Ashley Madison Hack Lead To Bergen Garage Fire: Report

A well-known North Jersey educator and Wyckoff resident set his garage on fire and allegedly slit his wrists after knowledge that he allegedly used the infidelity website Ashley Madison became known Aug. 20, the New York Post reported.

David Browne, 55, was superintendent of the Randolph Public School District until he took a medical leave of absence and was replaced by an acting superintendent Sept. 8.

Browne’s alleged use of Ashley Madison was exposed Aug. 20 when his and 32 million other users’ data was published online. Browne allegedly used a “work-issued device” to access the site, according to the Post’s report.

Rescuers responded to his circa-1737 home the afternoon of Oct. 13 when the house’s detached garage was engulfed in flames, police said. Browne was lying outside the garage with burns, police said.

Related: School Superintendent Burned In Wyckoff House Fire Charged With Arson

Bergen County prosecutor John Molinelli said Browne used an accelerant to start the blaze. Browne was charged with arson Nov. 4.

Browne was placed on paid administrative leave hours after the blaze occurred. He resigned Oct. 27.

Related: Wyckoff Man Hurt In House Fire Resigns From Superintendent Post

Browne, allegedly told his wife, Monica, and Randolph education officials about the Ashley Madison use and also allegedly “superficially slit his wrists” before starting the fire, the Post reported.

Monica Browne filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences,” Nov. 23 and is seeking custody of the couple’s 10- and 12-year-old children, according to the Post.