BJD family post-mortems conclude today

The post-mortems on the bodies of the Ballyjamesduff family-of-five, who died as a result of an apparent murder-suicide, are expected to be concluded later today.

The bodies of Alan Hawe, wife Clodagh (nee Coll), and their three children Liam (13), Niall (11) and Ryan (6) were found dead at their rural family home near Ballyjamesduff on Monday morning last, August 29.

State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis, who attended the Hawe home at Oakdene, Barconey to assist with preliminary investigations, carried out post mortems on three of the bodies at the moturary in Drogheda yesterday (Tuesday).

The final two post mortems are scheduled to take place later today, Wednesday, August 31.

Locals are still struggling to come to terms with the enormity of the tragedy, discovered by gardai after they were alerted when a relative found a note pinned to the back door of the family home.

The house remains sealed-off for technical examinations which are expected to take several days to complete, however Gardai have subscribed significant resources to the investigation and matters are been expiated as much as possible.

Meanwhile, psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been assigned to the primary schools to support and advise teachers in their efforts to assist students and staff in dealing with this tragic event.

The schools, it has been said, will also be open to parents to support them and offer them advice and guidance following the tragic deaths of the Hawe family.

Gardai have said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths, with Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll telling a press-briefing at Ballyjamesduff Garda Station: “We believe all the answers are within that house.”

He added that the “most likely scenario” emerging even at this early stage is one involving a possible murder-suicide.

Asst Comm O’Driscoll stated too there was no evidence of a firearm being used, but that “a number of objects found in the house” including that a knife was used to stab several of the victims, remain the subject of an ongoing detailed technical examination. “Until that examination in complete we are not in a position to say the precise cause of death,” he added. “Over the coming days more information will be revealed,” he said.

A representative of the East Cavan Eagles Basketball Club, of which Liam and Niall were members, and dad Alan was also heavily involved extended their sympathies to all the extended Hawe family and communities in the Castlerahan and Ballyjamesduff areas.

“The Hawe family played a very active and positive role within our club. Two of the boys Liam and Niall played on teams in the club. They were always a joy to work with and will be sadly missed by coaches and fellow team members alike.”

 

 

The HSE wishes to extend its sympathy to the families, friends and the wider community following the tragic loss of the Hawe family.  The HSE is liaising with the National Educational Psychology Services (NEPS) and is linking with local community and other statutory services to provide information and support at this time.

Counselling support can be accessed from the following organisations:
The Samaritans 116 123
Pieta House 1800 247 247
ISPCC Childline 1800 666 666