Larry Nassar is a name that has become synonymous with one of the most devastating and far-reaching sexual abuse scandals in sports history. Once known as a respected physician working with elite gymnasts, Nassar was exposed for having abused hundreds of young women and girls under the pretense of medical treatment. His crimes shocked the world, prompted institutional reforms, and empowered survivors to come forward in an unprecedented way.
In the years since his trial and conviction, many continue to ask: Is Larry Nassar still alive? As of 2025, yes—Larry Nassar is alive and remains incarcerated in a high-security federal prison.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Larry Nassar’s current status, his prison life, the timeline of his criminal proceedings, and the broader impact of his actions on society and institutions.
Who Is Larry Nassar?
Larry Nassar was a longtime physician with USA Gymnastics and a faculty member at Michigan State University. For decades, he was regarded as a trusted medical professional and was often credited with aiding the success of many Olympic-level gymnasts. Behind the scenes, however, he was exploiting his position to sexually abuse hundreds of athletes.
Under the guise of legitimate treatment, Nassar preyed on vulnerable young women—many of them minors—using manipulative tactics and taking advantage of the trust placed in him by athletes, parents, coaches, and institutions. His actions were hidden for years, partly due to systemic failures and a culture of silence surrounding abuse in competitive sports.
Timeline of Convictions and Sentencing
Larry Nassar’s crimes came to light publicly in 2016, after former gymnast Rachael Denhollander courageously shared her story with law enforcement and the press. Her testimony inspired a wave of survivors to speak out, eventually leading to a national reckoning.
Federal Charges and Sentence
In 2017, Nassar pleaded guilty to federal charges of possession of child pornography. In December that year, he was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison. Investigators found more than 37,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse on his electronic devices. This sentence alone ensured that he would likely never be released.
State Charges and Sentence
In 2018, Nassar faced two separate sentencing hearings in Michigan for criminal sexual conduct involving hundreds of women and girls. The testimonies of over 150 survivors were heard during the proceedings. In January 2018, he received a sentence of 40 to 175 years in state prison. A second Michigan court added an additional 40 to 125 years for further charges.
These sentences run consecutively, which means he is effectively serving multiple life sentences.
Incarceration: Where Is Larry Nassar Now?
Following his conviction, Larry Nassar was first incarcerated at a federal facility in Tucson, Arizona. Due to the nature of his crimes—particularly those involving children—he became a target for violence among other inmates. Shortly after his arrival, he was physically assaulted and later transferred to another facility for his protection.
In 2023, Nassar was stabbed multiple times by another inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Coleman, Florida. Reports indicate that the incident occurred after Nassar made inappropriate comments while watching a women’s tennis match on TV. He survived the attack but required hospitalization and surgery.
Following the incident, he was relocated again for safety and is currently incarcerated at USP Lewisburg, a high-security federal prison in Pennsylvania. There, he remains under heightened security measures due to the risk of repeated assault.
What Is Life Like for Nassar in Prison?
Life in prison for Larry Nassar is reportedly harsh, though reflective of the gravity of his crimes. He is held in a high-security environment where inmates convicted of crimes against children are often isolated or targeted. His notoriety makes it nearly impossible to blend in, and prison officials have placed him in units designed to manage at-risk or high-profile offenders.
His time is reportedly spent under strict supervision with limited interaction. Access to programs, recreation, and visitation is restricted compared to the general population. These limitations are intended to protect him from harm, though they also isolate him significantly from the outside world.
Given his health status, age, and the nature of his crimes, it is expected that he will spend the remainder of his life in custody without parole.
Broader Impact: Institutional Failure and Reforms
The Larry Nassar case exposed glaring failures in several powerful institutions. Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee all came under fire for ignoring or mishandling reports of abuse.
Financial Settlements
- Michigan State University reached a $500 million settlement with over 300 survivors.
- USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee agreed to pay $380 million in another landmark settlement.
- In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice agreed to pay $138.7 million to more than 100 survivors who had accused the FBI of mishandling early complaints made in 2015 and 2016.
These settlements acknowledge institutional accountability but cannot fully compensate for the trauma endured by survivors.
Voices of Survivors and Advocacy
One of the most powerful aspects of the Nassar case has been the collective strength of survivors. Athletes like Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, and Jordyn Wieber used their platforms to demand justice and accountability. Their advocacy helped change laws, improve reporting procedures, and hold institutions accountable for neglecting athlete safety.
Organizations have since restructured their leadership, implemented independent oversight committees, and committed to greater transparency. Survivor advocacy has played a key role in reshaping how abuse is addressed and prevented in athletic organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Larry Nassar still alive in 2025?
Yes, Larry Nassar is alive and serving his sentence at a federal prison in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
What is his release date?
His earliest possible federal release date is in 2068, when he would be 104 years old, making actual release extremely unlikely.
Has Nassar been assaulted in prison?
Yes. He was assaulted shortly after his initial incarceration and was stabbed multiple times in 2023 in a separate incident.
Why did he receive multiple sentences?
Nassar was convicted in separate jurisdictions—federal and state—for child pornography and multiple counts of sexual abuse. These sentences run consecutively.
How many survivors have come forward?
Over 300 women and girls have publicly identified themselves as survivors of his abuse, though the full number may be higher.
Has justice been served?
While legal justice has been delivered through sentencing and settlements, many survivors emphasize that healing is ongoing and institutional reform is still necessary.
Conclusion
As of 2025, Larry Nassar remains alive and incarcerated, serving multiple sentences that ensure he will never again have access to victims. His crimes changed the landscape of athlete protection forever, sparking one of the largest abuse investigations in sports history.
While Nassar’s physical freedom has been taken, the emotional and societal scars of his actions remain. Survivors continue to speak out, institutions are being held accountable, and reforms are ongoing. The pursuit of justice, safety, and respect for athletes remains an enduring cause in the wake of one of the darkest chapters in modern sports history.