US Doctor dies in VI; Body to remain in Territory until 2019
The doctor has been identified as Joseph Hogan, 65, and according to a US Local 10 News report, his son Jason Hogan said he was in the territory to check on his boat—which was damaged during the 2017 hurricanes—when the incident occurred.
Giving an account of what is believed to have occurred the son told Local 10 News, "He took the boat out, and apparently he was headed to another part of the islands. Then a few hours later, someone passing by saw his boat just circling in the water, and they obviously knew something was wrong."
Prolonged grief
According to Local 10 news, "The family said [they are] having difficulty bringing his body back home for a proper burial."
Following news of the death, the family's grief is now being prolonged because of VI laws prohibiting the release of the body without an autopsy. And with no resident mortician in the territory at the moment, the autopsy cannot be done until the New Year.
"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,” the son said.
“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.
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, but all offers received no positive response to date.
Jason said the family has been in contact with the Governor's office, the U.S. Embassy and other officials, but no one has been able to expedite the process.
No Rest
"We can't rest knowing that our father is in a cooler somewhere on an island… he's not even with us," Mr Horgan said.
The son called the situation a ‘nightmare’ and said the family was shocked by his father's sudden death. "I still think my dad is going to come walk through the door, call me or text me later. It's just absolutely horrible," Jason said.
The family is however begging for assistance to have the process expedited before 2019. Joseph Horgan is survived by his wife Tobi Horgan; his children, grandchildren as well as other relatives.
10 Responses to “US Doctor dies in VI; Body to remain in Territory until 2019 ”
Fell of yacht my a**,you’ll wouldn’t investigate... an you’ll feel is a accident!!
Son,hogan has no authority to demand the release of his father's body..
Next case..
My sympathy and condolences to the family.