The former pastor of a Catholic parish in Struthers who was placed on leave amid allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor has died from an apparent suicide, according to a statement from the Diocese of Youngstown.

A media release reports that the Rev. Marian Babjak died on Monday in the Houston, Texas area where he had been seeking therapeutic assistance at a treatment center.

At the time of Father Babjak’s death, the Youngstown Diocese was preparing to announce a second allegation of inappropriate physical contact against him, according to the statement.

Babjak had been on administrative leave since November 2021, when the first allegation was reported to the diocese and reported to public authorities in Ohio and the Diocesan Review Board,

The first allegation involved a minor who is now an adult. After an independent third-party investigation, the Diocesan Review Board found that the allegation in question did not constitute sexual abuse, but that a violation of the diocese’s Standards of Ministerial Behavior had occurred.

The Review Board recommended that Father Babjak engage in a period of evaluation, after which the diocese might consider him for possible future active ministry.

Father Babjak resigned as pastor of Christ Our Savior Parish, where he had served since August 2020. Babjak previously served as associate pastor at St. Charles Borromeo in Boardman after being ordained in 1995.

He remained on administrative leave during his time of evaluation.

The Diocese says that last Wednesday it received, through its Victims Assistance Coordinator, a second allegation of inappropriate physical contact with a minor who is now an adult.

The second allegation was unrelated to the first allegation and came from Slovakia, from the time that Father Babjak had served as a priest before coming to Youngstown.

It involved several alleged incidents.

The Youngstown Diocese statement says it was in the process of drafting and translating communication to the Diocese of Zilina in Slovakia at the time of Father Babjak’s death.

While the alleged incidents occurred outside of the diocese’s jurisdiction and before Father Babjak moved to Youngstown, the statement from the local diocese says it intended to cooperate with the Diocese of Zilina and all civil authorities.

Father Babjak was informed of the allegation on Friday, three days before his death.

“The Diocese of Youngstown is devastated by Father Babjak’s death, and the trauma that will be experienced by all involved,” Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar said in the statement. “I wish to support those who have come forth with allegations. It is important that we as a Church support all victims of abuse and any inappropriate conduct and remain vigilant and transparent.”

Father Babjak’s funeral services will be private.