DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — One of the doctors who worked to help fight COVID-19 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has died.
Dr. Francisco “Paco” Tomei-Torres passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 74.
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Dr. Tomei-Torres was retired, but previously served as part of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at the Atlanta-based CDC.
He was hospitalized and, while speaking with his nurses on Tuesday morning, suffered a heart attack.
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A CDC spokesperson shared a statement with Channel 2 Action News, saying he was a beloved mentor and friend.
We are saddened to learn about the passing of Paco Tomei-Torres, PhD, a retired health scientist from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Paco mentored many students and young professionals throughout his career, driven by a deep passion to help them achieve academic and career advancement. He was a friend to many who worked with him over the years. He will be missed, and our condolences go out to his loved ones.
— CDC spokesperson
Dr. Tomei-Torres held a bachelor’s degree in biology from the former College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts of Mayagüez. He also earned a master’s degree in interdisciplinary science from MIT and a doctorate in environmental engineering from Harvard University.
He leaves behind a wife and two sons.
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