Jack's Out

Jack Kevorkian was let out of prison today after 8 years. Here are a few photos from the past when I covered a court case involving Jack and the death of Thomas Hyde for the Novi News back in the early 90’s. Hyde had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis --Lou Gehrig's disease. Two months before meeting Kevorkian Hyde had typed a letter to Jack requesting his help. The disease was progressing fast. Hyde's mind would remain clear to the end, but ALS disease means its victims eventually will probably choke to death on their own saliva because of loss of control of muscles. Hyde already was suffering severe muscle cramps and losing the ability to speak. 34 days after this interview, Hyde became the 17th patient of Jacks. He died in the back of Kevorkian's van using an oxygen mask connected by tube to a tank of carbon monoxide.

He may be odd but I think Jack helped people who wanted to be helped on their own terms. I think you should be able to choose how you die over suffering any day!

Covering Jack was a circus but it got out his message and got the subject of assisted suicide talked about. Jack had a love/hate relationship with the media but would always talk when there were microphones around.

Geoffrey Fieger was Jack’s attorney back then. I always called it the Jack-n-Jeff show because in and outside of court it was like a show. You may not like Geoffrey but if I ever need a high profile attorney it would be him. He was amazing to watch in court as an attorney, actor, manipulator and politician.