Neighbour helped gardai identify body of Camolin writer following his death

THE DEATH of a writer who died by misadventure and whose remains were not found for a fortnight in Camolin was recalled.

Denis Latimer’s remains were discovered on January 9. His son Dairse said he was contacted by a garda at Gorey Garda Station that evening who informed him that his father was deceased.

He said his last contact with his father had been on December 14.

Dairse Latimer said his father was a binge drinker. He had brought up his drinking problem while visiting him in November after Mr Latimer had suffered a head injury while drinking.

He had tried to contact his father over Christmas, but to no avail.

‘He said he was being looked after by his neighbours Mary and Vincent Jordan. It was not unusual for him not to answer the phone when he was on a drinking binge or when he was recovering.’

In a deposition Mary Jordan said she met Denis and his wife Biddy 12 years previously when they moved to Boley. She met Garda John Cooper on January 9 and identified Mr Latimer’s remains.

Consultant pathologist Dr Christine Shilling said a toxicology report showed that Mr Latimer had 164mgs/100mls of alcohol in his system, describing this as a low level.

She said he was a well nourished man whose biochemistry levels showed toxic levels.

Coroner Dr Sean Nixon said the blood test was important in determining the cause of death.

Dr Nixon said: ‘His biochemistry was deranged,’ adding that a sudden cardiac arrest, possibly preceeded by unconsiousness, led to Mr Latimer’s death aged 71.

He said Mr Latimer’s neighbours assumed he had travelled to England for Chirstmas, as he often travelled to the country.

He said the time of death was difficult to ascertain, adding that it was probably nearer the time when Mr Latimer’s son was last in contact with him.

Dr Nixon recommended a verdict of death by misadventure, saying this arises when someone takes significant risks in life, without the intention of killing themselves.

Inquest jury chairperson Mary Mernagh said the jury concurred with his finding.

Dr Nixon said he has been in touch with Dairse and would inform him about the inquest findings. He offered his sympathies to the Latimer family on their tragic loss.