Dr's death allows workers to move on

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Workers at ECMC face life and death struggles every day, but this week it hit home as two respected co-workers died violently - one by the hand of the other.

The mood was somber, but with western New Yorkers depending on them, medical staff know they have to carry on. Emotions are raw at the end of a tough week.

One worker commented, "Heartbreaking. That's all I have to say."

Wednesday, Jacqueline Wisniewski, a highly respected secretary and mother of a young son, was murdered in a stairwell of the Miller Building. A manhunt was launched for Dr. Timothy Jorden, a trauma surgeon and Wisniewski's former boyfriend. The next day, a bomb scare added to the stress.

ECMC employee Candice Gdaniec said, "I really didn't want to come up here after what happened yesterday, but things needed to be done, and I was really scared."

Now the search for Timothy Jorden has ended with the discovery of his body near his Lakeview home, bearing what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Dan McCovery knew Jordan, and his fiancee worked with him.

"No, no one wanted it to end that way, even my fiancee. Right now, she is taking it really hard, because he was a friend," McCovery said.

CEO Jody Lomeo issued a brief written statement saying in part:

"This has been a difficult and sad time for the ECMC family. We especially honor and remember Jackie Wisniewski, a dedicated member of the ECMC family and extraordinary mother to her son.

"We are just starting the healing process and trying to cope with an incomprehensible event. ECMC has taken care of thousands from the community, and now the community has been taking care of us. The thoughts, prayers, and well wishes for the ECMC family have been heartwarming. God bless all of you."

Lynette Luksch, a member of the ECMC medical staff, said, "It is a very close-knit family. We are all taken aback by it, and need some time to let things settle in."

Despite the heartbreak and the grief, work goes on, at ECMC, saving lives and making lives better - 24/7.