'She tried to do her job and it killed her': Father of doctor who died by suicide while on 'front line' of coronavirus speaks out

A New York emergency room doctor fighting on the frontline of coronavirus died by suicide on Sunday, police confirmed.

Dr Lorna Breen, 49, was the medical director of the emergency department at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, and died in her family home in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Tyler Hawn, spokesman for the Charlottesville Police Department, confirmed the news:

The victim was taken to UVA Hospital for treatment, but later succumbed to self-inflicted injuries.

Her father, Dr Philip Breen, said his daughter had been treating coronavirus patients when she contracted the virus herself.

After taking a week and a half off work, she went back to help treat Covid-19 patients at her hospital.

But the NY hospital sent her home and her family intervened to bring her back to Virginia.

He said:

She tried to do her job, and it killed her… She was truly in the trenches of the front line.

Make sure she’s praised as a hero, because she was. She’s a casualty just as much as anyone else who has died.

Dr Lorna Breen reportedly had no prior history of depression, according to her family.

Tributes to the NY doctor poured in on social media:

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

For services local to you, the national mental health database – Hub of Hope – allows you to enter your postcode to search for organisations and charities who offer mental health advice and support in your area