James Kohut
James Kohut, a former neurosurgeon who practiced at Dominican Hospital, had lived in Santa Cruz and Soquel for many years. He was found dead in his cell at the Santa Cruz County Jail early on a Sunday morning, October 13, 2019, according to the Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office forensic pathologist determined that he cut his left groin and partially severed his femoral artery, and officials said he left a note about a planned suicide, though the sheriff's office investigation is ongoing. Officials said he had been on suicide watch after an earlier attempt and was placed back under observation in September, but they said he was not on watch when he died and was alone in a protective housing unit.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office officials said he had been on suicide watch after an earlier attempt, had been placed back under observation in September, and was not on watch when he died.
Reported by: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Sheriff's Office forensic pathologist (medical examiner or coroner).