Salmon

Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A man's family has been rocked by his untimely death, after he was found crawling in dirt, and vomiting blood and other substances at his home in Westmoreland, on Monday.

Two dogs that also lived in the yard have also died, leading investigators to collect intestinal samples from the animals for forensic testing.

The dead man has been identified as 48-year-old taxi-operator, Audley 'Clive' Salmon of Sheffield, near Negril in Westmoreland.

Residents and family members said the dogs died sometime after they were seen feasting on Salmon's vomit, leading them to suspect that Salmon's and the dogs' deaths might have resulted from poisoning.

"We cannot confirm reports of suicide. As in a case where someone is found hanging, there was no physical evidence or mark of violence on Salmon's body," stated Detective Inspector Paul Simms, the acting crime officer for Westmoreland.

"No one saw him doing anything suspicious, but items and residue have been removed from his apartment for further investigations."

Frequent fights

Detective Simms said the police were awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine whether Salmon and the dogs had ingested any toxic substance.

"I was so traumatised. I could not believe it. My pressure was out of control and I had to be medicated. I have never had a pressure problem before," said Salmon's younger brother, Byron Pearce.

He confirmed that his brother and his girlfriend had been having frequent fights.

"I know them did separate long time, so I was surprised when mi see she was at his house," Pearce said.

Police, on the other hand, said Salmon had been having domestic problems with his fiancée, and had invited her out to dinner in Savanna-la-Mar on Sunday night.

On their way home, police said he drove on to a dirt track where a fight developed between them.

They reportedly went home and, about 6:00 a.m. Monday, he telephoned his brother and asked him to transport her to Negril.

"When we reach the police station, she come out di car. On my way back, Audley called me and said him was dying," said a teary-eyed Pearce. "Mi hear when the phone drop and by the time mi reach home, him was in the yard foaming froth. I don't know how my mother is going to take this."

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com