An Alaska cardiologist, Ryan McDonough, was found dead in his Wasilla home after a fire on Dec. 13, two days after his arrest on Dec. 11. He faced 10 counts of possession of child sex abuse material and had been released on $50,000 bail posted by his wife. Local outlets say he worked at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and briefly served on the state medical board. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and have not released additional details.
Alaska Doctor Found Dead After Wasilla House Fire Days After Arrest on Child Sex Abuse Material Charges
Alaska's News Source/YoutubeRyan McDonough house fire
An Alaska physician who had briefly served on the state medical board was found dead inside his Wasilla home after the residence burned down just days following his arrest on charges connected to child sex abuse material.
What Happened
Alaska State Troopers responded to a house fire in Wasilla on Dec. 13. Firefighters arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames. Authorities initially reported that 46-year-old Ryan McDonough was missing while other residents were accounted for; investigators later confirmed that human remains recovered at the scene were identified as McDonough’s.
Background And Charges
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation announced that McDonough was arrested on Dec. 11 as part of an inquiry into child sex abuse material and was charged with 10 counts of possession of child sex abuse material. Following the arrest, local reporting said his wife posted $50,000 bail on his behalf.
“It’s very shocking,” a spokesperson for Mat-Su Regional Medical Center told Alaska Public Media. The hospital said it terminated McDonough’s employment as soon as it was notified of the arrest.
Professional Roles
Local outlets reported that McDonough worked as a cardiologist at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and with Mat-Su Medical Group. In August, Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed him to the state medical board; the outlet said McDonough resigned from that post in November.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have said they are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze. At this stage officials have not released further details about how the fire started or whether foul play is suspected. The Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Bureau of Investigation are involved in the ongoing inquiries.
Note: McDonough was charged but not convicted. Reporting reflects information released by law enforcement and local media at the time of publication.
