Renowned Doctor From Md. Mysteriously Dies Of Cyanide Poisoning
PITTSBURGH (WJZ) -- A renowned doctor from Maryland mysteriously dies, and then comes word she was poisoned with cyanide.
Now the FBI is stepping in to help with the investigation.
Kai Jackson spoke with friends in Towson, devastated over the talented doctor's death.
As homicide detectives and the FBI investigate Dr. Autumn Klein's death, family and friends in Baltimore are remembering her as a talented physician and loving mother.
Pittsburgh police are trying to unravel a mysterious death with a Baltimore connection.
Dr. Autumn Marie Klein, 41, collapsed at her Pittsburgh home on April 20. She was pronounced dead at the hospital--the victim of cyanide poisoning.
Klein was featured in a Discovery Channel report about women with epilepsy. She was chief of the division of women's neurology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She was a wife and mother from Towson and married to a neurologist who also worked at the university.
Dr. Robert Ferrante called 911 April 20 to report that Klein, his wife, had a heart attack.
The medical examiner says all that's known is Klein died of cyanide poisoning. It's unclear how it got into her system, but the levels were extremely high.
"We're all just devastated by the news," said Carolyn Benfer, family friend.
Klein was a graduate of St. Paul's School for Girls, and those who knew her say it was clear early on that she had a promising future.
Carolyn and Don Benfer had known Klein since she was a child. They met Autumn and her parents through their church in Baltimore.
Autumn was the Klein's only child and the Benfers say her parents are devastated.
"When she was young she was always helping out with the younger children, and just, she was a joy to be around," said Don Benfer.
The FBI is now assisting in the investigation. Dr. Autumn Klein has donated her organs to those in need. She is survived by her husband and their 6-year-old daughter.
A memorial service for Dr. Autumn Klein is scheduled for next Friday, May 10, at Grace United Methodist Church in Baltimore.
