Autopsy shows cystic fibrosis killed jailed comedian

The comedian Kenneth Keith Kallenbach died of complications from cystic fibrosis, according to an autopsy report released yesterday by the Delaware County medical examiner.

Kallenbach, 39, was best known as a member of the "Wack Pack" on Howard Stern's radio show. He suffered from the inherited disease and died April 24 at Riddle Memorial Hospital after being transferred from the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thornbury, where he had been held since mid-March.

After an autopsy in April, the medical examiner said further investigation was needed to determine the cause of death. Yesterday's report indicated the manner of death to be "natural," brought on by cystic fibrosis with pneumonia and sepsis.

Kallenbach's family has alleged that he did not receive the proper medical treatment for his condition while in the county prison and that his health deteriorated dramatically.

Kallenbach was arrested on a charge of attempted child abduction. He denied any wrongdoing.

A call to his mother, Fay Kallenbach, yesterday was not returned.

The family's attorney, Harold I. Goodman of Philadelphia, said that the report confirmed what family members suspected as the cause of death and that they are reviewing all records before deciding whether to proceed with litigation.

"Reading this report along with prison records certainly suggests he did not get the degree of care and treatment" needed, said Goodman. He said the prison was aware of Kallenbach's condition and "wasn't properly treating him for it."

Kallenbach called home a week before his death asking his mother to intervene and saying he didn't think he would "make it" in jail.

A message left for John C. Reilly Jr., acting superintendent at the prison, was not returned.

Since 2005, at least eight people have died at the Delaware County facility, the state's only privately run jail. Several of those deaths resulted in lawsuits by family members who said the facility did not provide adequate medical care or proper supervision for inmates.

GEO Group, which runs the jail, operates prisons around the country. Its operations in Texas have been criticized over poor conditions and the treatment of some of its prisoners.