According to his wife, Debbie, Dr. Gary Ridenour passed away today, “suddenly at home.”
In 2013 he wrote a book called, Pandemic, in which he examined the effects of the avian flu. He regularly appeared on talk radio shows, discussing the issue of worldwide pandemics. Early in his career he served as the doctor for wrestler Andre the Giant, and always had a photo of them in his doctor office.
Ridenour had been arrested in June of 2020 on charges of open and gross lewdness, battery, and preventing or dissuading a witness from testifying. He had been released on his own recognizance and was not in custody.
Federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents searched the home and office of Ridenour in February of 2019, serving search warrants as part of Operation Hypocritical Oath, a sweeping investigation covering California, Nevada, and Hawaii regarding opioid abuse and the over-prescription of prescription drugs.
In August of 2019 Ridenour was indicted on a litany of charges alleging conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, a felon in possession of a firearm, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and aiding and abetting.
In July of 2013, Dr. Ridenour was found guilty in District Court of weapons charges and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. In June of 1994, his medical license was revoked by the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners.
However, under a stay, he was placed on probation for five years and ordered to complete a prescribing course, complete a six-month course in medical ethics, perform 40 hours of drug abuse public service, not prescribe Schedule I, II, and III drugs, and submit to the Board a monthly log of all Schedule IV and V controlled substances he prescribes. He was also ordered to submit to random samplings of body fluids collected by the Board, reimburse the Board the costs of the investigation and prosecution, pay a $1,000 fine, and receive a public written reprimand.
Over the years, Ridenour had built a loyal following of patients who defended him and the care he provided. Several of his patients have expressed their gratitude, crediting him with saving their life and providing dedicated old-fashioned care, occasionally even making house calls.
His wife Debbie said today that she is grateful to everyone who has expressed concerns, and the family asks that their privacy is respected at this time.
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