Andrew Bourne, Mammoth Lakes
Update: Wednesday, 11:30 am – The Mono Sheriff’s Office issued another brief statement to say Dr. Bourne was found on Hot Creek Hatchery Road by his wife. Here is the full press release:
“On Tuesday, January 24th, 2012, at approximately 4:00pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a deceased male that was found on the Hot Creek Hatchery Road outside the Town of Mammoth Lakes area.
Dr. Andrew Bourne, age 46, of Mammoth Lakes, was found deceased by his spouse. There is no evidence to suspect foul play in the death; however, the final cause of death is still under investigation.”
The tragic story of Dr. Andrew Bourne of Mammoth Lakes and his recent arrest turned an even darker corner Tuesday night when the Mono Sheriff’s Department confirmed reports that Dr. Bourne had died. Privately, highly placed Mammoth sources called his death suicide. The Mono Sheriff’s Department said the cause of death is under investigation.
KEYT News of Santa Barbara reported that sources told them that Bourne took his own life by injecting himself with drugs. The Sheriff’s Department reported in a brief press release that their dispatch received a call Tuesday at 4pm regarding a deceased man in the Mammoth Lakes area. Officers said that the 46-year-old Dr. Bourne was found unresponsive. Some reports said his body was found out Hot Creek Rd.
The Sheriff’s press release said that Long Valley Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Mono County Paramedics and Mono Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene. Officers said when units arrived on scene, it was determined that Dr. Bourne was deceased.
The press release said that foul play is not suspected and the cause of death is under investigation. Again, other sources, including KEYT News of Santa Barbara reported that Bourne took his own life.
On January 5th, Santa Barbara Police had arrested Bourne and Joe Walker of Mammoth Lakes on sex crime allegations involving a 15-year-old Santa Barbara girl. Bourne faced eight counts of illegal communication with a minor to facilitate sexual activity. Earlier this month, Bourne had lost his surgical contract at Mammoth Hospital, and he resigned from his seat on the Mammoth School Board.
The Mammoth Hospital website recites the many good deeds of Dr. Bourne’s life, including his extensive education, many surgeries, teaching and volunteer surgeries in Mexico, Jamaica and the Philippines. He also volunteered in a trauma surgery program at a US Army Medical Center caring for casualties of war in the Middle East.
Bourne’s service to others was eclipsed by the arrest and charges. As many in the community of Mammoth Lakes talked about Bourne’s death, others pointed to a report in the Santa Barbara News-Press that said Deputy District Attorney Mary Barron had told the Judge in Bourne and Walker’s case that Dr. Bourne “allegedly discussed with the alleged victim his intent to commit suicide to evade charges.”
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This is tragic all the way around. Obviously, there was something going on – whether it was illegal or at minimum inappropriate, what motivation could the DA possibly have to arrest these men other than to protect the victim? While I am sure it is shocking to imagine someone so admired within the community is alleged to have done something so awful, please remember that the other side of this story involves a young girl and her family. Those that loved Dr. Bourne will probably never be convinced that he may have done anything wrong, despite whatever evidence there is to the contrary. It is a shame that he chose to end his life rather than stay and stand with his family and fight for his reputation.
He was a good man. Liked by all who knew him. He will be missed.
Dear Glenn Clark,
Well said. Thank you.
In regards to Dr. Andrew Bourne the only thing that comes to mind is the poem by Thomas Dylan: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night. What a sad day was yesterday.
This post is in reply to a previous post in which the writer made an observation of Dr. Bourne being selfish.
Selfish, can you say it is so selfish, can you relate what he was going through in his heart, in his mind?
The man was a most caring man, but yet he was a man, he was human, he may have made a mistake, and people are crying foul so loudly, saying all sorts of horrible things. Can you say he was selfish, can you say he was a coward, when faced with something he just could not see any way out of? What would one do .. we can not answer that for someone else, we can only answer it for ourselves, if we make it through such a crisis within, make it back from the brink.
I would say, that unless you have been there, to the brink of total despair in such a situation, any situation in which you feel no way out. Any situation in which you are so overcome with guilt, fear, despair, that you don’t see any way out. To the brink of taking your life because you feel no one would understand what you are feeling in your heart, no one seems to believe you, no one sees your heart in it all. No one sees the depression that has gripped you.
I met this man one time, and in the brief minutes of our meeting, I found a very caring man who genuinely cared about people, I had heard of his giving of his self to help others. But his presence was a genuine loving soul.
Yet just the same, he was a man, a human being, who had faults. but now perhaps those faults take away everything he was, and there is no mercy for it.
People can be so cold and judgmental, when faults are exposed, they totally are blinded to anything else. It’s real easy to pick up the stone, and even throw it, even though, they know, themselves, there are faults within themselves.
I know, what he was accused of in light of what I just said, he most likely did not see any hope and in a deep place in his thoughts, he wanted to end the pain, that he saw no way out of.
I would also venture into the thought of his innocence of these accusations, which, so far have not been proven. In that light, put yourself in his place where so many are pointing fingers and holding the noose. Crying for retribution.
How overpowering that must be, to be thought of so horribly by so many, and be totally innocent. And feeling that you are guilty before you can be proven innocent, can one imagine that weight?
Can one imagine the weight he was experiencing in all of this, not only for himself, but his family, everyone he knows, the judgement of the world.
We lost a good man, a wonderful doctor, a friend, a caring person. His mistake has cost him so much, cost us all so much. Can we see the man for who he was, not for a mistake? Can we find forgiveness for that tragic mistake.
I wish he was here, I wish I could tell him how much I admire him for who he was, and that, even if he messed up bad or did wrong, I believe in who he is and could be, and will be, once he got past this.
And it would have passed, with forgiveness and hope for the future. I wish the world could have waited to judge, give the benefit of doubt, at least. Andrew Bourne, rest your soul in peace. You gave so much of your heart and talent. God saw your heart, and that is all that matters, I was blessed to have met you.
Glenn Clark
Bishop
Thank you so much for what you wrote. I am a very close friend of Andy’s and you are right. He was in so much pain because everyone assumed that what they read was true. That if he was accused he must be guilty. People are harsh and judge others without any regard to the real evidence. The Santa Barbara police and DA’s office exaggerated the evidence. People assume you are guilty based only on unfounded allegations. Andy was a very good man. He was committed to his family, community and helping others. He saved countless lives and was incredibly generous. It is a tragedy and a monumental loss to the community. How many people will not be helped because of incorrect and false allegations and because of his loss. Thank you for your message.
We are absolutely heartbroken about the loss of Andy Bourne. We wish so much we could attend his memorial service, but we will be there in spirit. Our entire family sends condolences to his family and friends. We always believed in him.
A fund for the benefit of Gilann Bourne & Family has been set up at the Eastern Sierra Community Bank in Mammoth Lakes. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “FBO Gilann Bourne & Family” (Account # 5015553) and dropped off or mailed to:
Eastern Sierra Community Bank
307 Old Mammoth Rd.
PO Box 5069
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
ATTN. Yvonne Martin
760-923-1500
[email protected]
Thank you for the info. I will contribute.
Every day when I see the scars on my body, I am reminded of Dr. Bourne and how hard he worked to save my life. I will forever be grateful to him. He was an amazing man and extremely gifted surgeon, and it pains me that this tragedy happened to him and his family. Surely, all the good he did during his life outweighed the bad. I wish we had more answers.
This is terrible. Andy did a lot for the health and well-being of our community. He will be missed.
Dr. Bourne performed emergency surgery on one of my relatives and was professional, competent, and compassionate. I don’t know anything about his personal life, but everything I have heard from people who did know him suggests that he was a good man. Let’s also recall that he was NOT accused of statutory rape, only with communicating with a teenage girl with the intent to have sex. We have not seen the emails, we have no idea what was said, and we have no basis for interpreting his intent or for making any kind of judgement. Those of you who know Dr. Bourne and his family might consider how we can best aid and support them now. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding; your sympathy and hearts and whatnot are in what you do, not just what you say. Since I don’t know the Bourne’s personally, I can only guess that not only have they lost a husband and father, they have also lost the (primary?) breadwinner for the family. I hope we also remember that his family are people in their own right, they are more than the wife and children of an accused man, and they deserve more than to be known only for their relationship with Dr. Bourne. I would contribute to a fund in support of the children, if one were needed and started. As a stranger, this is the only kind of support I can offer. I would hope that personal friends offer compassion, and support, and don’t ask questions. Just be friends. Be true to the man you knew and be true to the woman and children who are still part of this world.
If he was guilty perhaps society & the courts could have looked at other ways to see justice was done for both the moral and punitive issues instead of jail. In lieu of jail time at a cost to tax payers, put a tracking chip in him and assign convicted doctors to charitable medical procedures for a period of time. Such a waste of talent yet sad for all involved.
I’m sure Dr. Bourne was a great doctor. That does not mean he may not have been responsible for awful crimes against a 13 year old girl. Those who think he was not capable of doing this because he was a great doctor or a good friend are in denial (many in our messed up world are capable of commiting such heinous acts and have hidden lives). Either way, we will never know what happened. I hope his two kids and the young girl will somehow survive this tragedy – they need our love & prayers.
WHAT HEINOUS ACTS???? You don’t know what happened! You are just making up an imaginary world as you find need for some awful purpose.
I did not say he was guilty; I said many people have hidden lives and many people in our messed up world do commit such crimes against children. As I said, we will never know what happened. Our thoughts moving forward should be on the families and especially the children.
This whole thing is a tragedy for everyone involved, and their families. Let’s hope that they get compassion, and help to cope with everything that has happened.
This man was not a monster. Hold your judgment. He was a good man and none of us know the whole story. If it is true, he made a bad decision. Or got to far in to something that he shouldn’t have. If it is not, than shame on all of those that judged. Either way it is a tragic loss and a deep scarring sadness for his family and friends, as well as the alleged victim.
How could you even say something like that. What a horrible statement to even utter. You should believe nothing of the sort. Joe Walker is a strong man and will make it through this to move on with his family and friends.
Just a note from an observer in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara DA and staff have had some very questionable dealings of late and lets all hope they didn’t botch up their facts about the doctor and what he did. My gut is that the DA bungled this up big time and possibly destroyed a man’s reputation and life. Stay tuned as the real story filters out over time…
Carol – Like so many others, including the DA probably in asking for a million bail, you assume that doctors are wealthy. That is not particularly always the case- I know the Bourne family who WERE comfortable, but not “enough in the plate to forego the bail”
I believe Carol meant that they have enough on their plates at the moment, and hopefully they do not lose whatever monies were put down for bail. the least of the worries I am sure.
What a tragic ending to a very tragic story. While he did not go to trial, he was tried by each of us that rendered an opinion of the story as it unfolded in the media (including myself). I know that he created the events that happened but I can’t help but think how horrible it must have been the last few days of his life. Now his family, the innocents are having to pick up the pieces. My heart truly goes out to them. This is very, very sad indeed.
@ amazed in bishop: “I can’t help but think how horrible it must have been the last few days of his life.”
Any number of people saw Dr. Bourne Nordic skiing up at Tamarack on Sunday…it was a beautiful day….he was skiing and smiling…enjoying a sport at he loved…..
…in retrospect perhaps he was saying good-bye….
So very sad for all those left behind that will be forever impacted by the ultimate selfish act of taking one’s own life…..try explaining it to a child, let alone an adult!
…even if Dr. Bourne went jail, or if he was found not guilty, he could have continued to helped people with his caring and compassion and medical skills….
….the world is a lesser place b/c he is gone….
…our prayers and comfort to the victim and Dr. Bourne’s family and friends….
Note to Mr. Walker — you have much to live for, you have much to contribute to this world and your children….if you made this horrible mistake please ask for forgiveness and do your time and look to a better future….if you are wrongly accused, hang in there and work the legal system….this will all eventually pass by…there is so much of life yet to live, there are many people that need you!….the lessons learned will help you help others in the future!
….yes, these are the words that Dr. Bourne needed to hear too….but it’s too late and who among us thought that he would have taken his life….certainly not me…..
Regardless of what he was accused of….regardless of everyone’s judgements….can we focus on the fact that there is a loss and there are a couple children who no longer have a living father….prayers go out to them.
Such a tragic loss to the community, friends and most of all – family. Until all the facts are known, this remains just that – a tragic loss.
Who knows what was going through his mind during his last few hours, and who are we to judge?
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”.
Amen
My heart goes out to his family
what happens with Bourne’s bail in a case like this ?
I imagen the family has enough in the plate to lose the bail ?!
The bondsman gets the 10%, or $7,500 paid by the family or whomever when the case is dropped due to the defendant’s death.
Dr. Bourne’s attorney told Sierra Wave that the family gets the bond back in this case.
BK
Andy saved my brother’s life during his time as a surgeon. He was humble, caring, attentive. We knew him personally in this community and loved him – so many tears have been shed over this loss. I would have still loved and respected him as a doctor and a person even if he had gone to prison – we are not qualified to judge. Every single person has shame in their lives, and this man did not deserve to die for his. He deserved the same grace that he gave his patients. As for that girl – there is no other side to the story available in the news. I’ve even heard that he was trying to help her, which, knowing Andy, I could absolutely believe! This was a huge loss for the community, and I will miss him at the hospital – you have no idea how much patience this man had, or how far out of his way he went to help. Remember those things.
You describe the man I knew. Those that gloat at his death are pathetic…
I couldn’t agree more. Dr. Bourne saved my daughter’s life. He went above and beyond what anyone else could’ve done. We are indebted to this man and feel so terrible for his family. I believe in remdemption and hoped to see him live to redeem himself. I think he had a lot more to give. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathies to his wife, boys, family, friends and colleagues.
I remember Dr. Bourne saved my life twice, within one month apart.I can remember in post op my recovery room, he stood behind me and I told him” thank you!” you saved my life, you’re an angel!! I have only good thoughts about him and feel his giving spirit around me from time to time. I wish he was still here to help those who suffer. It’s sad for his family, and wish them comfort!!!
I just know that Dr. Bourne saved my husband’s life after he was in a terrible bicycle crash last year. Dr. Bourne was caring and his expertise was remarkable. He often shed tears with us when the situation looked hopeless, and again when it became clear when he would survive, and we were overcome with emotion. I am so sorry that it has come to this. I grieve for his family and for the other lives that he might have saved.
Yes amen
Good riddance to a terrible man.
SQLGuy, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” (from the Bible, can’t remember exactly where, but could find it, or I’ll bet someone can help me with that part) Is that you, the one who could cast the first stone?? There was only one man who walked this earth who was perfect. I would hope that you might instead look inward and then pray for those who are effected & hurting during this this continued tragedy. I’m not defending, just saying, neither you nor I is the judge of others. It’s not our job. But to help (and/or pray for) for others in times of need is always a good call.
You did not know him, obviously, nor do you know the details of the situation. There are always multiple sides to every situation. And the only “terrible,” thing here is the loss and pain that is being experienced by the family and friends and the trauma that this young woman is experiencing. You have no place to judge.
I’m sorry for this whole sordid mess, but I owe him this much: from what little I knew of Dr. Bourne as one of his patients, he was anything but terrible to me.
She reported “Tuesday night” and I think it’s Tuesday night?? Very sad, especially for his kids.
When the report first came out, it was written “last night” in reference to Monday evening. It was changed afterwards to reflect Tuesday evening.
Somehow i cant help thinking that in some way this more selfish than what he allegedly did. Sad for the family.
“The tragic story of Dr. Andrew Bourne of Mammoth Lakes and his recent arrest turned an even darker corner last night when the Mono Sheriff’s Department confirmed reports that Dr. Bourne had died.”
This happened today, not last night. And absolutely horrible for his family. They are in my thoughts.
OMG….no matter what was in those e-mails, this is sad…the man has young children. Didn’t even get his day in court
Way to forget about the victim sierragrl.
he had his day in court, he choose the death sentence.
So much for if he was guilty or not…..
Your motto – “Comfort the inflicted and inflict the comfortable” ;You certainly lived up to your motto Trial by media – what happened to “innocent until proven guilty”?. You have inflicted the comfortable, now are you willing to comfort the inflicted (his family)?
Comfort the afflicted/ Afflict the comfortable does not mean don’t tell the truth. We told the best truth we could find in
this terribly unfortunate situation. The motto means that we look to society for those who are suffering and those who are
taking far too much advantage.
Aside from that, our hearts go out to all who have been hurt by what happened regarding Dr. Bourne.
Benett
Sadly, a lot of time, the best truth is bias’d with personal thoughts and agendas .. just saying. It would be nice if we had a better news source that doesn’t bring those in to the news, especially in regard to local issues.