Alpena native and U.S.A Gymnastics coach found dead after sexual assault; trafficking charges

LANSING, Mich. — Alpena native and former U.S gymnastics coach with ties to Larry Nassar was found dead hours after being criminally charged on Thursday.

John Geddert, Alpena Hall of Fame elect in 2013, died by suicide late Thursday afternoon after police found his body in Grand Ledge. This followed the announcement that he was facing 24 criminal charges. He was charged with 20 counts of human trafficking and forced labor resulting in injury- six being trafficking charges against minors- two counts of criminal sexual conduct, one count of racketeering and lying to police.

Geddert, 63, led the U.S women’s gymnastics team to the gold medal in 2012. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced his charges earlier today prior to his death.

“The victims suffer from disordered eating, including bulimia and anorexia, suicide attempts and self-harm, excessive physical conditioning, repeatedly being forced to perform even when injured, extreme emotional abuse and physical abuse, including sexual assault,” Nessel said. “Many of these victims still carry these scars from his behavior to this day.”

Following the news of his death, the attorney general said it was a “tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved.”