Tragedy struck the medical community in California recently when beloved physician Dr. Michael J. Mammone was killed in a horrific incident. On February 1st, Dr. Mammone was riding his bike along the Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point when he was hit from behind by a car driven by Vanroy E. Smith, 39. Witnesses report that Smith then exited his vehicle with a knife and began to stab Mammone. Bystanders were able to detain Smith before deputies arrived and arrested him on suspicion of murder.
Dr. Mammone was a physician at Providence Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach, where he had worked for over two decades. He was known for his compassion and dedication to his work, and his death has been felt deeply by the hospital community. Dr. Dawn Aatwal, a cardiologist at the hospital, said “If a patient was brought in his condition he would have done everything he could to save that person.”
The motive for the attack is still unknown, and authorities are still investigating the incident. Smith was allegedly holding a BB gun when he approached Mammone, and the knife he allegedly pulled out was recovered at the scene. It is unclear whether a gun was recovered.
The death of Dr. Mammone has been a shock to everyone who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the memories of those he touched. Providence Mission Hospital issued a statement in honor of Dr. Mammone, saying “We will honor Dr. Mammone’s dedication to our community and passion for medicine by continuing to provide exceptional care.”
Source: people.com