Fans of the Formula One racing superstar Michael Schumacher can now relax as reports reveal that the racer is showing signs of recovery. Since the tragic skiing accident he encountered in the French Alps in December 2013, the athlete has been confirmed to be out of a coma since June.
"Michael has left the CHU Grenoble (hospital) to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore," spokeswoman Sabina Kehm declared in an announcement last June, which served as an update for the concerned fans worldwide.
Following his release from the hospital, Schumacher was reported to be undertaking additional rehabilitation treatment at the University Hospital in Lausanne.
However, this good news appeared to have been overshadowed by another devastating incident.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2014, the man alleged to have stolen and leaked the medical records of the racer was found hanged in a police cell in Zurich. Preliminary investigations reveal that the death of the individual might have been suicide. In addition, Reuters reported that the possibility of foul party or any third-party involvement has been officially ruled out.
The man was arrested on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Prior to the alleged suicide, the suspect was scheduled for a hearing before a judge. Police officers found his body when they came to give him breakfast.
The 54-year-old suspect was identified as a manager at Rega, which was the Swiss helicopter company that transferred Schumacher from Grenoble Hospital to the University Hospital of Lausanne last June 16. According to reports, the alleged thief was trying to sell the medical records to different media for €50,000 (£40,000/US$67,000).
A statement from Ernst Kohler, an executive from the air rescue service group, disclosed the company's sympathy and sadness over the demise of one of their colleagues.
"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 stated.
Corinna, Schumacher's wife, as well as their daughter, was said to have been "stunned and deeply shocked" by the death of the suspect.
Questioned regarding the mental state of the detained man, Zurich police explained that they found no indications pertaining to any psychological instability or suicidal tendency when they interrogated the suspect.
"Out of respect for human dignity, detained people keep their clothing in the cells. There are also sheets in the cells, so there's always a risk that we cannot eliminate," clarified police spokesman Werner Schaub.
However, no detail was provided on the item or object the man might have used to hang himself.
