Acting out of compassion without compromising the laws of the land, the Government & Deputy Governor’s Office, flew in a Pathologist, Dr King from St. Lucia to perform the autopsy on Dr Joseph Horgan, whose body was found at Buck Island, in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Internet Source

Joseph Horgan is survived by his wife Tobi Horgan; his children, grandchildren as well as other relatives. Photo: Local 10 News

According to a statement from the Commissioner of Police (CoP), Michael B. Matthews, the body of Dr Horgan was retrieved from the waters of the Virgin Islands (VI) on December 20, 2018, and after the pronouncement of death, his remains were secured in the Territory’s morgue facilities located in the new Peebles Hospital. Photo: VINO/File

Dr Joseph, a Florida Cardiologist, had died when he allegedly fell from his yacht while vacationing in the VI, however, local laws prohibited his family from retrieving the body from the territory until official procedures and investigations had concluded.

Autopsy executed

Reliable inside sources told our newsroom that the autopsy was executed on December 28, 2018, in the presence of wife, Mrs Tobi Horgan.

Mrs Horgan arrived in the territory a day prior to the autopsy and was able to visit Dr Horgan’s vessel which is still in police custody. One of his sons arrived a day later and they were treated with high-level hospitality via the BVI Tourist Board’s Visitor Intervention Services.

According to information, the slow pace of the investigation was reported by in international media, throwing the territory in a ‘negative light’ and had resulted in Adam Ceserano, Senior Vice President, Florida, Caribbean Cruise Association intervening on behalf of the family.

Family members had cried out over not being able to retrieve the body of the Doctor due to VI laws prohibiting the release without an autopsy.

Investigation was ongoing 

However, according to the statement from Commissioner of Police (CoP), Michael B. Matthews, “As an investigative authority, the Force conducts comprehensive investigations under the judicial requirements of the British Virgin Islands, to ensure the accurate cause of death can be determined.”

The Commissioner of Police noted that while investigations had begun for the unfortunate death, in order to conclude said investigation, it was necessary to obtain medical records of the deceased from the United States.

According to a government source, while a press release on the issue was shared worldwide, the US media was not reporting on the factual side of things, rather, only recognising the plight of the family members.

However, the source confirms that Mrs Horgan is now satisfied with the handling of the matter and recognizes that the law and processes had to be followed. With the autopsy complete, it is anticipated that the body of Dr Hogan can return to the US within a couple of days.