The Broward Health community is mourning the loss of its leader, President and CEO Dr. Nabil El Sanadi, who died Saturday after authorities say he shot himself in the lobby restroom of his condominium building.
The Broward County Medical Examiner's Office said El Sanadi died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
According to a report from the Broward County Sheriff's Office, emergency dispatchers received a call just before 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon of a person who fell in the restroom in the lobby of Lauderdale-By-the-Sea. First responders arrived to find El Sanadi on the restroom floor. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the report said.
According to the Sheriff's Department, one of Dr. El Sanadi's many roles was as Medical Director for the Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue. "Like so many others, I was shocked to hear about his death. I will forever remember his infectious smile and his genuine concern for others. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family at this most difficult time," said Broward Sheriff's Department Public Information Office Director Veda Coleman-Wright.
According to a report by the Sun Sentinel, Broward Health appointed El Sanadi President and CEO in December 2014. He also continued to work as Chief of Emergency Medicine for the system even after his appointment. Dr Sanadi said he intended to still work monthly shifts in the ER "so that he could maintain his skills and understand the impact of his boardroom decisions," the Sentinel reported.
According to published reports, El Sanadi was an Egyptian immigrant who came to the United States with his family in the 1960's. He was recovering from triple bypass surgery,
A memorial on the health system's website, www.browardhealth.org, described El Sanadi as "an extraordinary physician and a passionate leader who will be missed by the entire Broward Health family and community."
Former Chief Operating Officer Kevin Fusco is now serving as acting CEO.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) is a free, 24/7 service that can provide suicidal persons or those around them with support, information and local resources.
Twitter: @BethJSanborn