Renowned radiologist dies after car crashes into Connecticut River

The body of a renowned radiologist was recovered from the Connecticut River in Stamford over the weekend.

According to police reports, bystanders called authorities about a submerged vehicle in the river early Saturday, Oct. 11. That vehicle belonged to Gautam R. Mirchandani, MD, 51, who lived in Stamford, Connecticut. 

Middletown police and fire responded to the incident just after 7:30 a.m., with Mirchandani's vehicle reportedly driving into the river, just off of the point where it connects with Harbor Drive. The radiologist had struggled with multiple sclerosis in recent years, which "one by one" took away his ability to play tennis, the piano, run and paint, according to an obituary. 

“He loved traveling, hiking, skiing, art museums, the opera—all of which multiple sclerosis also took—dogs, his alma mater Yale, and especially the music of Beethoven,” the obituary said. “The last decades of his life were an example of quiet courage, determination, and strength in the face of adversity.”

Mirchandani was described as a kind, generous, funny and incredibly intelligent man who took joy in caring for others. He held a lengthy list of academic achievements, acquiring his bachelor's in biology from Yale University in 1994 and his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2000. These accomplishments were followed by an internal medicine residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital in 2001, a residency in radiology at Norwalk Hospital-Yale School of Medicine in 2005, and a fellowship in Neuroradiology at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in 2006.

During his tenure as a radiologist, Mirchandani served as a program director, provider and professor at numerous respected organizations. He also participated in multiple research projects, served on numerous committees and was honored with several awards for his work. 

He was well respected by his colleagues and beloved among his community. He is survived by his parents, sister and niece, whom he is said to have adored. The family has requested that anyone seeking to make a donation do so in his name to Yale, where it is presumed a scholarship fund will be established.