Mark Wainberg, Trailblazing AIDS Researcher, Dies In Florida Swimming Accident
Mark Wainberg Image by Getty Images
By Dave Goldiner April 13, 2017
Mark Wainberg, a trailblazing Canadian AIDS researcher, reportedly died Tuesday while swimming in rough water in Bal Harbour, Florida. He was 71.
Wainberg, who lived in Montreal, was swimming Tuesday with his family when he started struggling with heavy surf and rip currents, Bal Harbour police chief Miguel De La Rosa said, according the the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
De La Rosa said Wainberg’s son tried in vain to rescue his dad.
“The son …. was able to locate him and began to swim back to shore with him,” said De La Rosa. “Other beach-goers went into the water and assisted him in bringing him onto the shore.”
But Wainberg couldn’t be revived and was later pronounced dead.
Wainberg was lead investigator at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research at the Jewish General Hospital and director of the McGill University AIDS Centre, CBC reported.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
