Nurse Who Set Woman On Fire Found Dead In Camden County: Police

HACKENSACK, NJ — The nurse suspected of burning a Hackensack University Medical Center employee and hitting her with a wrench was found dead Tuesday more than 100 miles from the hospital, officials say.

Nicholas Pagano, 31, was found dead Tuesday in Waterford Township, Camden County, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Law enforcement learned around 8 a.m. that he was found dead.

Pagano, of West Deptford, was identified as a suspect in a Monday morning attack in a break room at the Hackensack hospital. He had been working at Hackensack UMC since November as an independent nurse contractor, a position that involves traveling to different hospitals to help during staff shortages.

The victim, a 54-year-old woman, required stitches and had third-degree burns on her face and upper body. She is in stable condition, the prosecutor's office said. Officials have not yet released her identity or a motive for the attack.

The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office had warned residents that Pagano might be in the area.