Dr. Ralph Newsome

NEW ORLEANS – Plastic surgeon, Ralph Newsome 45, was stabbed to death Saturday night. According to authorities an arsonist then lit his French Quarter home on fire in an attempt to cover evidence.

Edwin Holmes, a spokesman for the New Orleans Fire Department said firefighters found the body on the second floor after breaking into the  home about 3 a.m.

Investigators found flammable liquid, probably gasoline, that may have been used to start and spread the flames, Holmes said.

Newsome was a prominent plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for healing the disfigured limbs and facial features of trauma victims and skin cancer patients. He was an instructor, at Tulane University’s School of Medicine.

Doctor Douglas Slakey, the chairman of surgery at Tulane Hospital says “I’ve never seen a more committed physician. He dealt with patients with cancer for reconstruction with birth defects. He was so devoted to his patients and improving their quality. He was one of the truly committed. He was back in his home in french quarter immediately after the flood and he worked tirelessly to bring healthcare to New Orleans. I’ve never seen a more committed person who really embodied what we all love about New Orleans. The enthusiasm the love, the commitment.”