Did the Miami Beach doctor die from reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Questions remain about the death of a 56-year-old Miami Beach doctor who died on Sunday, just over two weeks after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Gregory Michael, MD, whose website states that he had private practice in obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, received the vaccine on Dec. 18 at the hospital where he was attached.

However, it is not clear whether the death of the 56-year-old doctor is related to the shot, but an investigation is underway.

A Facebook post from Michael’s wife described him as “very healthy.” His website said he was an avid tournament and big game fisherman and also a certified rescue diver.

His wife said that three days after he received the injection, Michael noticed serious broken blood vessels on his feet and hands, forcing him to go to the emergency room.

There he was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia, which prevents blood clotting. After two weeks of treatment, she writes on the Facebook post, Michael had a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by the lack of platelets, that took his life within minutes, she said.

She said her husband was in favor of the vaccine.

A spokesman for Mount Sinai, citing patient privacy restrictions, said in a statement:

“To the extent that we are aware of an incident involving a patient, the appropriate authorities will be immediately contacted and fully cooperated.”

The Florida’s Department of Health confirmed that it referred the matter to the Centers for Disease Control for investigation. A CDC spokesperson told Local 10 News that “they will review the situation as more information becomes available and provide timely updates on what is known and any necessary action.”

Vaccine manufacturer Pfizer-BioNTech responded in a statement, saying they were aware of the death of a healthcare provider 16 days after receiving a first dose. “We are actively investigating this matter, but do not currently believe there is a direct link to the vaccine. No related safety signals have been identified in studies or vaccinations to date. “

The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s office said Michael’s cause of death has not been determined as of now, and said the results could take several weeks.

The CDC, tasked with assessing vaccine safety, stated their thoughts are with the family. They added that, “To date, more than 5 million people have received COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States.”

Dr. Michael’s family has requested privacy at this point.