Doctor's mysterious death probed
WEST PITTSTON - An attorney for the family of Jennifer Sidari, the newly minted doctor from West Pittston who unexpectedly died May 29, says he has assembled a world-class team of medical experts to determine what led to her death.
Standing in the front yard of the Sidari family home, attorney Matt Casey of Philadelphia pledged to launch a thorough investigation to learn the cause of the 26-year-old's death and examine whether she received proper hospital care.
Dr. Sidari, who graduated from the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton on May 11, died from an unknown medical condition several days after reporting to the hospital May 26 for a complaint of headaches.
"This investigation will get to the bottom of what happened to her," Mr. Casey vowed, flanked by Dr. Sidari's father, Peter, and former Luzerne County District Attorney Bob Gillespie, a family friend who now specializes in personal injury law. "I have assembled a world-class team of medical experts."
Mr. Casey, son of former Gov. Robert P. Casey and brother of Sen. Bob Casey, said no conclusions have been reached and no litigation has started, but "no stone will be left unturned" along the way.
Family members have previously said Dr. Sidari went to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Twp. Doctors spotted something that required her to be admitted, but the family said they were given no indication it was serious. Her condition rapidly deteriorated on May 28, and she was transferred to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Dr. Sidari died hours later, surrounded by family.
Following Mr. Casey's announcement, Geisinger Health System released a statement that indicated an internal review was underway.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jennifer Sidari and wish to express heartfelt sympathy to her parents and family. We know Jennifer was a promising young doctor who was passionate about caring for others," the statement said.
Contact the writer: bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com, @cvbobkal on Twitter