigation did not suggest criminal activity, police said. An autopsy is expected to be performed March 14.
Dr. Magaldi was recently arrested charged with attempt to commit second-degree sexual assault; attempt to commit illegal sexual contact with a victim under 16; attempt to commit commercial sex abuse with a minor; and interfering with an officer. He was released March 12 on a $350,000 bond, pending a March 22 court appearance.
Hartford HealthCare confirmed to Becker's March 13 that Dr. Magaldi had been placed on administrative leave. In addition to his role at the Bone & Joint Institute, Dr. Magaldi was affiliated with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group; Torrington, Conn.-based Charlotte Hungerford Hospital; and Integrated Care Partners, the system's physician-led clinical integration organization.
The health system shared an updated statement after Dr. Magaldi's death, which reads, "The news of the arrest and death of Dr. John Magaldi is deeply troubling. We are ensuring all patients will continue to be cared for, and we are providing support for our colleagues."