BREAKING: Acclaimed Columbia University Professor Found Dead in His Chelsea Apartment

CHELSEA, NY — An acclaimed Columbia University professor was found dead in his Chelsea apartment Wednesday afternoon, police told Patch. Donald McVinney, 66, who was named Professor of the Year in 1999, worked at Columbia’s School of Social Work and taught students about addiction.

McVinney was found by a 67-year-old male friend who went to check on him Tuesday afternoon. The friend found McVinney dead, sitting upright on his couch in his apartment on West 23rd St., police said.

A medical examiner will determine the cause of McVinney's death, police told Patch.

The Post reported that McVinney used to have substance abuse problems, and empty wine bottles were found strewn around the apartment where he lived alone.

“This has totally floored me,” his brother, Barry McVinney, told The Post. “He hadn’t been a drinker or drug user, as far as I know, for decades.”

According to Columbia's website, McVinney was involved with direct practice and social work practice in alcoholism and other chemical dependency studies.

McVinney had extensive experience in his field, and was awarded multiple times for the quality of his teaching and research.

McVinney was named Alcoholism Counselor of the Year in 1992 by the Academy of Alcohol Studies of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Service. In 1999 McVinney was named Outstanding Professor of the Year at Columbia University School of Social Work.

McVinney was especially knowledgeable in areas of chemical dependency, HIV/AIDS and gay and lesbian health. He was also the National Director of Education and Training at the Harm Reduction Coalition in New York City and worked at Harlem United.

McVinney published a book called "Chemical Dependency Treatment: Innovative Group Approaches" in 1997.

Patch reached out to Columbia University and we're waiting for a response.

Patch file photo