This article is from page 2 of the 2014-02-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
AN open verdict has been returned at the inquest of young Ennis man whose body was discovered following an extensive search in the town last summer.
Seamus Higgins went missing from his foster home in Dun Na hÍnse, Ennis on Saturday, August 10, 2013. He was last seen jumping a wall at the rear of the estate.
His disappearance sparked a major search operation involving family, friends, civil defence, local diving groups and gardaí.
His body was discovered five days later by search divers in the Claureen River. At Clare Coroner’s Court yes- terday, Dr Elizabeth Mulcahy stated the post mortem report concluded that the cause of death was asphyxia secondary to drowning.
Foster brother Jordan Whelan was one of the last people to see Seamus alive. He described Seamus as an artist and someone who loved to fix things with his hands.
Victor Moloney, a member of Clare Marine Search and Rescue, told the inquest he found Seamus’ body submerged in nine feet of water in a river at the rear of an astro-turf pitch in Cloughleigh.
In her deposition to the inquest, foster mother Tina Whelan said Seamus had returned to Ennis for a holiday. He was living with his father Danny in Southampton.
The inquest heard Seamus had been diagnosed with a stress disorder, psychosis and depression and had previously attempted suicide.
“In my opinion Seamus’ mental health was deteriorating”, she added.
Ms Whelan said that on the morning he went missing, Seamus was in good form, having spent time with his brothers and best friend Thomas Molloy.
“He was very much loved and is missed very much by everybody” Ms Whelan told the inquest.
Blood and urine analysis revealed trace or very small levels of alcohol and anti-depressant drugs, the inquest heard. County Cororner Isobel O’Dea said the appropriate verdict was an open verdict.
Ms O’Dea explained no note had been left by the deceased.
“No absolute intention has been displayed to me that he intended to take his life”, she added.
Ms O’Dea extended her sympathies to Seamus’ family and friends.
Insp John O’Sullivan extended his sympathies on behalf of the gardaí.
The deceased’s father Danny Higgins said his son, a former student, had every intention of returning to Southampton.
“I had a bad feeling immediately,” said Mr Higgins of the moment he received a call from Tina Whelan to say Seamus was missing.