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. Hogan in happier times with family. Photo: Local 10 News

US family members have since cried out over not being able to retrieve the body of the Doctor due to VI laws prohibiting the release without an autopsy. 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.

US family members have since cried out over not being able to retrieve the body of the Doctor due to VI laws prohibiting the release without an autopsy.

Investigation

According to the statement, “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 have begun for the unfortunate death, in order to conclude said investigation it is necessary to obtain medical records of the deceased from the United States.

“These records have been requested and the Force has been liaising with the family of Dr Horgan hoping to receive these urgently. These historical records are vital to the investigation process into determining the circumstances of the death of Dr Horgan,” Mr Matthews said.

 “At the immediate conclusion of the investigation, a file, inclusive of the medical records of the deceased which remain outstanding, will be presented to the Coroner’s Office and it will be necessary for an autopsy to take place,” he said.

“The autopsy will only be scheduled upon the completion of the investigations, per standard protocols. This investigative process, which also includes the collection of statements of witnesses, assists the pathologist in determining the cause of death and opine on the manner of death if necessary.”

Family members had cried out to US media, Local 10 News, that a pending autopsy was the cause of the hold up in retrieving the body.

The family claimed to have made several offers including paying for the mortician’s tickets so they can have the body at an early date, since according to them, the medical examiner was on vacation .

 "As if my father's death wasn't enough and tragic, we assumed that they would do the autopsy and his body would be returned to us in a few days,” son Jason Horgan said.

More Procedure

 “We learned that because of certain British Virgin Island laws and because of the holidays, as of right now, it stands that nothing will be done with him until January 3rd when the medical examiner is back from vacation," his son told the news outlet.

RVIPF says further, more legal and official procedures are required before the body of Dr Horgan’s is released to the family.

“We recognize this is an extremely distressing time for the family and we will continue to work diligently to have this matter concluded at the earliest and keep the family of Dr Horgan informed throughout,” Mr Matthews said.

The force extended deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr Horgan over his death.