John Coughlin Was Facing Sexual Misconduct Allegations Before His Death

Former U.S. skater John Coughlin was facing reports of sexual misconduct before his death

John Coughlin, a former two-time U.S. pairs figure skating champion who passed away last week after taking his own life, faced three reports of sexual misconduct against him, including two that involved minors, USA Today reported Sunday.

The three reports were filed with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, with the first report filed on Dec. 17. That report led the agency to restrict Coughlin from participating in his sport, pending final resolution of the matter. Then, two other reports, both of which involved minors, were filed in the last few weeks, leading SafeSport USA to suspend Coughlin, banning him from "any capacity, in any activity or competition" involving the U.S. Olympic Committee or U.S. Figure Skating. 

In a Jan. 7 email to USA Today, Coughlin denied the allegations against him. 

"While I wish I could speak freely about the unfounded allegations levied against me, the SafeSport rules prevent me from doing so since the case remains pending," said Coughlin. "I note only that the SafeSport notice of allegation itself stated that an allegation in no way constitutes a finding by SafeSport or that there is any merit to the allegation."

Coughlin was found dead by suicide at his father's home on Friday, Kansas City Police said. 

Coughlin, 33, won the U.S. pairs title in 2011 with his partner Cailin Yankowskas and again in 2012 with Caydee Denney. He also coached and acted as a commentator for skating competitions. 

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement on Coughlin's death on Twitter writing that they were "stunned at the news." 

“We are stunned at the news of the death of two-time U.S. pairs champion John Coughlin. Our heartfelt and deepest sympathies are with his father Mike, sister Angela and the rest of his family. Out of respect to the family, we will have no further comment until a later time,” U.S. Figure Skating tweeted.

Photo: Getty Images


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