Updated 05:19 AM EDT, Thu, Mar 28, 2024

Michael Schumacher Coma News: Man Found Dead in Cell After Being Accused of Stealing Racer's Medical Files

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The individual suspected of stealing and leaking medical records of Formula One racer Michael Schumacher was found hanged in a police cell in Zurich on Wednesday.

According to Zurich's cantonal prosecutor, the unidentified man worked as a manager at Swiss air rescue service Rega which was the group who transferred the racer from Grenoble Hospital to the University Hospital of Lausanne last June 16. The transfer was done after he recovered from coma, Reuters stated in a report.

The man who died inside his cell in what is believed to be a suicide, is set to be questioned on Wednesday. He earlier denied allegations against him. Reuters added in a report that foul play has been ruled out since there is no indication that a third party was responsible for the death.

In a statement, air rescue service executive Ernst Kohler told Reuters that they are saddened with the news of the death of their colleague.

"We are deeply affected to learn ... that a Rega employee, taken into custody yesterday upon suspicion of violating professional secrecy, committed suicide in his cell. This tragic event leaves us saddened and speechless. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to the deceased's family and loved ones," Kohler said.

Schumacher, who has a record of a seven-time win, suffered severe head injuries during a jet ski accident in the French Alps last year. According to Reuter's, the racer's wife Corinna and his daughter said that they were "stunned and deeply shocked" with the suspect's death.

The Guardian noted in an article that Schumacher's stolen medical records were allegedly being sold to the media for €50,000.

The IP address used in the medical record theft, according to The Guardian, was traced by French prosecutors to Rega. The company reportedly confirmed that it acquired a copy of the file which they said was used to provide a medical opinion on the athlete's transfer.

A thorough investigation of the case led to the arrest on Tuesday of a Rega employee who according to the authorities "violated patient privacy and medical secrecy."

According to The Guardian, the identity of the man including his age, nationality and other identifying details will not be revealed to the public. The prosecution lawyer of the case also stressed in a statement that the man should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The last known thing about Schumacher is that he is now recovering from his injuries after he emerged from coma but Reuters noted that there is only very few details known about his present condition.

The F1 racer has a record of 91 Grand Prix victories. He left the sport in 2013 after a "disappointing" comeback with Mercedes. He earlier retired from Ferrari late 2006.

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