Nicholas Rossi, a fugitive serial sex attacker who faked his own death and fled to Scotland, has died in a hospital in the United States at the age of 38. The Utah Department of Corrections confirmed that Rossi had been suffering from “chronic, degenerative conditions” and passed away on Thursday after choosing to remove himself from medical care, according to the BBC.
Arrest in Glasgow After Faking Death
Rossi was arrested in Glasgow in December 2021 while being treated for Covid-19 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Staff recognised his distinctive tattoos from an Interpol “wanted” notice, leading to his capture. He had allegedly faked his own death to evade prosecution in the US, where he faced multiple charges of sexual assault.
Claims of Identity as Arthur Knight
Despite overwhelming evidence, Rossi insisted he was an Irish-born orphan named Arthur Knight who had never been to America. His case attracted global attention due to the bizarre nature of his claims and his attempts to avoid extradition. The legal battle over his identity and extradition continued for years, with Rossi maintaining his false identity in court hearings.
Death in US Hospital
The Utah Department of Corrections spokesperson stated that Rossi died in a local hospital on Thursday after he “chose to remove himself from the care that was being provided”. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, but officials noted his long-standing health issues. Rossi was 38 years old at the time of his death.
