Acting
Cyril H. Wecht
Dr. Cyril Harrison Wecht (March 20, 1931 – May 13, 2024) was a prominent American forensic pathologist whose career spanned several decades and included notable contributions to the field of forensic medicine. He held leadership positions as president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American College of Legal Medicine, and he chaired the board of trustees for the American Board of Legal Medicine. His extensive experience included serving as the Allegheny County Coroner and Medical Examiner, as well as a County Commissioner in the Pittsburgh area.
As a clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and an adjunct law professor at Duquesne University, Dr. Wecht performed over 17,000 autopsies throughout his career. He gained national attention for his critical analysis of the Warren Commission's conclusions regarding the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Since 1962, he maintained a private practice while also functioning as a forensic consultant for complex legal cases, often acting as an expert witness. His testimony was pivotal in high-profile trials, including those related to Jonny Gammage, Sam Sheppard, and Jeffrey Locker. Wecht's expertise extended to several high-profile investigations, including the deaths of Robert F. Kennedy and Elvis Presley, and he appeared on numerous media platforms, bringing forensic pathology into the public eye. His work in the 2015 film *Concussion*, where he was portrayed by Albert Brooks, highlighted his advocacy for understanding the impact of concussions in sports.
