We investigated the death of Dan Markingson, who was enrolled in a drug industry sponsored clinical trial at the University of Minnesota. Markingson, who was mentally ill, was given a choice to enter the drug trial or be committed to a state hospital. His treating doctor, who was also the chief investigator of the drug study, received part of his salary from the drug maker. Markingson’s mother repeatedly complained that his condition was getting worse while on the study drug and that he was becoming a threat to himself and others. Her pleas were ignored by the doctors. 2 weeks later, Dan Markingson died after taking a box cutter and nearly decapitating himself. We uncovered evidence of other potential abuse in another UM drug trial.
