Examiner: Madoff investor committed suicide

From Laura Batchelor
CNN

NEW YORK (CNN) - The death of a hedge fund adviser whose firm reportedly lost $1.5 billion investing with alleged scam artist Bernard Madoff has been ruled a suicide, according to the New York City medical examiner's office.

Thierry de la Villhuchet, 65, died from an overdose of diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl or Sleepanol, and flesh wounds, said Ellen Borakove, spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner's office.

Emergency crews found de la Villehuchet's body in his Madison Avenue office on December 23, 2008. He worked for Access International Advisors.

Madoff faces felony securities fraud charges for allegedly operating a multi-billion-dollar Ponzi scheme that led high-profile charities, celebrities, and many other investors to lose their investments.