George Tyndall Cause of Death: A Former USC Gynecologist Accused of Sexual Abuse Dies at 76.
George Tyndall, a former gynecologist who had faced multiple charges of sexual abuse and misconduct during his tenure at the University of Southern California (USC), was discovered deceased in his home on October 4, 2023. His attorney, Leonard Levine, confirmed his passing, attributing it to natural causes.
A Disturbing History of Allegations:
Tyndall, aged 76, had served as a gynecologist at USC’s student health center for nearly three decades, from 1989 to 2016. His employment came to an end in 2017 following an internal investigation that unveiled his violation of the university’s sexual harassment and inappropriate touching policies.
However, his dismissal was the culmination of years of grievances from numerous female students. These students accused him of making sexually suggestive comments, taking inappropriate photographs, and conducting unnecessary or invasive examinations.
Many of the victims also alleged that Tyndall specifically targeted women of color and international students, making racist or derogatory comments about their bodies and backgrounds.
In 2018, the Los Angeles Times published a comprehensive exposé on Tyndall’s alleged misconduct. This exposé ignited public outrage, prompting more women to come forward with their own harrowing accounts.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) subsequently initiated a criminal investigation into Tyndall, making it the largest investigation into sexual abuse by a single perpetrator in the department’s history.
In 2019, Tyndall was arrested and charged with 29 felony counts of sexual penetration and sexual battery by fraud, relating to 16 of his former patients from 2009 to 2016. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. In 2020, the prosecution added six more charges, bringing the total number of victims to 21.
Tyndall also faced hundreds of civil lawsuits from former patients, leading to a historic $1.1 billion settlement by USC in 2021. This landmark settlement included an $852 million payout to over 700 women who alleged abuse by Tyndall, in addition to a previous $215 million federal class-action settlement and other individual settlements.
It was heralded as “the largest sexual abuse settlement against any university” and “the largest personal injury settlement against any university in history.”
A Startling Conclusion to a Controversial Case:
Tyndall’s unexpected death shocked many who had been closely following his case, as the trial had been scheduled for March 2024. His attorney noted that Tyndall had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to clear his name and prove his innocence in court.
In response to the news of his passing, some of his accusers expressed relief and a sense of closure, no longer fearing having to confront him in court or seeing him evade justice. However, others voiced frustration and disappointment, hoping that he would face consequences in the afterlife.
The LAPD announced the closure of its investigation into Tyndall but pledged to continue offering support and resources to survivors of his abuse. USC’s administration extended condolences to Tyndall’s family and friends while reaffirming its commitment to supporting victims and preventing sexual violence on campus.
In Conclusion:
George Tyndall’s death marked the end of a protracted and intricate saga, revealing the extent of his alleged sexual abuse and misconduct at USC. It also raised questions about the university’s handling of complaints against him over the years and its efforts to safeguard its students.
While his passing may have provided some closure to his victims, it left others dissatisfied with the perceived lack of justice and accountability. Tyndall’s legacy will continue to cast a shadow on USC’s reputation and serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and action against sexual violence in all settings.
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