Autopsy Reveals AMA Pilot Was Shot with Gun Muzzle Pressed to Face

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 from gunshot wounds inflicted at extremely close range.

“The examination results show that the victim suffered an entry gunshot wound in 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,” said Sebastian on Saturday, 4 July 2026.

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 trauma, 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 performing a full 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, leading to the victim’s sudden death,” he stated.

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.