BOSTON -- One of the most public faces of the Boston Archdiocese's most infamous sex abuse scandal has died.

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Amalia Barreda Reports On McSorley

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that Patrick McSorley, who was victimized by defrocked priest John Geoghan, was found dead in a friend's apartment in the North End Monday morning.

McSorley's attorney, Mitchell Garabedian, reacted with surprise. He described McSorley as a young man who should be admired for his commitment to ending clergy sexual abuse.

McSorley was a public figure in the battle against the Catholic Church that he said betrayed him and stole his innocence. He was one of Cardinal Bernard Law's most vocal critics. At one point, McSorley refused to shake Law's hand when the two crossed paths at the cardinal's deposition.

"What did he expect? He was negligent and he should have done something about it. He could have prevented it. Now he expects me to shake his hand? I don't think so," McSorley said.

Boston police responded to a call at 111 Atlantic Ave. at about 4:30 a.m., where McSorely's body was found. Police called Garabedian, who called McSorely's family. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

"Don't forget, people who are sexually molested, especially when they are sexually molested by a priest, can't just put it behind them in a finger snap. They have to live with it. Any person who has been sexually molested has to live with it day by day. He was strong, and he was moving forward," Garabedian said.

There were stumbles. In June, McSorley had a brush with death after falling into the Neponset River. One month later, he was arrested on drug charges.

"The whole episode of being sexually abused affected Patrick, as it would any victim," Garabedian said.

"We are all very much aware of how distressing the news of Patrick McSorely's tragic death is for the survivors of clergy abuse and their families. The staff of the archdiocese office of pastoral support and outreach will be available for anyone who needs assistance at this time," the Boston Archdiocese said in a statement.

The office of support can be reached at (866) 244-9603.