Kevorkian Helps California Woman, 63, End Her Life

PONTIAC, Mich. — A 63-year-old California woman suffering from bowel cancer that had spread to other organs committed suicide with the help of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the 32nd person to do so.

The death of Shirley Cline of Oceanside was the fourth suicide Kevorkian has taken part in since his third and most recent court victory on May 14.

Kevorkian lawyer Geoffrey Fieger said Cline “was in terrible pain” and died sometime Thursday. He would not say how or where, or how long she had been in contact with Kevorkian.

Oakland County Medical Examiner Dr. L.J. Dragovic said the cause of death was not immediately known but that Cline did not die of carbon monoxide poisoning, as have nearly all the others who killed themselves with Kevorkian’s help.

He also said there was evidence of the spread of cancer, “but no immediate threat to ending life.”

Two people brought the woman to William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak just after midnight Friday, spokeswoman Yvette Monet said. Fieger arrived shortly afterward and told a nurse that the woman was “a patient of Dr. Kevorkian’s,” Monet said.

Fieger said Cline died with Kevorkian, her son and two friends present. He did not identify the son or friends.

Reached at his home, Kevorkian said: “I can’t make any statements. Talk to Fieger.”

Kevorkian has taken part in 32 suicides since 1990. All attempts to stop him in court have failed. He has been acquitted of five suicides in three trials.