A lone gunman wrought trauma and sorrow on Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital yesterday. Dr. Michel Davidson died in the emergency room last night.
The hospital released a statement online that expressed the grief felt by the staff over the death of Dr. Michael J. Davidson.
"The BWH community is heartbroken to have lost Dr. Michael J. Davidson, director of Endovascular Cardiac Surgery, to a senseless act of violence," it begins. "Kind, compassionate and beloved by his colleagues and his patients, Dr. Davidson was a bright light and an outstanding cardiac surgeon who devoted his career to saving lives and improving the quality of life of every patient he cared for."
At the age of 44, Davidson had graduated from Yale medical school and was a father of three children; he had two daughters, eight and nine, and a two-year old son. His wife, Terri Halperin, is seven months pregnant with their fourth child. Halperin is also a physician
"The world is a better place because of Dr. Davidson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family," the hospital stated.
Dr. Davidson was shot twice on Tuesday morning by Stephen Pasceri. Pasceri, 55, took his own life moments after shooting Davidson. He was found dead in an examination room. Though it is unclear as to why Pasceri committed the murder, officials have confirmed that Dr. Davidson treated Pasceri's late mother who passed in November. Pasceri had no criminal record. Those who knew him claimed that they were shocked to hear the news. Pasceri, they said, was a kind man with a loving family.
Brigham and Women's Hospital set up the The Dr. Michael J. Davidson Family Fund in honor of the late doctor. "The Dr. Michael J. Davidson Family Fund has been established at RTN Federal Credit Union. If you wish to contribute, please visit www.rtn.org/davidsonfund," says the statement.
