Coroner: Silver Lake 'Walking Man' death ruled suicide

A Los Angeles County Coroner official confirmed today the Silver Lake physician known as the "Walking Man,'' who was found dead in his hot tub, committed suicide by drowning himself.

Marc R. Abrams' wife found the 58-year-old emergency room doctor in their hot tub with the lid pulled over it, according to Lt. Fred Corral of the coroner's office.

"He had a history of depression and suicide attempts,'' Corral said. "He was recently released from a 72-hour hold.''

Firefighters were called at 5:52 p.m. Wednesday to 2452 Moreno Drive, but they were unable to resuscitate Abrams, said Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

From the outset, the coroner's office was reporting the case as a possible suicide.

Abrams was well-known for his daily walks through Silver Lake, Los Feliz and Echo Park since the 1980s. He was known to some residents as "The Walking Man,'' "Silver Lake Walkin' Guy,'' "The Reader Walker'' and "Dr. Jogger.''

A mural of Abrams walking is still visible at Local, a Silver Lake restaurant at 2943 W. Sunset Blvd.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Abrams was being investigated by undercover officers who posed as patients to obtain powerful prescription drugs based on notes signed with names including "Dr. Kevorkian,'' "Dr. Pepper'' and "Dr. Dre.''

Michael A. Zuk, a lawyer representing Abrams, told The Times Abrams was "a fine physician with an impeccable record' who had done nothing wrong.

Abrams "was a very popular figure -- not some sleazy, shady doctor who was giving away scrips on the corner,'' Zuk told The Times. "He was a beloved figure in the community.''