Official: Ukrainian coach found dead in Pa. cell
Friday, February 10, 2012
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Federal officials say a Ukrainian hockey coach has died of a suspected suicide while in custody in Philadelphia on child-molestation charges.
A prison spokesman says 48-year-old Ivan (ee-VAHN') Pravilov (PRAH'-vuh-lahv) was found unresponsive in his cell at 3 a.m. Friday.
Prison spokesman Darrin Howard says a preliminary investigation suggests the death was a suicide. An autopsy is pending.
Pravilov was a mentor to several NHL and U.S. college players.
He was indicted last month on charge he fondled a 14-year-old Ukrainian player at his Philadelphia apartment, and later threatened a teen witness.
Pravilov had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His defense lawyer did not immediately return messages about the death Friday.
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