Hospitals to Be Fined in Death of Playwright

Two hospitals where “Rent” playwright Jonathan Larson was treated before his death will be fined for misdiagnosing his severe chest pains, the state Health Department said Thursday.

Larson, 35, was found dead in his apartment Jan. 25 just as “Rent,” a 1990s version of “La Boheme,” was about to open off-Broadway. The hit show later moved to Broadway and won four Tony awards.

Larson died of a dissecting aortic aneurysm, a tear in the inner lining of the aorta, the department said. Cabrini Medical Center will be fined $10,000 and St. Vincent’s Hospital will be fined $6,000.

One diagnosed him with food poisoning, the other with a viral syndrome. They sent him home.