Autopsy: AMA Pilot Shot at Extremely Close Range

The Head of the Papua Regional Police Bhayangkara Hospital, Commissioner Pol. dr. Sebastian Romi, stated that forensic examination results confirm that AMA airline pilot, Nicholas Gosselin, died due to a gunshot wound fired from very close range.

“The examination results show that the victim suffered an entry gunshot wound on the left cheek consistent with the characteristics of a contact gunshot wound, meaning the muzzle of the weapon was perpendicular to and pressed against the skin surface,” Sebastian said in Jayapura on Saturday.

He explained that the bullet’s trajectory entered through the left cheek and exited near the right ear, resulting in severe damage to the facial bones and the base of the skull.

In addition to the gunshot wound, the forensic team also discovered several injuries caused by blunt force impact, including open wounds on the head, forehead, and right ear, as well as fractures to the upper and lower jaws.

To confirm the cause of death, the medical team performed radiological examinations (X-rays) which revealed fractures at the base of the skull.

According to Sebastian, the examination was conducted through external inspection supported by radiological imaging without an internal autopsy.

“From these results, it was determined that the bullet’s entry and exit trajectory caused severe damage to the base of the skull, causing the victim to die very rapidly (sudden death),” he said.

Following the forensic examination, the body of Nicholas Gosselin was handed over to the AMA airline authorities early Saturday morning to be flown to Jakarta before being repatriated to the United States for burial.