Dr. Gary C. Schatz, prominent in hepatitis B control, is dead in Zanzibar car crash

The hepatitis control community is mourning the death of Gary C. Schatz, Ph.D. Schatz was killed on August 2, 1999 in a car crash in Zanzibar, where he was promoting hepatitis B vaccination. He was working in a temporary assignment at WHO Geneva. Schatz worked for many years as an epidemiologist and program manager at the CDC Hepatitis Branch in Phoenix, and then in Atlanta. He retired from CDC in 1995 but continued to work in hepatitis B control as a consultant. In 1997, he founded Plexus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to controlling hepatitis B in refugee and immigrant populations. At his death, a statement from CDC said, "His leadership and organizational capabilities were instrumental in the successful implementation of CDC’s strategy to eliminate HBV transmission in the United States."

Schatz was a colorful, vivacious man who had friends all over the world, including the editor of this publication. His love of humor was one of his most unforgettable characteristics. After his retirement from CDC, he moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia, where he founded The Islanders Art Gallery and became an accomplished photographer. He is survived by his mother and father, a brother, a son, a daughter, and three grandchildren. Condolences to the family may be sent to his daughter, Christine Poupard, 1274 East Horseshoe Avenue, Gilbert, AZ, 05296.