John Coughlin, former US pairs skater & commentator dead

[Elizabeth]

From the ISU at: https://isu.org/isu-news/news/145-news/ ... teParam=15

19 January 2019

Lausanne / Switzerland


We are shocked and saddened by the unexpected passing of John Coughlin, Chair of the ISU Athletes Commission and member of the ISU Single & Pair Skating Technical Committee. In the name of the ISU family, we herewith want to share our heartfelt condolences and kindest thoughts with John's family and friends in this time of sorrow.

It had recently been announced that he under investigation by "Safe Sport" in the USA. He had resigned from his position with John Wilson Blades.

[Kevin]

This is very upsetting to hear. I don't know the specifics of the allegations against him, or his unexpected death, but it seems to me there might be a correlation here.

Given the dramatic and disturbing revelations about Larry Nassar in the gynmastics community, I certainly understand the need and desire to keep these athletes safe. My concern comes in the way that allegations are now freely publicized before they have been fully investigated. Publicity from an allegation that turns out to be false, can have devastating effects on the accused. Of course, it is always of paramount importance to believe the statement of a victim, and to take immediate steps to investigate and prosecute. It's an ethical issue I struggle with, as I can see both sides of the coin, and want each side to have the opportunity to be heard fairly, without these types of outcomes. When something like this happens (speculation I know...), no one wins.

[kittykins]

I just heard about this...just horrible. It's too bad he was not able to seek help. As you said Kevin, when things become public when only charges have been laid, it can have disastrous consequences. Prayers for his family & friends. As someone who's had suicide in her family, I know it never leaves you and is devastating for decades to come.

[Elizabeth]

An article that talks about some "bigger picture" issues related to this: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/21/spor ... ating.html

[Kevin]

Thanks for posting that article Elizabeth. I have been scouring for information regarding the process of SafeSport, and what (if any) are the accused's rights within the process. It does seem that there is work to be done here. The reader comments that follow that article are very well written, and give serious pause for thought.

Again - I don't know if John Coughlin was innocent, or guilty, and I'm not going to speculate on either.

[Elizabeth]

Although I don't always agree with Phil Hersh, I think this article is worth a read: http://www.globetrottingbyphiliphersh.c ... r-pointing

And this story from Phil is about what USFS had to say today: http://www.globetrottingbyphiliphersh.c ... n-coughlin