Jerry Summers has died 10 years after former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, MD, performed spine surgery on him at Baylor Medical Center in Plano, Texas, ABC affiliate Local 24 News reported Feb. 11.
Mr. Summers, a childhood friend of Dr. Duntsch, died from an infection acquired after he was left a quadriplegic, according to the report.
During a cervical spinal fusion procedure, Dr. Duntsch penetrated an artery that paralyzed Mr. Summers from the neck down.
In February 2017, Dr. Duntsch, nicknamed "Dr. Death," was convicted for aggravated assault associated with care provided in the operating room.
He is serving a life sentence after killing and maiming more than 30 patients while practicing in Dallas.
Healthcare and science journalist Laura Bell detailed the story of Dr. Duntsch in a true crime podcast released by Wondery in 2018. Streaming service Peacock is producing a TV adaptation of the podcast, which will star Alec Baldwin and Joshua Jackson.