Nicholas Pagano Found Dead After He Allegedly Set Colleague On Fire At Hackensack University Medical Center, Sources Say

HACKENSACK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Nicholas Pagano, the man suspected of setting a colleague on fire Monday at Hackensack University Medical Center, has been found dead, sources tell CBS2.

Sources say his body was discovered Tuesday morning in Winslow Township.

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Authorities said the 31-year-old traveling nurse confronted a patient care technician around 5:15 a.m. Monday in the hospital break room. He allegedly hit her with a wrench and set her on fire.

The 54-year-old victim suffered third-degree burns on her upper body and hands and needed stitches on her head.

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Pagano had been working as a contractor at the hospital since November – a not-uncommon way to help fill staff shortages.

According to the hospital, he cleared a full audit, including state and county background checks conducted through a third party.

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The victim is currently being treated at another hospital.