John Geddert’s suicide was an “escape from justice” and “traumatic beyond words,” said Sarah Klein, a former gymnast who trained with the United States Olympic coach.
Geddert died of suicide on Thursday after Michigan authorities announced several charges against him, including trafficking in persons. Geddert was the United States Olympic coach for the 2012 team that won the gold medal in London with a team that included Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney.
“His suicide is an admission of guilt that the whole world can now see,” said Klein, who is now a lawyer, on Thursday.
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Geddert had connections with Larry Nassar, the sporting medical wretch who was convicted of sexually assaulting several gymnasts under the guise of medical treatment. Prosecutors said the charges against Geddert had nothing to do with Nassar’s case, although Nassar treated gymnasts at the coach’s academy.
Prosecutors filed lawsuits against Geddert, a former United States gymnastics trainer with links to unfortunate sports physician Larry Nassar. Geddert was the head coach of the United States Olympic women’s gymnastics team in 2012, which won a gold medal. (AP Photo / Kathy Willens, Archive)
Rachel Denhollander, the first gymnast to accuse Nassar of sexual abuse, tweeted that she was proud of those who made accusations at Geddert.
“So much pain and sadness for everyone,” she wrote. “For the survivors, you have been heard and believed, and we are with you.”
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USA Gymnastics said on Thursday that the charges against Geddert “would bring them to justice through a legal process”.
“With the news of his death by suicide, we share the feelings of shock and our thoughts are with the gym community, which struggles with the complex emotions of today’s events,” says the statement.
July 31, 2012: American gymnasts, from left to right wearing red, Gabrielle Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Alexandra Raisman, Jordyn Wieber and Kyla Ross celebrate with coaches Jenny Zhang, left front, Mihai Brestyan, left side, John Geddert, center, and Liang Chow, on the right, after his team won the gold medal in the women’s artistic gymnastics team final at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
(AP)
The 63-year-old man was charged with first and second degree criminal sexual assault, 20 counts of trafficking in persons, forced labor, six counts of trafficking in minors, forced labor, criminal enterprise operation and lying to the police in the Investigation of Nassar.
Prosecutors acknowledged that human trafficking charges were an unusual use of Michigan law.
“We think it predominantly affects people of color or without means to protect themselves … but, honestly, it can happen to anyone, anywhere,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Impressionable young women can sometimes be vulnerable and open to trafficking crimes, regardless of their stature in the community or the financial well-being of their families.”
Nessel added: “It is alleged that John Geddert used force, fraud and coercion against young athletes who sought him out for gym training for financial benefit. The victims suffered from eating disorders, including bulimia, anorexia, suicide attempts and self-mutilation, conditioning excessive physical abuse, being repeatedly forced to perform, even when injured, extreme emotional abuse and physical abuse, including sexual assault. “
Geddert was allowed to surrender to the authorities, but he never came. Nessel’s spokeswoman Kelly Rossman-McKinney said there was “no indication” that he would be hurt.
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Geddert’s body was found in a rest area on Interstate 96, police said.
“This is a tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved,” added Nessel.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.