Nicholas Manning, CEO of HCA Healthcare’s West Valley Medical Center, was found dead at a Baltimore hotel on June 6
While police responded to a possible overdose, the family does not believe it was an accident
“I can confirm that this remains an active death investigation while investigators await the autopsy results to determine the cause of death,” authorities said
The CEO of a medical center in Idaho was found dead in his hotel room, authorities said.
On the afternoon of June 6, police officers responded to a reported potential overdose at the 700 block of Aliceanna Street, Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, and found 46-year-old Nicholas Manning dead at the scene, police said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
“No signs of trauma were observed on the victim’s body,” Baltimore Police continued. “The victim’s remains were transported to the Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.”
An investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson for the Maryland Medical Examiner’s Office tells PEOPLE that the cause and manner of death are still pending and could take 60 to 90 days.
Manning was the CEO of HCA Healthcare’s West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell, Idaho, the company confirms to PEOPLE. In a statement, the medical center described Manning as a “dedicated and mission-driven leader who loved connecting people to our shared purpose” with 17 years of experience as a healthcare leader.
“Throughout his entire career journey, Nick was a thoughtful and inspirational leader, and he will be deeply missed by all whose lives and careers he touched,” the organization continued. “As we grieve this tremendous loss, we are committed to honoring Nick’s legacy by continuing the work he was so passionate about at our hospital and in the community.”
West Valley Medical Center offered the executive’s family and colleagues “our deepest sympathies.” “We will miss him dearly,” the company concluded, “and we will carry his legacy forward with purpose and care.”
The executive was traveling for business when he died, according to NBC affiliate WBAL. The family told the outlet that they do not agree with the initial police report. They believe that Manning’s death was not accidental and are pushing for a homicide investigation, the outlet reported.
“We possess direct and credible evidence that confirms Nicholas Manning was the victim of fraud and homicide,” the family said in a statement to WBAL. “Nicholas was a respected health care executive, a brilliant mind and a cherished member of our family. He deserves dignity, transparency, and above all, justice.”
When asked about the family’s claims, a spokesperson for the Baltimore Police Department reconfirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
“I can confirm that this remains an active death investigation while investigators await the autopsy results to determine the cause of death,” the spokesperson said.
Manning first joined West Valley Medical Center in November 2024, according to a press release from the company at that time. He previously served as chief operating officer at the medical center’s sister facility, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
For 13 years, he was a “leader” at HCA Healthcare’s Mountain Division before becoming CEO, the company said. He also had “deep roots in Idaho,” and received an MBA from the University of Scranton.
