John Geddert’s suicide was an “escape from justice” and “trauma beyond words”, said Sarah Klein, a former gymnast who trained under the American Olympic coach.
Geddert died of suicide on Thursday after authorities in Michigan announced several charges against him, including human trafficking. Geddert was the U.S. Olympic coach for the 2012 team that won a gold medal in London alongside a team that includes Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney.
“His suicide is an admission of guilt that the whole world can see now,” Klein, who is now a lawyer, said Thursday.
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Geddert had ties to Larry Nassar, the disgraceful sports doctor convicted of sexually assaulting several gymnasts under the guise of medical treatment. Prosecutors said charges against Geddert had nothing to do with the Nassar case, although Nassar treated gymnasts in the coach’s gym.
Prosecutors have filed charges against Geddert, a former gymnastics coach at the US Olympics, with the infamous sports doctor Larry Nassar. Geddert was head coach of the American Olympic Gymnastics Team in 2012, which won a gold medal. (AP Photo / Kathy Willens, file)
Rachel Denhollander, the first gymnast to accuse Nassar of sexual abuse, tweeted she is proud of those who have charged accusations at Geddert.
“So much pain and sorrow for everyone,” she wrote. “Survivors have been heard and believed, and we stand with you.”
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USA Gymnastics said late on Thursday that the charges against Geddert “will lead to justice through the legal process”.
“With the news of his death by suicide, we share the feelings of shock, and we think of the gymnastics community as they struggle with the complex emotions of today’s events,” the statement said.
July 31, 2012: American gymnasts, from left to right in red, Gabrielle Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Alexandra Raisman, Jordyn Wieber and Kyla Ross celebrate it with coaches Jenny Zhang, left front, Mihai Brestyan, left back, John Geddert, center and Liang Chow, right, after their team won the gold medal for the women’s team final for artistic gymnastics at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
(AP)
The 63-year-old was charged with first- and second-degree criminal sexual assault, 20 counts of human trafficking, forced labor, six counts of underage human trafficking, forced labor, running a criminal enterprise and police lies in the Nassar investigation.
Prosecutors have admitted that human trafficking charges are unusual in the use of Michigan law.
“We see it primarily as affecting people of color or people without the means to protect themselves … but honestly, it can happen to anyone, anywhere,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Young, impressive women can sometimes be vulnerable and open to crime, regardless of their stature in the community or the financial well-being of their families.”
Nessel added: “It is alleged that John Geddert used violence, fraud and coercion against young athletes who came to him for gymnastics training for financial benefit., Excessive physical conditioning, repeatedly forced to act even when injured , extreme emotional abuse and physical abuse, including sexual assault.
Geddert may surrender himself to the authorities but never showed up. Kelly Rossman-McKinney, Nessel’s spokeswoman, said there was “no indication” he would harm himself.
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Geddert’s body was found in a resting place on Interstate 96, police said.
“This is a tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved,” Nessel added.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.