Republic of Moldova: Referee Gheorghe Moldovan committed suicide at his wife’s home during divorce proceedings

Referee Gheorghe Moldovan, 30, died by suicide on September 28 at his wife’s home in Orhei, while the two were in the process of divorcing. The man used a legally owned firearm, and the incident took place in the presence of his wife and children.

Irina Moldovan said that the referee came to the home with flowers and spoke with the family. Shortly afterward, he took out the firearm and threatened to take his own life. The woman tried to stop him but was unable to prevent the act. Her father then moved the children away from the scene.

Before his death, Gheorghe Moldovan had published several recordings in which he spoke about problems within the family and made accusations against his wife. In one of the messages, he claimed that he had resorted to this act because of the conflicts between them.

The wife’s account is being examined as part of the authorities’ investigation, which is expected to establish the exact circumstances of the tragedy. The case draws renewed attention to the impact of emotional violence and family conflicts on children.