Death of prominent O.C. surgeon still a mystery

The director of a UC Irvine medical facility died of drowning after blunt-force trauma to her head, but the circumstances of her death remain unknown, according to a county coroner's report.

Dr. Marianne Cinat, 45, was found dead in the pool of her Rossmoor home in June.

Cinat was a prominent Orange County surgeon and served as medical director for the UCI Regional Burn Center in Orange until her death.

The coroner's report says there were abrasions to Cinat's forehead and nose, and hemorrhaging at the front and crown of her head, the Daily Pilot reported. Her lungs were filled with fluid

Whether her death was an accident, suicide or homicide was not determined by the coroner's investigation, which was closed Sept. 27.

Cinat, a native of Michigan, was described by friends and family as meticulously attentive with her patients.

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-- Lauren Williams, Times Community News

Photo: Dr. Marianne Cinat. Credit: Times Community News