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Doctor dies from gunshot wound

By Keith J. Allen
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 - 05:23:22 am MST

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SIERRA VISTA — A local doctor died Friday night after suffering a gunshot wound, according to city police.

Dr. Gary Forsberg, 61, a radiologist at the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center, was shot when he and his wife, Beverly Forsberg, whose age was not released by police, were handling a gun in their Sierra Vista home about 9:50 p.m., Sierra Vista police reported on Saturday.

Police did not release the address of the couple’s home, but the White Pages online lists the address as 2600 Cherry Hills Drive, which is in the neighborhood near the Pueblo del Sol Country Club.

Forsberg’s wife called authorities for help, and Sierra Vista Fire Department medics responded. The Police Department said Forsberg was then taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“Yes, we are aware of this tragic accident,” said Marie Wurth, the hospital’s vice president of public relations officer. “And right now our focus is on Dr. Forsberg’s personal family and hospital family.”

Police had no further details of the incident available on Saturday. The department said its Special Operation Bureau is conducting the investigation and served a search warrant at the couple’s home in an effort to examine any potential evidence.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Cochise County Attorney’s Office, police said.

Members of the Cochise County Victim Witness Program also responded to support and help the family, friends and neighbors, police said.

Forsberg and his wife have been active in local Republican Party activities, said Gail Griffin, chairwoman of the Cochise County Republican Party.

“It’s a great loss,” she said after hearing the news of his death on Saturday. “He attended many functions and was a great supporter.”

In January, Forsberg was one of the cooks in the “Men Who Cook” fundraiser for the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra.

HERALD/REVIEW Managing Editor Keith J. Allen can be reached at 515-4610 or keith.allen@svherald.com. Herald/Review reporter Dana Cole contributed to this report.

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Nancy wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:05 AM:

" Dr. Forsberg's death is tragic--he helped save my life though when he personally stopped me in the hospital to show me a report that he had made after a recent mammogram. The OB/GYN did not tell me to follow-up with a surgeon as Dr. Forsberg had recommended four months earlier as outlined on the report, but he did. Thanks to him, my breast cancer was caught at Stage 0. Case in point: The community has lost a real asset, 2) Follow-up with your physician after routine exams. Be proactive in your own health. "

Dr wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:46 AM:

" Gary was a classmate and friend. He was a kind, easy going, and caring physician. I sincerely hope that the truth surfaces in the conclusion of the horrific tragedy. I still cannot comprehend the enormity of this situation. "

Need Healing wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:38 PM:

" To Get Real, I think people are eager to have the investigation completed so that they can begin the healing process. Right now there seem to be many rumors floating around that are not helping anyone and are not conducive to the grieving process. The families involved deserve for the truth, no matter what that turns out to be, to come out, in a timely fashion, so that they can all move forward in their grief. "

Wondering wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:15 AM:

" To Get Real: Three weeks and no outcome as to if this WAS an accident? "

To Get Real wrote on Aug 29, 2008 5:18 AM:

" Ahhhh, another one of our local "experts" who knows how to do everyone else's job better than they do. (More sarcasm, in case it went over your head.) "

Get Real wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:44 PM:

" To What is up: If you think the SVPD is so great, lets hope that they aren't the only investigative agency when something tragic happens in your life.
The State criminal investigators should have been called in immediately. "

To What is up wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:57 PM:

" Do you mean to tell me that the police department is conducting their investigation without providing YOU with regular briefings!!?? That's OUTRAGEOUS!! Don't they know who YOU ARE!!?? How dare they actually do their job without filling YOU in on all the details!!?? (Are you picking up the sarcasm here?) Same questions to "Wondering." Who do they think they are, not running everything by YOU!!?? The last thing they need is you idiots looking over their shoulder. "

What is up wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:31 PM:

" At what point can we expect an update? The accident occurred almost two weeks ago and the services have been performed. If there was any evidence that this was anything other than a tragic accident, an arrest would have been made by this point, wouldn't it have? Is the paper even ATTEMPTING to get information at this point or have you just moved on to other things? "

Wondering wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:06 AM:

" Our police department must be so stumped that they can't give an update, go figure. "

simplyme wrote on Aug 26, 2008 7:37 PM:

" this isn't "General Hospital", imagine having to bury your father and then see these comments and traffic from a bunch of "drama" hungry fools? Put yourself in their shoes and stop playing Sherlock Holmes. This is for real, a loved one, a respected and productive member of our community is gone. "Public Info" you must be a drive-by, I cannot conceive the idea, at the location of such a tragedy-so much suffering/pain you want to be a tourist? Why? In hopes to get a glimpse of a grieving family member? You want results? Get it from public records yourself. "

Maybe wrote on Aug 26, 2008 5:01 PM:

" I'd guess the press has only dropped it because the police are not talking, as they prepare for an arrest. "

doimf wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:51 PM:

" Has the investigation been completeted?
Could someone either in the police dept. or on the newspaper staff update the public. "

To Info Please wrote on Aug 26, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Don't call the Herald the press. It is the only rag in this town, and they very seldom follow up on any stories. Chances are it wasn't just an accident, and the ace investigators are still investigating. "

Info please wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:42 AM:

" Why hasn't there been an update on this? The press seems to have dropped this case, probably because it was a tragic accident and it doesn't have the drama the media loves. Whatever the case, the public deserves an update. My thoughts and prayers remain with the families. "

more details please wrote on Aug 24, 2008 5:08 PM:

" What is the latest on this? I haven't seen anything more in the paper and even when looking on the internet I can't find more. Where is the investigation at? Thank you. "

To public info wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:44 PM:

" She should call the police? She shouldn't be allowed in that house until the forsenic investagors went over it with a fine tooth comb. "

public info. wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:59 PM:

" It is unclear to my why everyone is so caught up on printing the address. As the Herald found out, it is publically accessible. If people are "poking" around, she should call the police if they are on her property. I seriously doubt people are driving by the house anyways. I haven't nor do I plan to. Seen one house seen 'em all. "

Manners please wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:44 AM:

" I did not know this man, and I do not know his family, but I did offer up prayers because I know, first hand, how profoundly difficult it is to lose a loved one - especially when the death is not a result of "natural causes." I have not, nor will I, drive past the family home. Why? Quite simply, it's not my business. The police will sort out the facts, and then the curious will be able to read all about it. I agree with many others here that the address should not have been published. "

Brandie Hummel Thompson wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:16 AM:

" I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Forsberg for a few years and I have to say that he was one of the greatest persons I've ever met. I can hardly believe that this has happened. I never knew him not to laugh and joke, even when you knew he wasn't in the best of moods. He was so easy to get along with and always made every one feel very welcome. He will be truly missed. We all loved him very much. "

Sooo wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:25 PM:

" Sooo...public info, that family living there is a widow who doesn't need people polking around for her own security and peace of mind. "

TK wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:31 PM:

" As usual, a disgraceful job of reporting the news. Over and over we see the herald write things that should not be reported or are irrelevant or not factual. What an embarrassement this newspaper is to our community. Have some respect! "

Curious wrote on Aug 19, 2008 11:03 AM:

" The details seem to be very vague. If the press is going to the extreme of giving out the address when the police did NOT, why aren't they interviewing the family? Something seems odd about the reporting of this case and the lack of details. "

a former co worker wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:34 AM:

" This was a wonderful man!! My thought go out to his son, his father, his brother, and his sister. I loved working with him, seeing his smiling face everyday. He always made the techs laugh with all the funny things he did. I am so sorry you never made it on the cruise with the Brown's, maybe you can be their angel that will help them have a winning record this year. I will truly miss seeing you at SVRHC. Don't laugh at us too much up there!!! "

New to SV wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:29 AM:

" I really hope that the family can get through this time and ignore almost of the posts that have been written. It seems that this man led a good life and tried to get involved in helping to make a difference... I hope that is what he'll be remembered for. God Bless him and keep him safe. "

American wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:35 AM:

" This is a shocking tragedy. Hours before he died he was reading films and doing the jod he loved. Little did he know he was in the last hours of his life. NO ONE knows! Think about that people! Some of you who are reading this may unknowingly be in the last hours of your life! Dont waste precious time with negativity and judgement. Love, forgive and keep short accounts. Dr Forsberg will be missed. Thughts and prayers for the family. "

public info. wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:17 AM:

" If printing the address drives people to go to this house and as someone else said, they would interfere with a crime scene, then they would be breaking and entering. I doubt the family living there would let strangers in to "look around." As for a warrant being served, that is to protect the legitimacy of the investigation should a crime have occurred. "

jensat wrote on Aug 19, 2008 7:10 AM:

" My thoughts an prayers are with Dr. Forsberg's family at this time. But I'm disgusted with this . What in the world was this reporter thinking to release the address of the Forsberg's home, I could understand what neighborhood, but the house number and street. This was totally irresponsible of both the reporter and the newspaper. If the investigation proves that this was an accident, than what about the additional stress caused by the curious and/or just plain nosy people just trying to get a look.... that have now been provided the opportunity by your paper. "

a recent aquaintance wrote on Aug 18, 2008 5:31 PM:

" I am a travel technician who has had the pleasure of working with Dr. Forsberg for a while. I WILL miss him and I wish the entire radiology department and his family God's blessings and pray for their recovery from this unfortunate event. "

Wondering wrote on Aug 18, 2008 3:53 PM:

" This happened Friday night, no updates yet?
EDITOR'S NOTE: The police only say the investigation is continuing and have not issued any further information. Public records police report not filed yet. "

Hmmm wrote on Aug 18, 2008 3:09 PM:

" I hope the Herald will follow up and provide us more details as they become available. "

Very Sad wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:55 PM:

" I was shocked to read the article about Dr. Forsberg. I had the pleasure of working with him at SVRHC and he was a wonderful man. Very good in his work and a devoted family man. I no longer work at the hospital, but looked forward to passing him in the halls whenever I visited. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very tragic time. If there are any further "negatives" on this site, you should all be ashamed of yourselves. A 61-year old man has died. Respect! "

DJ Palmieri wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:53 PM:

" I don't think the goal was to a point finger but to report that Dr. Forsberg was an active member of our community and he WILL be missed. It was a terrible shock to many if not all in the medical community that worked with him -- instead of being negative -- take a moment send some positive vibes, say a prayer or whatever it is you believe in for those he left behind. "

Laurie Daynes Dr. Lincoln Daynes family wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:03 AM:

" Gary was a very kind and thoughtful friend to our family, especially our 16 year-old son, Logan. We will miss him very much and do have faith that we will see him again one day. "

momofkids wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:19 AM:

" This paper is looking more and more like the Enquirer! Was there ANY specific reason the Herald went out of their way to publish the address after the police decided not to give it out? This paper does nothing for the community except to make it look trashy! I do not know this doctor or his family, but I am sure that they are going through enough right now and to have the fine upstanding people of this community that may or may not know them judge them. What a shame! "

a friend wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:00 AM:

" my thoughts and prayers are with his son right now,let's not make it any harder for him at this time with a bunch of ridiculous comments! "

BN wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:54 AM:

" Why do journalist have a bad name? Look at this article. The author went to the trouble of finding the exact address of a crime scene to publish in the paper, were worried about what group they belonged to (who cares what Gail Griffin has to say at this point), and the fact that he cooked for a fund raiser. Are you trying to report the crime or are you trying to take care of his obituary at the same time?? Were you trying to fill the empty column space? Stupidity runs rampant. "

Wondering wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:34 AM:

" Why was a search warrant served on the residence? The police were called for help why would they need a warrant? "

Sooo wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:49 PM:

" Sooo..."public info" you have no problem then with the curious public walking up to investigate and possibly interfering with people involved with a tragic event or possibly contaminating a potential crime scene. I'm sure the police had their reasons for not releasing the address. "

tragedy wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:59 PM:

" Gary was a tremendous person who cared for his job and his patients and will be missed by all "

R E S P E C T wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:35 PM:

" This is why no one wants to live or stay in Sierra Vista. A person has passed away...be respectful. Who cares about if they were Republicans or if PDS will have more traffic with people driving by. Be thankful it wasn't you or one of your family. Show some respect, Sierra Vista. "

His child wrote on Aug 17, 2008 5:53 PM:

" Prayers going up on behalf of the Forsberg family. What a tragedy.
Know that you are loved "

public info. wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:43 PM:

" The Herald did it's job reporting the address. This is the site of a tragedy and possibly a crime, hence in the public interest. "

KB wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:37 AM:

" Why is it relevant that the deceased and his wife were involved with the Republican Party? Seems like an implication that Republicans are gun nuts and don't know how to handle a firearm. Interesting. "

WOW wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:04 AM:

" There was probably a good reason for the police not releasing the address. But the Herald a seen it necessary to make sure that the PDS community gets plenty of visitors. Good job. "

Very Tragic wrote on Aug 17, 2008 6:52 AM:

" Thoughts and prayers are going up for the family.
People please remember the 5-Basic-Rules-of-Gun-Safety: 1) A gun is always “loaded” (even if it isn’t, you should always be mindful of the gun) 2) NEVER point a gun at ANYTHING you are unwilling to destroy. 3) Keep your finger out of the triggerguard until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot. 4) Be sure of your target and what is behind it. 5) Maintain control of your gun. EVERY incident of an “accidental shooting” violated at least one of these rules. "