Doctor’s spouse sends thanks to her rescuer
The husband of the Massachusetts General Hospital psychiatrist who was stabbed last week in a Boston medical office building has publicly thanked the security guard who fatally shot her assailant, saying the quick action saved her life.
Claude Desrosiers’ wife, Astrid, was attacked on Oct. 27 by her patient Jay Carciero, 37, of Reading, police say. Off-duty security guard Paul Langone responded and fatally shot Carciero.
“My deepest appreciation goes to the gentleman who had the courage to go into the room to help my wife during the attack,’’ Claude Desrosiers said in a statement. “He saved her life. My family and I will forever be grateful to him for stepping forward and doing what he was trained to do in the midst of a horrible situation.’’
Desrosiers also thanked the “thousands of people who have been praying for my wife,’’ saying “the outpouring of support from so many has been truly remarkable and comforting, and it has helped our family get through this difficult time.’’
He also thanked his wife’s colleagues and friends, the medical team at Massachusetts General Hospital that has been caring for his wife, and Boston police and MGH security officials.
He said that his wife’s health is improving every day and that she wants to get well quickly so she can return to her patients.
At the end of his statement, he addressed the Carciero family. “Finally, I want to say to the family who lost their loved one in this incident that I hope they can be strong,’’ he said. “I know this is a painful and difficult time, and they are in our prayers.’’
Prosecutors said last week that, based on a preliminary investigation, Langone’s shooting of Carciero in the hospital’s bipolar clinic and research program at 50 Staniford St. was justified.
Langone, 33, who also is a resident of Reading but did not know Carciero, could not be reached last night, but his father spoke to the Globe.
“We, of course, are so pleased to hear that the doctor appears to be making a recovery,’’ said Paul F. Langone, the guard’s father. “We are praying for a complete recovery. I’m very proud of my son and what he did. We pray for the Desrosiers and we pray for the Carcieros.’’
Carciero’s family has described him as a gentle, caring father and called the events surrounding his death unexplainable.
